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Which Child: The Sensational Psychological Thriller
The unputdownable debut psychological thriller about a seemingly perfect crime
Sarah has four identical daughters. Rose, Daisy, Violet, and Poppy wear coloured ribbons to tell them apart.
Unless, of course – girls will be girls – they have a bit of fun by swapping them. Without their ribbons, not even their own mother knows who is who.
One day, when the girls are four years old, Sarah is threatened. A jealous, childless woman wants to take Daisy. Her mother has no choice but to give her up.
Years pass and she is almost forgotten. Until the kids are accused of shoplifting and one of them identifies as Daisy.
It won’t be the only crime. Soon it escalates to murder. But which child is the killer?
WHICH CHILD is the debut psychological thriller novel by Australian author Shane Spyre.
If you like mysteries that keep you guessing, you’ll love this creepy, unsettling novel full of mind-blowing twists, brought to you by the publisher of bestselling thriller writers Vanessa Garbin and Anna Willett.
Sarah has four identical daughters. Rose, Daisy, Violet, and Poppy wear coloured ribbons to tell them apart.
Unless, of course – girls will be girls – they have a bit of fun by swapping them. Without their ribbons, not even their own mother knows who is who.
One day, when the girls are four years old, Sarah is threatened. A jealous, childless woman wants to take Daisy. Her mother has no choice but to give her up.
Years pass and she is almost forgotten. Until the kids are accused of shoplifting and one of them identifies as Daisy.
It won’t be the only crime. Soon it escalates to murder. But which child is the killer?
WHICH CHILD is the debut psychological thriller novel by Australian author Shane Spyre.
If you like mysteries that keep you guessing, you’ll love this creepy, unsettling novel full of mind-blowing twists, brought to you by the publisher of bestselling thriller writers Vanessa Garbin and Anna Willett.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2024
313 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc (Advance Reader Copy) of Which Child by Shane Spyre. Well this was a surprise. The premise sounded really good but the book itself was very confusing and odd. It jumped around a lot and it was very hard to follow at times. I was ready to pack it in many times but I persevered. I really can't say that I would recommend this one to others. I don't like to give negative reviews but it was a very difficult read.
March 25, 2024
4.5 Stars!!
“Four identical sisters. One is missing. One is a killer.”
Such an intriguing read! This one will keep you guessing until the end and you will just want to keep reading to figure it all out! And talk about unreliable characters!
Some of it was a bit far-fetched, but I still loved it. It was a clever premise and if you enjoy books with creepy children you can’t trust, then this one is for you.
The writing flowed well and the pacing was great- I flew through it!
I recommend checking out this debut psychological novel!🖤
Thank you @the_book_folks for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
“Four identical sisters. One is missing. One is a killer.”
Such an intriguing read! This one will keep you guessing until the end and you will just want to keep reading to figure it all out! And talk about unreliable characters!
Some of it was a bit far-fetched, but I still loved it. It was a clever premise and if you enjoy books with creepy children you can’t trust, then this one is for you.
The writing flowed well and the pacing was great- I flew through it!
I recommend checking out this debut psychological novel!🖤
Thank you @the_book_folks for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
March 4, 2024
This book is difficult to review - mainly because its a book of two halves.
I immediately got engrossed into this book. Super interesting, and super intriguing. I was hooked and wanted to know what on earth was going on. However - a little over the half way point, this book took a weird turn!! It became even more far fetched than it already was. I could handle a little bit of nuttiness - but it just turned weird.
Plus, with all the different plot twists and the girls 'swapping identities' constantly, it was a all a bit too confusing.
This book started off being a 5* - but the more it went on, the more it just lost the plot, literally!
I immediately got engrossed into this book. Super interesting, and super intriguing. I was hooked and wanted to know what on earth was going on. However - a little over the half way point, this book took a weird turn!! It became even more far fetched than it already was. I could handle a little bit of nuttiness - but it just turned weird.
Plus, with all the different plot twists and the girls 'swapping identities' constantly, it was a all a bit too confusing.
This book started off being a 5* - but the more it went on, the more it just lost the plot, literally!
March 28, 2024
Well this was one heck of a crazy, mixed up mash of deceit, double crossing and duplicity. My head was spinning with the plot lines leaping all over the place and trying to work out who to believe. You’ll definitely need to concentrate with this one as the swapping of identities really messed with my head and by the end I really didn’t have a clue what was going on. I finished the book none the wiser.
Well written with an interesting concept - and very creepy children, this is a book to challenge yourself with. Personally for me, it was a little too confusing but those with a more focused mind may think differently!
Well written with an interesting concept - and very creepy children, this is a book to challenge yourself with. Personally for me, it was a little too confusing but those with a more focused mind may think differently!
March 1, 2024
This stunning debut psychological thriller is an absolute belter. It amply compliments the recent boom in top notch Australian noir. I envisage it finding a place on lots of 'best reads of 2024' lists.
Every so often a writer comes along who completely rejuvenates a tired or over crowded genre. Colin Dexter did it with the Inspector Morse novels. More recently M.W. Craven did it with Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw. Now, Shane Spyre gives us the most original and compelling psychological thriller in living memory.
The characterisation is clever and crafty, and the plot twists and turns at a relentless pace of shock and reveal.
What an amazing curtain raiser for a literary career. I can't wait for Shane's next book.
Every so often a writer comes along who completely rejuvenates a tired or over crowded genre. Colin Dexter did it with the Inspector Morse novels. More recently M.W. Craven did it with Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw. Now, Shane Spyre gives us the most original and compelling psychological thriller in living memory.
The characterisation is clever and crafty, and the plot twists and turns at a relentless pace of shock and reveal.
What an amazing curtain raiser for a literary career. I can't wait for Shane's next book.
February 28, 2024
Wow! I don't even know if that's a good wow or a bad one hahaha. This book has soooo much going on it made my head spin! I loved the premise, it was so original and I was so intrigued to see how the story would play out. It's well written and certainly well plotted out. The twists and turns just keep on coming. This isn't a book you skim as you're multitasking, you really need to focus or you'll end up super confused but I was so invested that absolutely everything else could wait! It's just..... wow!!
February 22, 2024
"Which Child" by Shane Spyre is a gripping psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With its intriguing premise and expertly crafted twists, this debut novel delivers a chilling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Spyre's skillful narration keeps the reader hooked from the first page, weaving a complex web of deception, suspicion, and betrayal. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own motivations and secrets, adding layers of complexity to the story. As suspicions mount and the stakes rise, the true identity of the killer remains elusive, leaving readers guessing until the final, spine-tingling conclusion.
Definitely a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy being kept on the edge of their seats. With its eerie atmosphere, clever plot twists, and immersive storytelling, this novel will haunt you long after you've turned the last page.
Spyre's skillful narration keeps the reader hooked from the first page, weaving a complex web of deception, suspicion, and betrayal. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own motivations and secrets, adding layers of complexity to the story. As suspicions mount and the stakes rise, the true identity of the killer remains elusive, leaving readers guessing until the final, spine-tingling conclusion.
Definitely a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy being kept on the edge of their seats. With its eerie atmosphere, clever plot twists, and immersive storytelling, this novel will haunt you long after you've turned the last page.
February 22, 2024
This was a very unique read, so many secrets and lies and filled with creepy characters. It was a really great debut psychological novel.I felt like I was on a rollercoaster, and boy, did I enjoy the journey.
I am looking forward to reading more from this exciting new author.
Thanks to Netgalley and The Book Folks for the ARC.
I am looking forward to reading more from this exciting new author.
Thanks to Netgalley and The Book Folks for the ARC.
February 18, 2024
I found this book very confusing and strange. I was not believable at all. The story line jumped around a lot.
A story of 4 girls one who gets kidnapped but no one really seems to do anything. 4 years later after any trace of her has been erased from life a dead girl surfaces who brings everything back to life.
I can’t really say I would recommend this book at all. I wasn’t very impressed with anything in the book. But that is just my personal opinion.
A story of 4 girls one who gets kidnapped but no one really seems to do anything. 4 years later after any trace of her has been erased from life a dead girl surfaces who brings everything back to life.
I can’t really say I would recommend this book at all. I wasn’t very impressed with anything in the book. But that is just my personal opinion.
March 29, 2024
This one started off strong, but kind of went off the rails the farther you went into it. I loved the concept, and there weee some great twists. But the. It started to get unbelievable. I try to suspend reality when I’m reading, but if it includes police procedures that are unrealistic, it is hard to reconcile with the story. Add in some plot holes and this turned from an unbelievable thriller (in a good way) to an unrealistic version that impedes the reading. It does have some good bones though, and I’m glad I read it.
She had identical quadruplets. That is until one day when she was at the park with them, a woman held her at gunpoint and demanded she give her one of them or everyone would get hurt. She told the girls that the one they remember was an imaginary friend, but years later she turns up dead. And one of the girls was photographed with her. They all claim innocence, but someone killed her. The only problem is, absolutely no one can tell them apart from each other.
Thank you to The Book Folks for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
She had identical quadruplets. That is until one day when she was at the park with them, a woman held her at gunpoint and demanded she give her one of them or everyone would get hurt. She told the girls that the one they remember was an imaginary friend, but years later she turns up dead. And one of the girls was photographed with her. They all claim innocence, but someone killed her. The only problem is, absolutely no one can tell them apart from each other.
Thank you to The Book Folks for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
February 15, 2024
I read this book in one sitting. It kept me up last night. Don’t miss out on this book. I highly recommend this to Thriller lovers.
The book is so messed up, unputdownable, mind blowing and unsettling. There are four Identical sisters and Mrs Greene had to give one of her child to a childless woman. Daisy was only four years old when Mrs Greene asked her to sit in a strange woman’s car. Since then she is keeping a secret from Rose, Poppy and Violet. Now seven years later, detective comes and tells her that two of her daughters were found shoplifting and one is the killer among them and one is missing. Since they are identical, it’s hard to figure out who is the killer and who is missing. But the mystery gets deep when Lily comes from nowhere. It makes their parents think If there was a fifth daughter.
The narration is gripping. The writing is compelling. In the midst of lies, deception and secrets, It’s becoming hard to differentiate between truth and a lie. The book has twists and turns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. After reading each one of their confession, It became chaotic for me but one of my assumption was right. The ending was so messed up and unpredictable.
Thank you Author, Publisher and Netgalley
The book is so messed up, unputdownable, mind blowing and unsettling. There are four Identical sisters and Mrs Greene had to give one of her child to a childless woman. Daisy was only four years old when Mrs Greene asked her to sit in a strange woman’s car. Since then she is keeping a secret from Rose, Poppy and Violet. Now seven years later, detective comes and tells her that two of her daughters were found shoplifting and one is the killer among them and one is missing. Since they are identical, it’s hard to figure out who is the killer and who is missing. But the mystery gets deep when Lily comes from nowhere. It makes their parents think If there was a fifth daughter.
The narration is gripping. The writing is compelling. In the midst of lies, deception and secrets, It’s becoming hard to differentiate between truth and a lie. The book has twists and turns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. After reading each one of their confession, It became chaotic for me but one of my assumption was right. The ending was so messed up and unpredictable.
Thank you Author, Publisher and Netgalley
March 30, 2024
The story:
When her children are 4-years old, Sarah Greene is forced at gun point to make an unthinkable choice. Which of her four identical daughters is she prepared to give up?
Seven years later, a body is found. A body with the face of one of Sarah’s daughters. But what has happened to her since that terrible day at the park? And why are her remaining children lying to her?
My thoughts:
“Which Child” is the debut novel of author Shane Spyre and the story certainly hits the ground running!
The book is divided into six parts, each telling the story from a different characters’ point of view.
Part one begins with a 4-year-old child, one of four identical sisters Violet, Rose, Poppy and Daisy (only distinguishable by the colour of the ribbon in their hair), being taken from her mother by force. After 7 years, the siblings have (apparently) forgotten Daisy. But when mother Sarah is called to the police station to identify a body, her carefully constructed lie to her remaining children comes crashing down.
In subsequent sections we hear first from Jessica Hart, the deeply unpleasant girlfriend of the girls’ father Nicholas; followed by police detective Ashley Irvine, brought in to investigate the death of the fourth sibling; and finally from each of the remaining siblings — Violet, Rose and Poppy.
At various points along this story I thought I knew what was going on, only for the author to completely up-end everything in the next moment… I felt like I needed to draw a diagram to keep track of which sister said what, and when and why! By the end I think I know what happened (or at least, I think I know what I think!), but this plot goes beyond twisting to tie the reader up in actual knots!
Overall, this story was outrageous, gripping and the ending left me questioning everything I’d read. For fans of psychological thrillers, this one will really keep you guessing!
When her children are 4-years old, Sarah Greene is forced at gun point to make an unthinkable choice. Which of her four identical daughters is she prepared to give up?
Seven years later, a body is found. A body with the face of one of Sarah’s daughters. But what has happened to her since that terrible day at the park? And why are her remaining children lying to her?
My thoughts:
“Which Child” is the debut novel of author Shane Spyre and the story certainly hits the ground running!
The book is divided into six parts, each telling the story from a different characters’ point of view.
Part one begins with a 4-year-old child, one of four identical sisters Violet, Rose, Poppy and Daisy (only distinguishable by the colour of the ribbon in their hair), being taken from her mother by force. After 7 years, the siblings have (apparently) forgotten Daisy. But when mother Sarah is called to the police station to identify a body, her carefully constructed lie to her remaining children comes crashing down.
In subsequent sections we hear first from Jessica Hart, the deeply unpleasant girlfriend of the girls’ father Nicholas; followed by police detective Ashley Irvine, brought in to investigate the death of the fourth sibling; and finally from each of the remaining siblings — Violet, Rose and Poppy.
At various points along this story I thought I knew what was going on, only for the author to completely up-end everything in the next moment… I felt like I needed to draw a diagram to keep track of which sister said what, and when and why! By the end I think I know what happened (or at least, I think I know what I think!), but this plot goes beyond twisting to tie the reader up in actual knots!
Overall, this story was outrageous, gripping and the ending left me questioning everything I’d read. For fans of psychological thrillers, this one will really keep you guessing!
February 26, 2024
summary: this is a tale about four sisters. one of them is missing, and one of them is a murderer. can you figure out which one is which?
footnotes: this book is broken up into six sections, and has a multi pov style. the sisters are daisy, rose, violet and poppy. all of the sisters wear flowers in their hair to tell themselves apart, because otherwise they are identical. of course, the sisters can tell each other apart, right?
thoughts: I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. the plot was full of twists and turns, and i could never guess what was going to happen next. the process of reading this book quite literally consumed my entire being. as someone who can usually figure out the plot of thrillers, this book was absolutely shocking to me, i could not for the life of me figure out what happened. all of the sisters were extremely developed and had their own personality. each side character that was brought in felt like a main character because they were given time in the plot as well as major character development. i could relate to each and every character in some way or the other. the writing of the book overall flowed together really well, and it was super quick to get through. there were more nuanced and complex themes woven into the book, and the author did so with care, and real writing talent. the ending left me absolutely baffled, and i'm still trying to piece together what happened, days after reading it.
would 100% recommend to someone who wants a thriller that will keep them up at night, and has themes of family, and sisterhood woven in.
footnotes: this book is broken up into six sections, and has a multi pov style. the sisters are daisy, rose, violet and poppy. all of the sisters wear flowers in their hair to tell themselves apart, because otherwise they are identical. of course, the sisters can tell each other apart, right?
thoughts: I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. the plot was full of twists and turns, and i could never guess what was going to happen next. the process of reading this book quite literally consumed my entire being. as someone who can usually figure out the plot of thrillers, this book was absolutely shocking to me, i could not for the life of me figure out what happened. all of the sisters were extremely developed and had their own personality. each side character that was brought in felt like a main character because they were given time in the plot as well as major character development. i could relate to each and every character in some way or the other. the writing of the book overall flowed together really well, and it was super quick to get through. there were more nuanced and complex themes woven into the book, and the author did so with care, and real writing talent. the ending left me absolutely baffled, and i'm still trying to piece together what happened, days after reading it.
would 100% recommend to someone who wants a thriller that will keep them up at night, and has themes of family, and sisterhood woven in.
April 9, 2024
So I actually enjoyed this book, there were plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and just when you thought you knew what was going on there would be a plot twist. My only gripe would be that the timeline was impossible to follow. It reads very fast paced as if everything is happening at once but then you’ll find out it’s been “x” amount of years since a particular event and at the end of the book I still couldn’t understand what happened when. Didn’t knock a star off as it didn’t stop me enjoying the book.
June 1, 2024
in for a rollercoaster of a book
This has made every other book I have read in the last year pale in comparison. Every time I thought I knew where the book was going, another twist waited to keep me addicted. Thank you for the enjoyable story that just makes me what to read it all over again and again.
This has made every other book I have read in the last year pale in comparison. Every time I thought I knew where the book was going, another twist waited to keep me addicted. Thank you for the enjoyable story that just makes me what to read it all over again and again.
August 22, 2024
2/5
This book was bat-$hit crazy… it started with a bang, took a left hand turn and then got really weird. All of a sudden, it became a REALLY good book but then it took sharp turn into very confusing.
I honestly felt like 1/3 of this book was written by a different author and plopped in. It was easy to follow (given the concept) and I was totally engrossed. Then it just got goofy and confusing again, only to just turn to $hit in the last couple of pages.
Am I glad I read it? No, I’m actually pretty annoyed at what a mess it was.
Would I recommend it? Heck no 😂🤣
This book was bat-$hit crazy… it started with a bang, took a left hand turn and then got really weird. All of a sudden, it became a REALLY good book but then it took sharp turn into very confusing.
I honestly felt like 1/3 of this book was written by a different author and plopped in. It was easy to follow (given the concept) and I was totally engrossed. Then it just got goofy and confusing again, only to just turn to $hit in the last couple of pages.
Am I glad I read it? No, I’m actually pretty annoyed at what a mess it was.
Would I recommend it? Heck no 😂🤣
February 28, 2024
Okay, this was twisted as hell. Not only each chapter reveals something, but also every character is interesting and suspicious as well. Not to mention the triplets, quadruplets? quintuplets? Well, a real whirlwind. Highly recommended!
March 8, 2024
" Four Identical Sisters. One is missing. One is a Killer."
5 ⭐ Wow!!! This book was so good!! I am still in shock and will likely be thinking about this book for years to come. This book has twists on twists, unreliable characters, sinister/creepy children, messed up adults, and so many lies/secrets.
This book follows the lives of 3 identical sister's (Violet, Rose, and Poppy) and there lives after their other sister, Daisy, was taken. We then learn one is a killer, but which one.
There were so many turns to this book that kept me guessing the whole time and really engaged. There are some trigger warnings. that I don't want to divulge because it may give away some spoilers, but please look them up prior to reading if they will bother you.
Overall, I really liked this book and will be reading more from this author to come!!!
5 ⭐ Wow!!! This book was so good!! I am still in shock and will likely be thinking about this book for years to come. This book has twists on twists, unreliable characters, sinister/creepy children, messed up adults, and so many lies/secrets.
This book follows the lives of 3 identical sister's (Violet, Rose, and Poppy) and there lives after their other sister, Daisy, was taken. We then learn one is a killer, but which one.
There were so many turns to this book that kept me guessing the whole time and really engaged. There are some trigger warnings. that I don't want to divulge because it may give away some spoilers, but please look them up prior to reading if they will bother you.
Overall, I really liked this book and will be reading more from this author to come!!!
April 1, 2025
Hard to describe exactly how bad this book is. I finished it out of stubbornness. Really poor writing, interesting premise poorly executed, in some respects a police procedural but with no concept of police procedures (has the author ever even *read* a decent thriller?). One of the worst.
March 10, 2024
Awful
Absolute tosh. Save your money and time. The story is farcical. I had high hopes for it, but unfortunately, the plot and characters do not work.
Absolute tosh. Save your money and time. The story is farcical. I had high hopes for it, but unfortunately, the plot and characters do not work.
August 14, 2024
Title: Which Child
Author: Shane Spyre
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This is a deliciously twisted psychological thriller that had me questioning everything—and everyone—until the very last page.
Picture this: Sarah, a mother of four identical daughters—Rose, Daisy, Violet, and Poppy—relies on coloured ribbons to tell them apart. But kids will be kids, and the girls love nothing more than swapping their ribbons to play tricks on their poor, unsuspecting mother. The problem? Without those ribbons, not even Sarah can tell her daughters apart.
The story takes a dark turn when Sarah is forced to give up one of her daughters, Daisy, to a jealous, childless woman.
Fast forward several years, and the girls’ seemingly innocent ribbon-swapping games take on a sinister edge when a shoplifting accusation leads one of the girls to claim she’s Daisy. But is she really? And when the crimes escalate to murder, the question becomes even more chilling: which child is the killer?
Spyre masterfully spins a web of suspense and confusion, leaving you feeling as lost as Sarah herself. The narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions, with every twist and turn throwing you deeper into a maze of uncertainty. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story takes another sharp curve, leaving you breathless and second-guessing every character’s motives.
The tension builds to an explosive climax that I absolutely did not see coming!
The ending is the kind of jaw-dropping twist that made me want to go back and re-read the whole book to see what clues I missed.
Which Child is a thrilling ride from start to finish, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers who love a story that keeps them guessing until the very end. Spyre’s debut is a dark, gripping tale of identity, jealousy, and the terrifying power of secrets within a family.
Besties…you’re in for a wild ride!
Read
March 28, 2024When I read the blurb for the one, I was sold immediately and couldn't wait to hop on the tour.
When it came time to read the book, it did start off strong. With me whizzing through the first few chapters. However, the more I read, the more I struggled.
There's. No denying that the plot and ideas behind the storyline are unique and make for a great story. But unfortunately for me, the execution of it didn't really translate to the story I read.
It is definitely a rollercoaster read, with twists and turns galore. But the story quickly felt convoluted. Leaving me with a real sense of discombobulation. There wasn't consistency in the timeline, and it kept flipping back and forth in time and from character to character. Which added to my confusion and wonder of where the story was headed and the purpose behind it. I also struggled with the character development, and that, coupled with some real holes in the police procedures, investigations, and flow of storyline. Made it hard to relate to and the ability to find it believable.
Although the ending did answer some questions I had. It didn't feel like a natural or satisfying ending and didn't outweigh the confusion and inconsistency I felt whilst reading it.
I always try to be honest in my reviews and I'm also a strong believer in the idea that no two people ever read the same story. So I'm sure that my thoughts and perceptions will almost undoubtedly be different from others.
I really do think that the plotline has brilliant potential. Especially with regards to its uniqueness. I just don't feel like it quite delivered with its structure and execution.
When it came time to read the book, it did start off strong. With me whizzing through the first few chapters. However, the more I read, the more I struggled.
There's. No denying that the plot and ideas behind the storyline are unique and make for a great story. But unfortunately for me, the execution of it didn't really translate to the story I read.
It is definitely a rollercoaster read, with twists and turns galore. But the story quickly felt convoluted. Leaving me with a real sense of discombobulation. There wasn't consistency in the timeline, and it kept flipping back and forth in time and from character to character. Which added to my confusion and wonder of where the story was headed and the purpose behind it. I also struggled with the character development, and that, coupled with some real holes in the police procedures, investigations, and flow of storyline. Made it hard to relate to and the ability to find it believable.
Although the ending did answer some questions I had. It didn't feel like a natural or satisfying ending and didn't outweigh the confusion and inconsistency I felt whilst reading it.
I always try to be honest in my reviews and I'm also a strong believer in the idea that no two people ever read the same story. So I'm sure that my thoughts and perceptions will almost undoubtedly be different from others.
I really do think that the plotline has brilliant potential. Especially with regards to its uniqueness. I just don't feel like it quite delivered with its structure and execution.
February 24, 2024
Mrs Greene and her husband have four young daughters who are identical. Daisy, Violet, Poppy and Rose can only be told apart by the ribbons their mother puts in their hair - so, whenever they decide to play around with the ribbons, it's anyone's guess which girl is which!
When one of the children, Daisy, is taken away by force from Mrs Greene - by a childless woman who has her heart set on having one - she feels she has little choice but to hope that the family can continue to move forward as best as it can without her.
But that is not the end of the story. Fast forward a few years and there is everything from children shoplifting, to going missing, to murder on Mrs Greene's complicated horizon. Only one thing remains constant - the difficulty in determining which of the girls committed which of these acts!
Shane Spyre's debut novel has an intriguing concept at its heart. But parts of the book are confusing, and not entirely credible. This is a book best read in a couple of sittings - and if that is done, then it does have some bizarre and exciting story elements to offer the thriller reader.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
When one of the children, Daisy, is taken away by force from Mrs Greene - by a childless woman who has her heart set on having one - she feels she has little choice but to hope that the family can continue to move forward as best as it can without her.
But that is not the end of the story. Fast forward a few years and there is everything from children shoplifting, to going missing, to murder on Mrs Greene's complicated horizon. Only one thing remains constant - the difficulty in determining which of the girls committed which of these acts!
Shane Spyre's debut novel has an intriguing concept at its heart. But parts of the book are confusing, and not entirely credible. This is a book best read in a couple of sittings - and if that is done, then it does have some bizarre and exciting story elements to offer the thriller reader.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 1, 2024
Shane Spyre's "Which Child" initially grabbed me in the beginning chapters and drew me into the world of Sarah, the mom of 4 identical girls. The story kicks off with a strong premise, compelling characters, and a sense of tension that keeps the pages turning.
In the first half of the book the plot unfolds effortlessly, each revelation adding intrigue to the storyline. My curiosity built with each passing twist and it left me eagerly anticipating what would happen next!
However, the momentum of "Which Child" is unfortunately derailed halfway through the book.
Spyre seems to lose focus, introducing a multitude of new information from different prospective. Each chapter added confusion until what was once an intriguing page turner, began to unravel, leaving me struggling to keep up with the increasingly convoluted storyline.
In conclusion, "Which Child" by Shane Spyre starts with a bang but ultimately fizzles out due to the author’s attempt at keeping the readers guessing.
I am giving this novel 3 stars because I truly was so taken by the first half, that I absolutely could not put it down.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and The Book Folks for the ARC
In the first half of the book the plot unfolds effortlessly, each revelation adding intrigue to the storyline. My curiosity built with each passing twist and it left me eagerly anticipating what would happen next!
However, the momentum of "Which Child" is unfortunately derailed halfway through the book.
Spyre seems to lose focus, introducing a multitude of new information from different prospective. Each chapter added confusion until what was once an intriguing page turner, began to unravel, leaving me struggling to keep up with the increasingly convoluted storyline.
In conclusion, "Which Child" by Shane Spyre starts with a bang but ultimately fizzles out due to the author’s attempt at keeping the readers guessing.
I am giving this novel 3 stars because I truly was so taken by the first half, that I absolutely could not put it down.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and The Book Folks for the ARC
February 20, 2024
"Which Child" by Shayne Spyre is his debut thriller that tells the story of Sarah who has four identical daughters. Rose, Daisy, Violet, and Poppy wear colored ribbons to tell them apart. The daughters, when they are four years old, are separated from each other by an envious childless woman. After many years, the three sisters are accused of various crimes such as shoplifting and later on murder.
The book is based on an interesting concept, but the development in the book feels somewhat dull. The characters are not well-developed and they are very difficult to like. The suspense about the identity of the sister who committed the murder is built in a rather confusing manner. The writing and character development are a bit weak, but the plot is interesting and you may find yourself sticking with it to find out which child is the murderer. On the whole, I really wanted to like this book, but the book ended up just being a mediocre read for me.
Thank you to The Book Folks, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
The book is based on an interesting concept, but the development in the book feels somewhat dull. The characters are not well-developed and they are very difficult to like. The suspense about the identity of the sister who committed the murder is built in a rather confusing manner. The writing and character development are a bit weak, but the plot is interesting and you may find yourself sticking with it to find out which child is the murderer. On the whole, I really wanted to like this book, but the book ended up just being a mediocre read for me.
Thank you to The Book Folks, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
April 3, 2024
What a tangled web of deceit and lies that ultimately leads to a spate of murders. This psychological thriller is based around a set of quadruplets. At four years old, four become three, when one of the children is abducted. Years later, she resurfaces, but what really happened that day all those years ago and who was to blame. The story is told from the multiple perspectives of all the girls, which becomes more confusing when they exchange identities and pretend to be another sibling. The perspectives could become a little confusing at times. It definitely kept me reading and guessing. The story took a few dark turns and ultimately revealed a turbulent and traumatic past. If you like your thrillers complex and twisted, this is the book for you. #whichchild #shanespyre #thebookfolks
February 18, 2024
Sarah and her husband have four identical daughters. Until Sarah is forced at gunpoint to give one of them away.
Years later, the taken child is found dead in an alley. One of the others is guilty of killing her. But which one?
Nope. Sorry, this novel is just too confusing for my tastes.
I didn't find it well written, or gripping.
The dialogue is stilted, and it is hard to keep up with the story when there is another child that is introduced, never mind the girls swapping identities.
I didn't like it, but some people will love this complicated novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and The Book Folks for the opportunity to read this book.
Years later, the taken child is found dead in an alley. One of the others is guilty of killing her. But which one?
Nope. Sorry, this novel is just too confusing for my tastes.
I didn't find it well written, or gripping.
The dialogue is stilted, and it is hard to keep up with the story when there is another child that is introduced, never mind the girls swapping identities.
I didn't like it, but some people will love this complicated novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and The Book Folks for the opportunity to read this book.
May 26, 2024
The plot had so much potential. I understand the writing style of jumping to different characters POV but this plot was way to complex for that style of writing, specifically when it was the perspective of the little girls. The girls already made identity tracking within the plot pretty complex.
I enjoyed the plot and writing but it was extremely difficult to follow along. I ended up getting lost and I started looking for the plot online in hopes of having some kind of guide on what exactly is happening but I couldn’t find anything.
I enjoyed the plot and writing but it was extremely difficult to follow along. I ended up getting lost and I started looking for the plot online in hopes of having some kind of guide on what exactly is happening but I couldn’t find anything.
March 28, 2024
A thoroughly engrossing thriller! I loved the mind-bending plot and the shift between character perspectives. Each character had a distinct voice that really drew me into the story and kept me wanting more. I always enjoy a thriller that takes unexpected turns and Which Child didn’t disappoint!
May 22, 2024
Almost too involved
Although this is a fast paced story, it seems that the story could have been told just as effectively with a lot less words. I have read both of Mr. Spyre’s novels and enjoyed them. I hope that if he writes another novel, he will not continue with the mistaken identities of children theme that he seems to be stuck in at this point.
Although this is a fast paced story, it seems that the story could have been told just as effectively with a lot less words. I have read both of Mr. Spyre’s novels and enjoyed them. I hope that if he writes another novel, he will not continue with the mistaken identities of children theme that he seems to be stuck in at this point.
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