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The Little Girl: The Case of Molly Cross
“Why does God make bad people?”
Little Molly had asked this often. Therapist Lindy Wellbrook never answered. Yet if the counselor would have just answered, even in just the simplest of terms, could it have prevented the little girl from suddenly jumping to her death? Lindy could deliberate this over and over, but as she was about to find there was would be no easy answer.
The little girl Molly sees her world as being the princess in The Land of Pretty, that she has the power to communicate with dolls, and that her friend Pen protects her though no one can see him.
Lindy sees Molly’s world as delusions created from a traumatic childhood.
Only one of them is right.
Lindy Wellbrook is a new therapist hungry for the challenge to get clients through a speedy recovery. She has no time for those who sit in self-pity. Her approach is to get clients up and on with their lives in the quickest time possible. No matter how deep the wound.
Then Molly walked in. Eager to prove that her theories of recovery are accurate, even with traumatic cases, Lindy takes on the troubled 8 year old Molly. Having no idea what she is about to take on. In the easy first steps Lindy quickly first finds herself in the bizarre imaginary world called “Pretty” and that Molly is convinced she can talk to dolls. But when Molly’s volatile split personality Pen surfaces, the therapy turns fierce for he will stop at nothing to sabotage the little girl’s recovery. However, Lindy will stop at nothing to get Molly through a fast track of recovery, not even Pen.
Things take a drastic change when Molly suddenly jumps to her death and Lindy is left baffled in wondering where the sessions had gone tragically wrong. In an obsession to find out the therapist relives the past therapy sessions through recorded tapes. This time when Lindy listens her outlook on Molly’s horrific childhood takes a whole different direction. Each tape brings a new twist and turns everything Lindy thought she knew about Molly, Pen, The Land of Pretty, and even herself upside down. The closer Lindy gets to the truth the more she realizes that maybe some things are best left unanswered.
Especially the question -
“Why does God make bad people?”
Little Molly had asked this often. Therapist Lindy Wellbrook never answered. Yet if the counselor would have just answered, even in just the simplest of terms, could it have prevented the little girl from suddenly jumping to her death? Lindy could deliberate this over and over, but as she was about to find there was would be no easy answer.
The little girl Molly sees her world as being the princess in The Land of Pretty, that she has the power to communicate with dolls, and that her friend Pen protects her though no one can see him.
Lindy sees Molly’s world as delusions created from a traumatic childhood.
Only one of them is right.
Lindy Wellbrook is a new therapist hungry for the challenge to get clients through a speedy recovery. She has no time for those who sit in self-pity. Her approach is to get clients up and on with their lives in the quickest time possible. No matter how deep the wound.
Then Molly walked in. Eager to prove that her theories of recovery are accurate, even with traumatic cases, Lindy takes on the troubled 8 year old Molly. Having no idea what she is about to take on. In the easy first steps Lindy quickly first finds herself in the bizarre imaginary world called “Pretty” and that Molly is convinced she can talk to dolls. But when Molly’s volatile split personality Pen surfaces, the therapy turns fierce for he will stop at nothing to sabotage the little girl’s recovery. However, Lindy will stop at nothing to get Molly through a fast track of recovery, not even Pen.
Things take a drastic change when Molly suddenly jumps to her death and Lindy is left baffled in wondering where the sessions had gone tragically wrong. In an obsession to find out the therapist relives the past therapy sessions through recorded tapes. This time when Lindy listens her outlook on Molly’s horrific childhood takes a whole different direction. Each tape brings a new twist and turns everything Lindy thought she knew about Molly, Pen, The Land of Pretty, and even herself upside down. The closer Lindy gets to the truth the more she realizes that maybe some things are best left unanswered.
Especially the question -
“Why does God make bad people?”
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2014
111 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 26, 2015
This book is definitely riveting. I read it in 4 hours. I felt constantly engaged, which was great. However, I found the "twist" to be disappointing. Finding out the Molly was an adult was almost... Boring. What would've been great is if we'd found out that Lindy had gone mad in the process of trying to rationalize Molly's suicide and Pete had left months ago and she'd been hallucinating him the whole time, or something of that dark nature. The way it ended was so vanilla. It wrapped up like a made for TV movie.
I did really like it up into the end though, and although it had horrible editing in the last half and a bland conclusion, it was mostly fun to read.
I did really like it up into the end though, and although it had horrible editing in the last half and a bland conclusion, it was mostly fun to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2014
Boring.
Boring.
This book dragged on forever. There were lots of passages that could have been completely omitted. Too much psychological self-analysis of the protagonist. It was unnecessary. Save your time and money. Don't bother with this book.
Boring.
This book dragged on forever. There were lots of passages that could have been completely omitted. Too much psychological self-analysis of the protagonist. It was unnecessary. Save your time and money. Don't bother with this book.
August 12, 2025
Genuinely awful.
This was terrible. The protagonist is a terrible person, the author clearly has little understanding of how dissociative disorders present in the real world outside of sensationalized media, and the writing itself was mediocre.
Don't waste your time
This was terrible. The protagonist is a terrible person, the author clearly has little understanding of how dissociative disorders present in the real world outside of sensationalized media, and the writing itself was mediocre.
Don't waste your time
November 2, 2014
A review by Amanda.
For the full review, click here:
http://fangirlsreaditfirst.wordpress....
Lindell “Lindy” Wellbrook is a therapist who had just opened her own practice. One of her first clients was a little girl named Molly, who captured Lindy’s professional interest with her obsession with dolls, the imaginary world she has created called the Land of Pretty, and (most intriguing of all) an alternate identity. Pen, an adult male personality, was created to protect Molly from the horrors of her life before she began therapy. He was abrasive, crude, and caused Lindy to fear for her client’s well-being. Believing that she has found the root of Molly’s issues, Lindy decided to help her get rid of Pen and bases her future treatments on that premise. Certain that she was on the right path, Lindy got a major shock when Molly committed suicide after showing signs of improving.
For the full review, click here:
http://fangirlsreaditfirst.wordpress....
Lindell “Lindy” Wellbrook is a therapist who had just opened her own practice. One of her first clients was a little girl named Molly, who captured Lindy’s professional interest with her obsession with dolls, the imaginary world she has created called the Land of Pretty, and (most intriguing of all) an alternate identity. Pen, an adult male personality, was created to protect Molly from the horrors of her life before she began therapy. He was abrasive, crude, and caused Lindy to fear for her client’s well-being. Believing that she has found the root of Molly’s issues, Lindy decided to help her get rid of Pen and bases her future treatments on that premise. Certain that she was on the right path, Lindy got a major shock when Molly committed suicide after showing signs of improving.
April 23, 2020
So much more than I thought it would be!!!
I didn't know what to expect with this story. It was an emotional ride!!! I'm so glad I didn't let my frustration with the main character get in my way. Turns out, I was reading exactly what made this novel a beneficial read! I know that sounds very cryptic, but I don't want to spoil it for the next reader. It was a perfect journey for me, I hope you all find the experience I was blessed with!!!
I didn't know what to expect with this story. It was an emotional ride!!! I'm so glad I didn't let my frustration with the main character get in my way. Turns out, I was reading exactly what made this novel a beneficial read! I know that sounds very cryptic, but I don't want to spoil it for the next reader. It was a perfect journey for me, I hope you all find the experience I was blessed with!!!
April 2, 2014
I don't know where to start with this. I truly didn't realize a lot of the stuff that was going on until the end. I won't post spoilers but the author did a good job of making us see things through Lindy's eyes, including her frustration, sadness, etc. What a tragic story. If it's true, it's even more tragic.
April 1, 2015
Just loved this book
It was very hardcore me to put this book down loved it from start to finish a must read for everyone.
It was very hardcore me to put this book down loved it from start to finish a must read for everyone.
February 25, 2025
DNF 25% (50 pages)
I try very hard to give books a chance and try to keep my 1 stars for books that I do not recommend to others, and unfortunately this is one of those times
In this book, we follow Lindy, a therapist who was assigned an 8-year old patient, Molly. Molly ends up committing suicide and in turn, Lindy is trying to figure out why by going over the tapes from previous sessions that she had with her.
There are 2 main issues I had with this book. First, Lindy as a main character is selfish, argumentative, vindictive, and a huge hypocrite. The way she treats her partner is honestly baffling to me, especially because all he is doing is normal partner things. This whole time she is sitting in her office, not even bothering to give him some form of care, and then gets snippy with him over the smallest things like calling her for dinner or asking if she wants breakfast with him is honestly astonishing, and I just could not stand it.
Secondly, the DID representation. As someone who knows people with DID, has a best friend who has DID and knows someone who also knows a few people with DID, this is awful representation. The way the main character goes about Molly and Pen was not how it should have been handled and the way the author wrote about it was not okay. It was awful representation and as an author who is writing about hard topics, it is their job to do research, especially concerning mental health. It was poorly handled, poorly written, and it aggravated me to read this.
I tried to give it at least 50% in but at 50 pages, I just couldn't handle it. This is a book I wouldn't recommend to anyone if they are looking for something like this. The story is amazing and I wish it was looked into more, but the way it was executed was very poorly done.
I try very hard to give books a chance and try to keep my 1 stars for books that I do not recommend to others, and unfortunately this is one of those times
In this book, we follow Lindy, a therapist who was assigned an 8-year old patient, Molly. Molly ends up committing suicide and in turn, Lindy is trying to figure out why by going over the tapes from previous sessions that she had with her.
There are 2 main issues I had with this book. First, Lindy as a main character is selfish, argumentative, vindictive, and a huge hypocrite. The way she treats her partner is honestly baffling to me, especially because all he is doing is normal partner things. This whole time she is sitting in her office, not even bothering to give him some form of care, and then gets snippy with him over the smallest things like calling her for dinner or asking if she wants breakfast with him is honestly astonishing, and I just could not stand it.
Secondly, the DID representation. As someone who knows people with DID, has a best friend who has DID and knows someone who also knows a few people with DID, this is awful representation. The way the main character goes about Molly and Pen was not how it should have been handled and the way the author wrote about it was not okay. It was awful representation and as an author who is writing about hard topics, it is their job to do research, especially concerning mental health. It was poorly handled, poorly written, and it aggravated me to read this.
I tried to give it at least 50% in but at 50 pages, I just couldn't handle it. This is a book I wouldn't recommend to anyone if they are looking for something like this. The story is amazing and I wish it was looked into more, but the way it was executed was very poorly done.
January 7, 2021
When this story first appeared on my "recommend for you" list I orginally thought it was a ghost story aimed towards middle grade readers. but was still curious. When I starting reading and thought it was about an 8 year old girl who killed herself I was positive this was going to end up in my did not finish list, but I was hooked, mainly out of curiosity as to what on earth could cause an 8 year old to take such extremes. I loved how the author wrote Lindy's arc of how she felt like she let Molly down and how she works through it. I was shocked by the twist of Molly actually being a 36 year old woman who was in her 8 years old alter which wrapped up the story nicely and helped the whole situation make more sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2020
This book had a great story that is often real life. However, it seemed to skip around on a regular basis to the point that I had to reread many sections to see if the past or present was being discussed. I also kept expecting the therapist's personal story to be parallel or at least crossing the little girl's story. I was sad that it was not better written, because with some filling out and better editing, I believe it could have been an amazing book.
July 13, 2017
4.5
This book had me hooked from Day 1. Definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know more. Highly recommended. There aren't enough books about psychological disorders and how they affect day to day life.
This book had me hooked from Day 1. Definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know more. Highly recommended. There aren't enough books about psychological disorders and how they affect day to day life.
April 12, 2020
Little girl
This wAs a great book that took you threw the life of a therapist who struggles with the death of a patient. When her life starts to stir and she is faced with difficult times to figure out what's next
This wAs a great book that took you threw the life of a therapist who struggles with the death of a patient. When her life starts to stir and she is faced with difficult times to figure out what's next
July 28, 2020
An interesting look at child abuse and its mental effect on the child and the adults who come in contact with the child. It shows that not everyone reacts the same and that being true to yourself is the most important.
August 31, 2025
?
Not sure more I feel about this book. I think she should have added a few diary entries at the end to bring us closure. Of Molly finding normalcy. The her moving on. Not a bad book, not one of my favorites
Not sure more I feel about this book. I think she should have added a few diary entries at the end to bring us closure. Of Molly finding normalcy. The her moving on. Not a bad book, not one of my favorites
September 29, 2025
There are mixed reviews about this book, but this was right up my ally. A sarcastic, witty therapist focused on helping her clients with DID and the struggles of mental health and balance. I ate this book up! What a great story!
February 15, 2018
Was a good ready. It's horrible to think people are capable of such horrors. But a little relief we have people out their trying to get the broken people they help they deserve.
July 22, 2019
A good one
Was a bit confusing in the beginning and some crazy twists but I loved it . Would definitely recommend !
Was a bit confusing in the beginning and some crazy twists but I loved it . Would definitely recommend !
August 1, 2020
A bit long
4.5
The wrapping up of this book was so entirely great. Things made sense when plot twist hit me. Great. Wish it got to the point sooner though
4.5
The wrapping up of this book was so entirely great. Things made sense when plot twist hit me. Great. Wish it got to the point sooner though
January 8, 2021
I really liked this book though I felt the relationship stuff with Pete was a little boring. I also found the therapist and Pete a little unlikeable at times.
April 22, 2023
AMAZING
Sooooooooooooooooo goooooooooooooooooood
This is book is so well written and omg I can't even think of words that can be enough bravo
Sooooooooooooooooo goooooooooooooooooood
This is book is so well written and omg I can't even think of words that can be enough bravo
October 24, 2023
Although there were many typos, just like the other book I read from this author, I cannot deny that the story had me sucked in. It’s a quick, captivating read.
March 5, 2019
It wasn't a story that I thought it would be
February 12, 2023
This book was horrendous for so many reasons. First off, the characters are impossible to care about. Secondly, this is one of the worst representations I have EVER seen of DID, and that's saying a lot since Hollywood has done such a bang-up job. If I had read it before seeking treatment, this story would have kept me from seeking it. It's the story of woman who is victimized terribly, develops DID, and then is victimized by her therapist. Su*cide was even glorified at the end, like it was the only possible outcome once the character had found peace. I am horrified if even 1% of this book was inspired by true events, because this is not what it's like to live with DID or be treated for this disorder and I am concerned for systems that may come across this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2017
Inspiring story...
I was intrigued by the cover so I nabbed this book. Excellent choice for the subject matter.
Now, I had mixed feelings about this book. In general, it was a great story. Based on actual events, there's not much to change since those were the events that happened. It was a very moving and touching story. It's heart warming to see the obstacles and challenges people go through before they end up changing peoples lives and in a big way. Very moving.
Moving on to the part where I'm conflicted. Was the writing. There was missing words, too many words, and formatting issues that kept bringing me out of the story. It seemed to lack in creative word choice when I came across several repeated sentences. It also seemed to have skipped a professional editor. I think if it had been professionally looked at, a lot of those simple fixes could have been taken care of.
Overall, I give this story three and a half stars.
I was intrigued by the cover so I nabbed this book. Excellent choice for the subject matter.
Now, I had mixed feelings about this book. In general, it was a great story. Based on actual events, there's not much to change since those were the events that happened. It was a very moving and touching story. It's heart warming to see the obstacles and challenges people go through before they end up changing peoples lives and in a big way. Very moving.
Moving on to the part where I'm conflicted. Was the writing. There was missing words, too many words, and formatting issues that kept bringing me out of the story. It seemed to lack in creative word choice when I came across several repeated sentences. It also seemed to have skipped a professional editor. I think if it had been professionally looked at, a lot of those simple fixes could have been taken care of.
Overall, I give this story three and a half stars.
February 23, 2014
Excellent premise, shaky execution
Overall this is a well-plotted novel; I knew there was something 'off' about Molly from the beginning, and her cloying little-girl cutesy speech patterns almost put me over the edge several times myself. Even so, I did not see the reveal about Molly coming, and it was very well done. Pen's identity was less shocking of a revelation, but Pen's real role in Molly's lives was the perfect food-for-thought twist to bring it all together.
The book would have been a joy to read except for two things, one of which may have been intrinsic to the subplot if distracting (I'll get to that in a moment). However, I just can't excuse the second: Slapdash proofreading and editing. The first 50-60% of the book is actually spared this critique, and indeed by self-published standards it's a jewel. However, it's as if the author/editor got halfway through and then just spellchecked the rest of the way. Had that not become such a glaring distraction, I would probably have bumped this review up to 4 stars.
The other, "first," thing is that neither of the two main characters - our narrator and her boyfriend - were very likeable for most of the book. I liked the cat better than I liked either of them, and thought she was less one-dimensional to boot. (The narrator does grow up towards the end, finally, and becomes more likeable.) The tension and bullheadedness of their relationship may have been felt to drive the character development, but I could have done without it.
Overall this is a well-plotted novel; I knew there was something 'off' about Molly from the beginning, and her cloying little-girl cutesy speech patterns almost put me over the edge several times myself. Even so, I did not see the reveal about Molly coming, and it was very well done. Pen's identity was less shocking of a revelation, but Pen's real role in Molly's lives was the perfect food-for-thought twist to bring it all together.
The book would have been a joy to read except for two things, one of which may have been intrinsic to the subplot if distracting (I'll get to that in a moment). However, I just can't excuse the second: Slapdash proofreading and editing. The first 50-60% of the book is actually spared this critique, and indeed by self-published standards it's a jewel. However, it's as if the author/editor got halfway through and then just spellchecked the rest of the way. Had that not become such a glaring distraction, I would probably have bumped this review up to 4 stars.
The other, "first," thing is that neither of the two main characters - our narrator and her boyfriend - were very likeable for most of the book. I liked the cat better than I liked either of them, and thought she was less one-dimensional to boot. (The narrator does grow up towards the end, finally, and becomes more likeable.) The tension and bullheadedness of their relationship may have been felt to drive the character development, but I could have done without it.
August 7, 2015
A surprise will be found
A girl scarred for life by child abuse. The images she creates are to allow herself to be happy for a short time before the evils of Pen return.
Miss Lindy her therapist tries to find some way to to rid Molly of the evil Pen. Miss Lindy goes as far as she can with that idea before she stops having therapy sessions with Molly..Little does she know that she provided Molly with some normal days.
The only real problem with this book is the telling of the therapist life that is intertwined with Molly's story. This part of the book is confusing because it jumps from present to past and its confusing to follow.
The Molly side of tge book is not too hard to folow but when tge personal life of tge therapist is inserted unto tge story
A girl scarred for life by child abuse. The images she creates are to allow herself to be happy for a short time before the evils of Pen return.
Miss Lindy her therapist tries to find some way to to rid Molly of the evil Pen. Miss Lindy goes as far as she can with that idea before she stops having therapy sessions with Molly..Little does she know that she provided Molly with some normal days.
The only real problem with this book is the telling of the therapist life that is intertwined with Molly's story. This part of the book is confusing because it jumps from present to past and its confusing to follow.
The Molly side of tge book is not too hard to folow but when tge personal life of tge therapist is inserted unto tge story
July 29, 2016
Molly is a woman with split personalities stemming from a tragic childhood. She seeks the help of a psychiatrist. A bitchy, moany, selfish psychiatrist. This story had good moments. I hated the way Lindy treated Pete. The good parts were about Molly's childhood. that could have opened the doors for a longer more detailed story. I feel like besides Lindy and Pete bickering that not much else happened. I hate giving books low ratings but at the same time I have to be honest with myself. I mean on a subject like child abuse and split personalities... so many doors could have been opened instead it was shoved into 200 pages. :( Still give it a try you might find it more enjoyable.
Read
September 26, 2015Tear jerking, heartbreaking, thought provoking and intense at times. I had a tough childhood, so I especially love the ending. Gives me hope that their are truly therapists out there who are in it for the human spirit being in repair.
Tear jerking, heartbreaking,thought provoking, and intense at times. I had a tough childhood, growing up in the system. I especially loved the happy ending. Gives me hope that there are truly therapists out there are in it to help heal the human spirit so those who are so broken may perhaps one day feel whole again.
Tear jerking, heartbreaking,thought provoking, and intense at times. I had a tough childhood, growing up in the system. I especially loved the happy ending. Gives me hope that there are truly therapists out there are in it to help heal the human spirit so those who are so broken may perhaps one day feel whole again.
January 9, 2017
I read this book in its entirety because it was easy, and I simply wanted to know the ending. But the writing and proofreading is awful, lots of errors and actual plot holes, timing was off on some details, and the characters seem very simple and immature in their development. It's my first download for a kindle, maybe that's how the $2.99 sale books get their price? I would think a writer would be proud of the work they've created, but this person doesn't seem to care. Don't waste your time, pay full price on a better book.
May 20, 2016
Interesting perspextive
I enjoyed this story more so than the few others that I have read by this author. The story did have a good twist and the perspective of the therapist trying to figure out her role in the loss of her patient was interesting. The conclusion was decent except for one or two pieces-how things worked out with the men in her (Lindy's) life. Otherwise, good and easy read.
I enjoyed this story more so than the few others that I have read by this author. The story did have a good twist and the perspective of the therapist trying to figure out her role in the loss of her patient was interesting. The conclusion was decent except for one or two pieces-how things worked out with the men in her (Lindy's) life. Otherwise, good and easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews