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Martha
A sixties-inspired mystery novel by Emma Smith, perfect for fans of Holly Jackson and Cat Clarke.
The year is 1968, and change is on the horizon...
When Ellie was three years old, her two older sisters were kidnapped. She's been used to living in their shadow, over-protected by her paranoid parents... but now that she's seventeen, she wants some of her freedom back. That's the plan, anyway.
Until her older sister Martha reappears, fourteen years after she was last seen. Where has she been all this time? Who took her? How did she manage to escape? No one seems to be asking the most important questions... they're just so glad that she's back, safe.
And Ellie is the only person who wants to know why.
A young adult mystery tackling the pains of growing up, set deep in a crime scene on the bleak North York Moors.
The year is 1968, and change is on the horizon...
When Ellie was three years old, her two older sisters were kidnapped. She's been used to living in their shadow, over-protected by her paranoid parents... but now that she's seventeen, she wants some of her freedom back. That's the plan, anyway.
Until her older sister Martha reappears, fourteen years after she was last seen. Where has she been all this time? Who took her? How did she manage to escape? No one seems to be asking the most important questions... they're just so glad that she's back, safe.
And Ellie is the only person who wants to know why.
A young adult mystery tackling the pains of growing up, set deep in a crime scene on the bleak North York Moors.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2024
26 people are currently reading
1039 people want to read
About the author
Emma Smith
14 books564 followersEmma Smith is a young adult and children's author from Yorkshire. She wrote and illustrated her first “book” when she was seven years old and hasn’t stopped writing since. When she’s not walking on the beach or drinking an iced coffee with a crumpet and some chocolate, you’ll probably find her reading something dark and mysterious… and most certainly YA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 30, 2024
This book broke me in the best way possible.
Set in Yorkshire in the 1960s, the story follows 17 year old Ellie Stockton, sister to two missing girls. But when Martha (the eldest of the three) returns on the 14th anniversary of their disappearance, Ellie has questions... Why is she back now? Why does she look healthy? And why is no one else wondering these things?
Determined to find out what happened to them, and to find the other sister safe and sound, Ellie and her best friend Tilly set to work unpacking the mystery themselves. While trying to be normal teenagers - kissing boys in parks... sneaking out to parties - something strange is going on. But what?
This book dealt with grief in such a spectacular way, the protagonist finding a place in my heart very quickly. Ellie is such a lovable character and her story so tragic.
For anyone interested in mysteries... and coming-of-age novels, this is the perfect read for you! An easy 5 stars for me and I cannot wait for Emma's next book to release.
Set in Yorkshire in the 1960s, the story follows 17 year old Ellie Stockton, sister to two missing girls. But when Martha (the eldest of the three) returns on the 14th anniversary of their disappearance, Ellie has questions... Why is she back now? Why does she look healthy? And why is no one else wondering these things?
Determined to find out what happened to them, and to find the other sister safe and sound, Ellie and her best friend Tilly set to work unpacking the mystery themselves. While trying to be normal teenagers - kissing boys in parks... sneaking out to parties - something strange is going on. But what?
This book dealt with grief in such a spectacular way, the protagonist finding a place in my heart very quickly. Ellie is such a lovable character and her story so tragic.
For anyone interested in mysteries... and coming-of-age novels, this is the perfect read for you! An easy 5 stars for me and I cannot wait for Emma's next book to release.
April 30, 2024
I don’t usually comment when I rate books but I absolutely loved loved this. It hooked me right from the start. I love Emma Smith’s writing style and the way she creates fun, but realistic characters. The ending had me questioning all my life decisions😭 I will definitely be reading more of this author :) I hope she soon gets the attention she deserves <3
July 20, 2024
The twist!! The last 6 chapters had me saying ‘just one more page’ over and over. I’m on holiday at the moment so have been binging books, hence me finishing this in less than 24 hours! It took me a while to get into it but once I did, I just couldn’t stop turning the pages.
April 19, 2024
I loved this book sm !! I’ve read all of Emma’s books, and they are all great (this one is no exception!) I loved the ending of the book, I really didn’t see it coming 💔💔 this was an amazing book that I’ll definitely reread millions of times, great job Emma 💗💗
July 1, 2024
this book gripped me right from the start, and towards the end, when the mystery was beginning to be solved, i physically could not put it down! i loved the characters ellie and tilly so much and would 100% recommend.
April 25, 2024
a banger!!! the vibes were immaculate, the mystery was twisty, the characters were everything. the ending made me question EVERYTHING. truly couldn’t recommend it enough <3
May 17, 2024
EMMA!!! Shattered. Obsessed. In awe. 100% my new favourite Emma Smith book! Cannot wait to see how far she goes!
July 9, 2024
Has Emma written a book that isn’t five stars? I doubt it
I have so much to say about this book, but I’m gonna start with the writing.
As usual, Emma’s writing was filled with humour, seriousness and relatability - to some extent - which kept the book interesting.
Emma also captured the setting amazingly, which created a clear depiction of the small towns and moors featured throughout the novel.
I loved how this book balanced the romance and mystery genre, both without drowning the other one out. Whenever the chapter was focussed on her sisters, that’s what I was focused on, and the same applies for the romance-side.
Emma also added constant reminders through Ellie’s perspective, which also reminded the reader of the mystery she was trying to solve.
Personally, I’ve never had a missing sister - thank god, and hopefully never will - but I found other parts of the novel, when Ellie got up to usual teenage stuff, slightly more relatable.
Although, I thought Ellie’s character was really well written (as Emma Smith characters are) and I found myself feeling bad for her throughout the book.
I’ve never really read a book set this far in the past, and in all honestly, the sixties never really interested me. I wondered how much I’d like the book because of this, but it was never really something I struggled with whilst reading.
Finally, I wanna talk about the plot twist. After reading Dead Fine, I figured there would be a crazy twist, and there were.
When Ellie found the picture of her dad and Reverend Richard, I was NOT expecting that, but I thought it was a really clever detail to add.
When it was revealed Mr Browne kidnapped them - I was kind of disappointed with the lack of tension I felt, and I kept reading and it turns out THAT WASN’T EVEN THE PLOT TWIST?!
THE FINAL CHAPTER, OH MY GOODNESS! I LITERALLY COULD NOT BELIVE IT!!! I LITERALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY BUT IT WAS SOOOO INCREDIBLE OMG
Another five star book from Emma ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have so much to say about this book, but I’m gonna start with the writing.
As usual, Emma’s writing was filled with humour, seriousness and relatability - to some extent - which kept the book interesting.
Emma also captured the setting amazingly, which created a clear depiction of the small towns and moors featured throughout the novel.
I loved how this book balanced the romance and mystery genre, both without drowning the other one out. Whenever the chapter was focussed on her sisters, that’s what I was focused on, and the same applies for the romance-side.
Emma also added constant reminders through Ellie’s perspective, which also reminded the reader of the mystery she was trying to solve.
Personally, I’ve never had a missing sister - thank god, and hopefully never will - but I found other parts of the novel, when Ellie got up to usual teenage stuff, slightly more relatable.
Although, I thought Ellie’s character was really well written (as Emma Smith characters are) and I found myself feeling bad for her throughout the book.
I’ve never really read a book set this far in the past, and in all honestly, the sixties never really interested me. I wondered how much I’d like the book because of this, but it was never really something I struggled with whilst reading.
Finally, I wanna talk about the plot twist. After reading Dead Fine, I figured there would be a crazy twist, and there were.
When Ellie found the picture of her dad and Reverend Richard, I was NOT expecting that, but I thought it was a really clever detail to add.
When it was revealed Mr Browne kidnapped them - I was kind of disappointed with the lack of tension I felt, and I kept reading and it turns out THAT WASN’T EVEN THE PLOT TWIST?!
THE FINAL CHAPTER, OH MY GOODNESS! I LITERALLY COULD NOT BELIVE IT!!! I LITERALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY BUT IT WAS SOOOO INCREDIBLE OMG
Another five star book from Emma ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2024
Wow my jaw is on the floor! Once again, Emma has succeeded in crafting such an intense and enjoyable thriller. It had me hooked from beginning to end and always guessing. I also loved that it was set in the sixties which added to an already eerie atmosphere and made it unique from other modern mystery thrillers. I enjoyed finding out how the characters dealt with their challenge and the ending was absolutely shocking in the best way possible. I implore you to read this if thrilling coming-of-age books are your thing. I would also recommend “Dead Fine” which is another book by Emma that is also incredible. Fair play for once again creating an amazingly compelling story!
December 13, 2025
3.25
That ending was insane and I’m mad about it
That ending was insane and I’m mad about it
August 4, 2025
First of all, I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the first novel I read by Emma Smith, and I didn’t have high expectations going in—but I ended up liking both the pace and the story.
However, the ending truly brought me to tears. Why end it like that? After all the build-up to a long-awaited family reunion, she is killed —it completely caught me off guard. I was genuinely shocked and deeply moved. I was really expecting a more happier ending for our protagonist.
However, the ending truly brought me to tears. Why end it like that? After all the build-up to a long-awaited family reunion, she is killed —it completely caught me off guard. I was genuinely shocked and deeply moved. I was really expecting a more happier ending for our protagonist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2025
I have SUCH mixed feelings for this book!!!! While I wanted so badly to love it I found it a bit too stereotypical (and at times frustrating) making it difficult to read. I enjoyed (as demonstrated in other books of hers) the representation of adolescence however I just felt like it was a bit too modern? While the religious underpinnings (and their eventual move to the main plot) did act as a reminder that this was in fact a more historical book I found that fact to be easily forgotten, at least in my experience. On the surface it was an intriguing book for me but it was insanely frustrating at times (which was probably a symptom of Ellie's own frustration at being misunderstood and ignored). It was a heavily predictable read at times rendering it slightly flat and not as gripping, though the red herring was good (and what did ever come of that debacle..left unfinished and I'd have enjoyed at least a little of an allusion to that). I also struggled to entirely understand the motivations of the overarching antagonist, I get it but it also..seems a little bit of a simplistic justification for an insanely large crime. Overall I may have gone into this book with too-high expectations though it was predictable and the end did leave a bad taste in the mouth (highly unexpected and a bit..disappointing).
May 5, 2024
Oh I think I've found my favourite Emma Smith book so far!! (Still have a few to read!). I absolutely LOVED this.
Firstly Emma's writing is so good - the descriptions of everything are beautiful. She really has a way of transporting you to a place. I could really feel the bleak moors and the Whitby seaside.
The characters are also so well written. I got a full understanding of what they were like and for one of them in particular, it was interesting to see their true selves revealed as the book went on!!
The different themes and subplots thrown in gave the book a real depth. I also loved the 60s setting!
It also kept me hooked! I had so many theories as misleading clues were thrown in. I didn't suspect the end at all. And the very end!!!! Ahhhhhhh still not over it!!
Really recommend this one!
Firstly Emma's writing is so good - the descriptions of everything are beautiful. She really has a way of transporting you to a place. I could really feel the bleak moors and the Whitby seaside.
The characters are also so well written. I got a full understanding of what they were like and for one of them in particular, it was interesting to see their true selves revealed as the book went on!!
The different themes and subplots thrown in gave the book a real depth. I also loved the 60s setting!
It also kept me hooked! I had so many theories as misleading clues were thrown in. I didn't suspect the end at all. And the very end!!!! Ahhhhhhh still not over it!!
Really recommend this one!
April 13, 2024
I think it’s safe to say that this is 100% my favourite Emma Smith book, and my current favourite book for sure!
Usually I’m not into books set years ago but this managed to completely hook me. For the first time in ages I was so invested in a book I read 300 pages in one sitting LMAO. Every other chapter had me theorising about what happened (each theory being completely wrong), and when the reveal happened?? Jaw DROPPED
Emma you are absolutely incredible, each book I read is even better than the last! I’m absolutely honoured to have gotten a mention the the acknowledgments 🥲🫶
Usually I’m not into books set years ago but this managed to completely hook me. For the first time in ages I was so invested in a book I read 300 pages in one sitting LMAO. Every other chapter had me theorising about what happened (each theory being completely wrong), and when the reveal happened?? Jaw DROPPED
Emma you are absolutely incredible, each book I read is even better than the last! I’m absolutely honoured to have gotten a mention the the acknowledgments 🥲🫶
June 1, 2024
I’m not usually a fan of mystery books but this book has absolutely changed my view of the genre. I LOVED IT!! The whole time I was reading this book I thought I knew what was going to happen and what the twist would be but I was absolutely shocked when the kidnapper was revealed! I thought for sure that Ellie’s dad was involved. I could not put this book down and finished it in around 4 days which is really fast for me.This is 100% the best book I have read so far in 2024 and I can’t wait to read more books from this author 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
-☆☆☆☆☆-
A addictive and incredibly well-written book, full of shocking twists and unpredictable turns. The ending was completely unexpected.
The vibes of this book are perfect, and so are the characters.
The mystery is incredible, making you question everyone and everything. I was so invested in this book and loved reading and making theories (all of which were wrong)
I have read basically all of Emma Smith's books and they never disappoint!
I would 100% reccommend, a great read!!
A addictive and incredibly well-written book, full of shocking twists and unpredictable turns. The ending was completely unexpected.
The vibes of this book are perfect, and so are the characters.
The mystery is incredible, making you question everyone and everything. I was so invested in this book and loved reading and making theories (all of which were wrong)
I have read basically all of Emma Smith's books and they never disappoint!
I would 100% reccommend, a great read!!
December 23, 2024
Emma does not disappoint, I really enjoyed this book!
I had an obsession with 60's/70's vibes when I was younger so reading this took me back lol. The setting was absolutely perfect and a lot of thought and research has went into this!
No spoilers in this review, but this is definitely worth picking up! The plot twist was *not* what I expected but it was a solid 5/5!
I had an obsession with 60's/70's vibes when I was younger so reading this took me back lol. The setting was absolutely perfect and a lot of thought and research has went into this!
No spoilers in this review, but this is definitely worth picking up! The plot twist was *not* what I expected but it was a solid 5/5!
April 22, 2024
PLS this book was absolutely insane i was in shock the whole way through ESPECIALLY the end😭 i always love emma’s books but this one was so crazily good i enjoyed it so much - they honestly get better every time if that’s even possible! need everyone to read this rn because it’s scarily good💘
April 13, 2024
Wow just wow. Bloody amazing! I couldn’t put it down and I’m still lost in the pages
January 27, 2025
this book is SO good!!! twists at all the right places and it got me SHOOK at the end like holy fuck 😭 needs more recognition immediately!!!!!!
September 4, 2024
3.25🌟
Let me start by saying that this star rating does NOT mean this was a bad book in any way shape or form, it just was not for me, i went into this knowing that may be the case because it’s set throughout the 1950s-1970s and had certain themes that i do not share interest in, however i really loved reading through the main characters POV i thought her thought process was very intricate and interesting, the plot twist was not a huge surprise for me and wasn’t a favourite of mine but then something happens in the last chapter and ‘newspaper’ article at the end that had my jaw DROPPED, so i had a very strange reading experience with this book because particular parts i enjoyed and some i didn’t, i thought each character had depth and an interesting story behind them without going into huge detail about them, overall i believe this book is good and I would recommend it but it depends on what type of books you like to read and everyone has a different opinion 🤍
Let me start by saying that this star rating does NOT mean this was a bad book in any way shape or form, it just was not for me, i went into this knowing that may be the case because it’s set throughout the 1950s-1970s and had certain themes that i do not share interest in, however i really loved reading through the main characters POV i thought her thought process was very intricate and interesting, the plot twist was not a huge surprise for me and wasn’t a favourite of mine but then something happens in the last chapter and ‘newspaper’ article at the end that had my jaw DROPPED, so i had a very strange reading experience with this book because particular parts i enjoyed and some i didn’t, i thought each character had depth and an interesting story behind them without going into huge detail about them, overall i believe this book is good and I would recommend it but it depends on what type of books you like to read and everyone has a different opinion 🤍
August 4, 2024
I just finished Martha and I'm so speechless I don't even know where to start with this....
I think this was my favourite of all of Emma Smith's books, I finished it in a few days and it was SO GOOD. I loved the sixties vibes and the Yorkshire moors setting, it all just felt so real. I also loved how the book had coming of age elements as well as mystery - I couldn't stop reading because I needed to know how it ended, but at the same time I never felt like I wanted to rush through any of the other details, as it all felt truly important and exciting.
The characters of Ellie and Tilly, the friendship between them, and the relationships they were in were all so well written. I didn't see the conclusion coming at all, and then the last few pages literally broke my heart - I will be thinking about this book all week. One of the best things I've read this year and most definitely 5 stars! I'm so excited for Emma's next book now!!!
I think this was my favourite of all of Emma Smith's books, I finished it in a few days and it was SO GOOD. I loved the sixties vibes and the Yorkshire moors setting, it all just felt so real. I also loved how the book had coming of age elements as well as mystery - I couldn't stop reading because I needed to know how it ended, but at the same time I never felt like I wanted to rush through any of the other details, as it all felt truly important and exciting.
The characters of Ellie and Tilly, the friendship between them, and the relationships they were in were all so well written. I didn't see the conclusion coming at all, and then the last few pages literally broke my heart - I will be thinking about this book all week. One of the best things I've read this year and most definitely 5 stars! I'm so excited for Emma's next book now!!!
August 24, 2024
emma does it again!!
i’m incredibly obsessed with emma’s writing style and would encourage everyone to read her work, obvs. even tho this is only the second book of hers that i’m getting around to, the others are a MUST on my tbr, especially after this
the docked star is only for the ending, NOT because it was bad (to clear up: it still resolves every query/plot line, the mystery is defo still solved in full), but because i am incredibly picky when it comes to mystery/thriller endings. this is more a me problem and i would still encourage everyone who wants to read this book to read it lol
and to everyone who’s read the reappearance of rachel price and thinks this will be too similar: PLEASE read this.. because to start you’ll think it’s similar. you’ll think you know the plot twist but you definitely don’t and u will feel like an absolute clown when it’s revealed 🤠🤡
i’m incredibly obsessed with emma’s writing style and would encourage everyone to read her work, obvs. even tho this is only the second book of hers that i’m getting around to, the others are a MUST on my tbr, especially after this
the docked star is only for the ending, NOT because it was bad (to clear up: it still resolves every query/plot line, the mystery is defo still solved in full), but because i am incredibly picky when it comes to mystery/thriller endings. this is more a me problem and i would still encourage everyone who wants to read this book to read it lol
and to everyone who’s read the reappearance of rachel price and thinks this will be too similar: PLEASE read this.. because to start you’ll think it’s similar. you’ll think you know the plot twist but you definitely don’t and u will feel like an absolute clown when it’s revealed 🤠🤡
August 16, 2025
The perfect YA read for someone who craves a book to fill the Holly Jackson void!!
I thought I knew where this book was going but BOYY was I wrong!
I did read this book a couple months ago but the feeling still linger. Even though the character are fictional I still feel as though 5 decades ago not so far from me in a place I know well this happened. These young girls were stolen from their families and deprived of things that Ellie got.
SLIGHT SPOILERS BELOW!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
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(Continuing from the previous paragraph!!)
Instead of getting to do normal things like other children during that time such as crowding around the table for a warm Sunday dinner or skipping down the street to the sweet shop with their pocket money. These poor children grew up manipulated to believe that they were loved more than they would have been with their true family and lucky to serve the monster that stole them!
Thank you Emma for writing this book and all the others!! I can’t wait to read many more!!!
I thought I knew where this book was going but BOYY was I wrong!
I did read this book a couple months ago but the feeling still linger. Even though the character are fictional I still feel as though 5 decades ago not so far from me in a place I know well this happened. These young girls were stolen from their families and deprived of things that Ellie got.
SLIGHT SPOILERS BELOW!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
⬇️
⬇️
⬇️
⬇️
⬇️
⬇️
(Continuing from the previous paragraph!!)
Instead of getting to do normal things like other children during that time such as crowding around the table for a warm Sunday dinner or skipping down the street to the sweet shop with their pocket money. These poor children grew up manipulated to believe that they were loved more than they would have been with their true family and lucky to serve the monster that stole them!
Thank you Emma for writing this book and all the others!! I can’t wait to read many more!!!
August 14, 2024
I adored this book, it was brilliant, so well written, and it kept you guessing until the very last page. The writing style was incredible, both intricate and highlighting the voice of youth.
The plot in itself was immense, and I loved how the characters relationships outside of the general plot were highlighted; one of the best books I’ve ever read, I loved it and will be recommending to my friends and buying rest of authors books
The plot in itself was immense, and I loved how the characters relationships outside of the general plot were highlighted; one of the best books I’ve ever read, I loved it and will be recommending to my friends and buying rest of authors books
June 19, 2025
Just re read this as I feel I’d forgotten too much of it the first time, probably because I was in a slump the first time!
This book is probably one of my favourites ever! Dead Fine & Martha are my favourites by Emma Smith as they don’t come close to disappointing!
This book was written superbly and had an amazing premise, executed so well. I didn’t expect my jaw to drop so low for so long after the ending.
Definitely pick this up, in my opinion this is a must read!
This book is probably one of my favourites ever! Dead Fine & Martha are my favourites by Emma Smith as they don’t come close to disappointing!
This book was written superbly and had an amazing premise, executed so well. I didn’t expect my jaw to drop so low for so long after the ending.
Definitely pick this up, in my opinion this is a must read!
August 23, 2024
An immersive 60s mystery novel set in the north of England. I loved the setting and the writing 💖 The mystery surrounding Martha kept me hooked through the book and the twists kept coming !!! I love how we experienced it from her sister Ellie’s POV and how her life is affected.
August 6, 2025
3 stars
i did like this but i felt very disapointed by the plot twist as it was really easy to guess ,
i did love the setting and i do wish theres was more description on that
I love the age-time period (1960s) of this book
I did find the parents suscpicous at times but I also felt some bits felt rushed
i did like this but i felt very disapointed by the plot twist as it was really easy to guess ,
i did love the setting and i do wish theres was more description on that
I love the age-time period (1960s) of this book
I did find the parents suscpicous at times but I also felt some bits felt rushed
September 23, 2025
You thought it was gonna end happily right? So close but so far!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
A great book, very AGGTM/Reappearance of Rachel Price vibes. Expected more from the ending, and we’re many typo context errors. Otherwise a good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews