The Stolen Girls

Detective Bec Pope Mysteries #2

by Jez Pinfold

Eight years ago, three girls went missing.

Only one was found. Dead.

Her body dumped in the street. No drag marks, no blood.

It was Detective Bec Pope’s first case. And she has never given up hope of finding the others alive.

Now. A young woman stands in the doorway of the police station, silhouetted against the fierce sunlight.

‘Help me,’ she asks Bec.

Her pale yellow dress is drenched in blood.

But it isn’t hers.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2024

Reviews

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book surrounding a difficult topic! A young lady shows up at the police department covered in blood, but doesn’t remember anything. Is she faking amnesia? Where did she come from? Whose blood is it? What happened?

There were twists and turns throughout the story, just enough to keep me engrossed. I really was invested and wanted to know what happened to the young lady that showed up at the police station covered in blood. I loved this story, and the plot, along with the characters, kept me flipping pages every chance I could. I do wish there was more character development. I would love more depth to Bec and her partner, Brody.

This is book two in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. I immediately went and started book one after enjoying this one so much.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[BooksAsDreams (Tiffany) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to give context to the two star rating. If you want to read a crime mystery with a good concept that is fairly fast moving, then read this book. It’s the second in the series (I have not read the first).

The characters were a bit too static (not enough depth). The writing was redundant and repetitive. The unimportant parts were told again and again and the times to go deep into theme or character seemed overlooked.

[Rachna Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is well-written and is really twisty and gripping. It is a quick and easy read. The characters were great, plot-line was good and the premise was captivating. I enjoyed it.

Overall, it was a nice book and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read or as a palate cleanser.

Thank you NetGalley, Joffe Books, and Jez Pinfold for this arc copy!

[Sylvia Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Stolen Girls by Jez Pinfold
#thevisit
#jezpinfold


3.5rounded up
Rating 3 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟
https://instagram.com/sylv.iareads?ig...
Www.goodreads.com/dsamuel48samgmailcom

My review
A woman covered in blood has literally fallen into Detective Popes arms. The woman is rushed to the hospital. She is skittish and has no memory of who she is and where she has come from. There were three other girls linked to the case. Taken at the same time, from the same area.
These girls are told they are going on an adventure to a house filled with love. They are free spirits and free thinkers. But why do the doors have locks, and they can not communicate with the outside world
There are also secret meetings with the girls. What happens in these meetings?
A man is found dead once Pope finds out where Alice has come from and goes there to seek answers.
Who is this dead man. What is Alice not telling the police about where she has come from
What does this dead man have to do with Alice
Was she in a cult and finally escaped, or is she a killer and killed in cold blood

[Darlene Eberhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more. I’m one who craves the burn through, edge of your seat page turners and from page one this was a gripping story. There are many references to the first in the series so I do feel that to understand the main character more that I will go back and read the first book, but even with the references to the first book this one is fine as a stand alone. It touches just enough on difficult situations without giving too much information to make it cringe worthy. I love how you are trying to guess right along with the detectives whether they are being told the truth or fed lies. The story keeps to the main plot without twists but keeps you fully invested until the end

[Katie Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and I have to say that I really enjoyed this book! I have been picky and dropped a star purely for the fact that some of the chapters were a little long, switching POV mid chapter. But that is personal opinion! In regards to the story, I absolutely loved the story and it had me gasping at different points throughout the book and I even felt a little sad too! 😳😢 I would definitely recommend this book as a crime reader!
For context, this follows a detective (as part of a series) and a girl shows up at the police station with amnesia, covered in blood, but what happened to her?

❤ BOOK RELEASES 2ND MAY - AVAILABLE ON KU ❤

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic! I wasn't able to predict how this was going to end which was nice. The pacing is good. I haven't read the first book in the series but I was still able to understand this story pretty well. I would recommend this if you enjoy thrillers! Special Thank You to Jez Pinfold, Joffe Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really didn’t see that coming, such a great story on a really hard topic. This had minor twists and turns but they were just enough to make this so a great book. I’m excited to see what’s next for Jez.

[Cristio Cornman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was entertaining enough. I did feel there was a lack of character development. The MFC was very repetitive with regards to her home life, she thought the same idea over and over and there was no resolution to that. Her feelings toward her boss was once again very repetitive. I feel like Instead of delving deeper into the characters, the same ideas were just repeated. I would have liked to see more fleshed out with regards to the oldest child. The family was gone for half of the book and then they just pop up out of nowhere. It seemed like an afterthought.

I would have loved if there were more views into the collective. Maybe the author was uncomfortable writing about graphic abuse but it didn’t feel detailed enough to have strong feelings for the victims. There were enough details on the bad parts of their lives at all to empathize with them.

Over all the plot was enjoyable if not a little predictable.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars*
The Stolen Girls is the second book in the Detective Bec Pope mystery series and it was definitely an entertaining, quick read. The pacing was quite good, and there were enough twists and turns to keep you engaged and entertained.

Bec Pope is the main character in the series and is the detective in charge of the case. And while I enjoyed the characters, I didn't feel there was much depth to them nor did I feel like there was much character development. In fact, Bec drove me somewhat crazy with some of the decisions she made and I kept waiting for someone to overrule her and tell her it wasn't safe, but everyone just went along with her decisions. Oh, some of he characters argued with her, but everyone eventually gave way, placing people in serious danger, hence the drop in my overall rating. I just couldn't fathom the Chief of Police agreeing to some of the things she wanted. She is haunted by an episode at the beginning of her career, something that is actually relevant to what is occurring in this book, but it doesn't excuse her actions. I did like how the author incorporates the difficulties her job has on her relationships as well as on her mental wellness though.

The pacing is good in the story and I enjoyed the overall story, especially how the past can catch up to you and create problems in the present, a sort of karma, if you will. There were some twists and turns, and even though I found them kind of predictable, it was still fun to see the characters' reactions as they discovered what was really going on. Because I found the character development lacking, I didn't really empathize with them too much; in fact, I grew annoyed with some of Bec's decisions and how she spoke to some of her co-workers, resulting in consequences that were tragic. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. Because this was the second book in the series, and events carried from the first book, there were quite a few things going on in this book, a lot of which were left hanging at the end of the book. I did feel there was some conclusion, but the author is definitely intending to continue some concepts in the future books.

The Stolen Girls was an entertaining and quick read, but I am not a fan of books where so many threads are going to continue in future books, especially in mystery books. I know it may just be a personal thing, but I feel like I should be able to pick up a book in a mystery series and be able to have some sense of what is happening, but in this one, while you could get away with it, having read the first book gives you a better understanding of what is happening here. The twists and turn were good, if predictable, and while I would like to see more character development, it was still a fun mystery. There were a lot of things that were left hanging however, things that will continue in future books, and I am not sure if I am crazy about that. However, I will definitely pick up the third book when it releases.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[John Purvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second publication by author Jez Pinfold (https://www.jezpinfold.com). The Stolen Girls was published in 2024 and it is the second novel in his Detective Bec Pope Mysteries series. It is the 40th book I completed reading in 2024.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.

It had been eight years since three young girls went missing. Only one body was ever found. Now, a young woman has walked into Charing Cross police station where Detective Bec Pope is stationed. She is covered in blood but claims to have no memory of what happened to her.

The original disappearance had been one of Pope’s first cases. It has never been solved, and Pope cannot forget it. All the memories of eight years earlier are stirred up when the bloody young woman is identified as Alice Lowrie, one of the missing girls.

Pope is not comfortable with Lowrie’s claim of total amnesia. It seems too convenient. As she and her team dig into the case, they uncover unusual loose ends. Another young girl is found missing. Can Pope find her before she, too, turns up dead?

I enjoyed the 6.5+ hours I spent reading this 299-page mystery. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[Siobhaan Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Jez Pinfold for providing a copy of this book for me to review prior to release.

Really engaging mystery, witty and believable characters. This was an excellent fast paced crime thriller. Set against the backdrop of London, Metropolitan police DCI Bec Pope discovers a young girl covered in blood on her way into the police station one day, but who does the blood belong to? Who is this girl? And what has happened to her? These are the questions in need of a quick answer, as we follow Pope on the investigation to catch a killer, fix her home life and maybe get a decent nights sleep if she can find the time.
Pinfold has delivered another well written, intriguing murder mystery full of hidden clues and interesting side stories. Twists in the investigation keep the reader guessing while a few well placed hints make you feel like an unofficial part of the team while you read.
Whilst I found the premise and the story developments captivating, the ending fell just a little flat for me, feeling rushed and incomplete. Perhaps this was intentional leading into another book in the series or perhaps not. For me the ending took away the 5* status I had in mind during the rest of the book.
Overall a fantastic and enjoyable read, would highly recommend to anyone looking for a speedy thrilling read.

[Reads_Must · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Stolen Girls
Thriller
Jez Pinfold
⭐️⭐️⭐️

• ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ • ᴋɪᴅɴᴀᴘᴘɪɴɢ • ᴄᴜʟᴛ •

I didn't realise that this book was the 2nd one in a series, so I felt like I was missing some details about Detective Bec Pope and her history.

I wasn't keen on the writing style. The author often explained conversations and how they went rather than letting the characters actually have the conversations.

I struggled to become engrossed in the story. Routines and activities were described in too much detail, step by step, and things seemed too repetitive.

The characters were ok, but they didn't seem to have much depth to them.

The pacing itself was quite good, and so I finished reading this book quite quickly.

I did enjoy some of the plot twists. One or two were predictable, but I didn't mind that.

I didn't find the ending very satisfying at all. There seemed to be so much left unanswered, and while I understand that the author did this to set up things for the next book, it just made me a little frustrated.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me but I'm sure other readers would like it.

*Thank you to @Netgalley, the author, and the publishers for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the beginning we see the connection between this and the previous book in the series. From the moment a young woman turns up at the police station asking Pope to help her we know that all the previous memories of Tina Waterson will return, and Pope is certain there is a connection there. Once more she takes it upon herself to act on instinct and ignore advice from her colleagues and superior. Is she being foolish or brave? This story moves at a very fast pace and I found myself reading faster to try and keep up with the action. There are loads of twists and, even when we think we can work out where the plot is taking us, we keep getting new problems thrown at us just to keep us on our toes. Towards the end tragedy strikes, which makes us take a breather but then we are straight back into the rush to catch the person responsible. All the way through Pope has to make lots of difficult choices, most of all those concerning her personal life. At the end, when the case is closed the author makes it quite clear that we haven’t heard the last of either Pope or the full conclusion of this case. I am eagerly awaiting the next in this series. Well done to Jez Pinfold for keeping me so engrossed.

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman staggers into the police station covered in blood and all but collapses into the arms of DCI Pope. What on earth has happened to her? She isn't injured but is clearly suffering mental trauma and there is enough blood to suggest something sinister has happened. When Pope finds out this is one of three girls who disappeared several years ago and the body of only one was found a short while after, her old demons of not solving the case begin to return. What on earth has happened and can Pope lay her old ghosts to rest?

This is my first book by this author and most certainly won’t be my last, I really enjoyed it. The second in the series but happily stands alone (I hadn’t read the first one- but now might change that) It's an easy read with enough to keep the grey matter ticking over but nothing too taxing. I liked Pope and her tenacity and steely determination. The personal life factors give a nice backdrop to give characters depth and the real life touch. A thoroughly enjoyable read I would highly recommend.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter (X) or Threads @nickisbookblog
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[Zoe Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author & Joffe Books for an advanced copy of this book. This is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone ( I hadn’t read the first book but certainly wish I had)

DCI Bec Pope is the main character and when a young woman covered in blood who doesn’t know her own name, collapses on Pope outside Charring Cross police station, Pope knows this case is going to be a tough one. With her partner Brody having differing opinions and more revelations linking the girl to an 8 year old case where 4 girls went missing, the pressure is on Pope and Brody. Pope is also trying to navigate her personal life, while balancing work and home. There are problems in her relationship with Alex and his daughters Hannah and Chloe that she knows she has to prioritise to fix but with the case snowballing into something much bigger time isn’t on Popes side.

The story was really good with lots of interesting plots and again I wish I had read the first book in the series. In fact I think I will go back and read book one as I will be sure to read more from this author and keep on this series.

[Beau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eight years ago, four young girls vanished; one of those girls, Tina Waterson, was found murdered shortly afterward. All of their cases remain unsolved, but when a young woman walks into Pope's station, covered in blood, and collapses, Pope gets a second chance at solving the mystery that has chased her for the better part of a decade. But is Alice Lowery the victim she presents herself as, or is she the one Pope should be wary of? 
 
I was able to read this book thanks to Netgalley, and I very much enjoyed it. I found the story to be intriguing and fun. Although some parts were a bit predictable, I enjoyed the story as a whole. I have not read the first book in this series, so some of the background story for Pope and her family were a bit confusing for me at first, but I may pick up the first book to fill in that gap and am very curious about what happens next in this story. What will happen to Alice? Where are the other girls? What is the fallout of this whole thing for Pope, personally and professionally? 

[Alyce Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this book, the second in the Detective Bec Hope series.

Bec Pope is a detective working out of the Charing Cross police station in London. Like so many women she's trying to balance her work and home life. The balance is upended one evening as she's leaving work. A young woman stumbles into her arms, covered in blood. The woman appears uninjured but has no idea where the blood has come from, or who she even is. Dogged detective work reveals she disappeared 8 years ago as a child with 3 other girls. This case will take up more and more of Bec's time as she becomes invested in searching for answers for this young woman.

It's an excellent book. I hadn't read the previous book and didn't feel I needed to in order to enjoy this book. Interesting premise, well written, likeable lead character. I did figure out fairly early on where this was going. It's a 3 out of 5 stars for me.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stolen girls by Jez Pinfold.
Detective Bec Pope Mysteries Book 2.
Eight years ago, three girls went missing. Only one was found. Dead.
Her body dumped in the street. No drag marks, no blood.
It was Detective Bec Pope’s first case. And she has never given up hope of finding the others alive.
Now. A young woman stands in the doorway of the police station, silhouetted against the fierce sunlight. ‘Help me,’ she asks Bec.
Her pale yellow dress is drenched in blood. But it isn’t hers.
I really really enjoyed this book. I am enjoying this series. I was unsure if I believed the girl or not. I did like the writing style. Twisty and gripping as I did not know who to believe. It was an easy read, and I was surprised by how quickly I read it. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

There certainly is quite a mystery to solve. It's a gripping crime mystery with some big twists in at, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. I found I was reluctant to put it down to do normal everyday things.
Although I have read and enjoyed the first book and as there are references to it, this could be read as a standalone. But it would be worth reading both to get a better feel of the characters and storyline.
On the whole, this is a well written gripping storyline and plot with strong characters and many a twist.
I would recommend this book, and I don't think anyone would be disappointed.
I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.
My thanks to Joffe books. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series but it works perfectly as a standalone. When a traumatized young woman appears before Bec, it turns out to be a missing teenager from years before. This was a case Bec was involved in where a few teenagers went missing and Alice, along with three others, were never found...until now.

This was a riveting read. Certain aspects were totally convincing and it got a bit emotional later on. The twist towards the end took me by surprise. I liked the personal side of things also and I hope to read more in this entertaining series.

My thanks to Joffe Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rebecca Pope is a dedicated police officer who is plagued by insomnia and an overactive sense of responsibility. Haunted by an earlier case she was unable to resolve, the last thing Bec expects is to have one of the girls still missing wrt that case show up unexpectedly all this time later.

That's exactly what happens though, when Alice shows up so long after she initially went missing. Where has she been all this time?

A gripping crime novel featuring an intriguing protagonist, this is one for those who enjoy a strong police procedural. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Dione · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eight years ago, Detective Bec Pope's first case was when three girls went missing and only one was found. Now a young woman shows up covered in blood and Pope is thrown back into the past all over again.

I enjoyed the overall story about what happens when the past catches up. I did feel a little unconnected to the main characters and wished for a little more character building. The story was pretty straight forward but entertaining and I'd be interested to see what happens to Pope during the next installment. A definite read!

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real Page Turner

DCI Bec Pope has always felt she missed vital evidence on her first case as a detective, even though she was not in charge of the case at the time. Three young women had disappeared, one was found dead, but no one has ever been caught. Now a young woman turns up frightened for her life and covered in blood and claiming memory loss, at Charing Cross police station, and Bec is determined not to let her down, putting her own life, and the lives of others in danger. I was gripped by this book from page one, and did not want to put it down.

[Gill Appleyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the series and would recommend reading them in order.
It started with a blood soaked woman in the police station and ended as usual with a twist.
Bec is still the same, trying to reconcile her job and a family life, which due to the previous instalment, isn’t going great to begin with.
The characters are well developed and the writing is descriptive.
I’m looking forward to reading more by Jez Pinfold
Thank you to Joffe’s Books for an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the DCI Pope series and easily read as a stand alone, although I would recommend reading the previous one as it is equally as good! it's an easy read but has unusual plotting, which I really enjoyed and I love the characterisation, especially Pope. There were a few twists, some personal insights and I loved the surprise ending. I would like to see more of Pope and hope we don't have to wait too long for her next case. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of twists and turns in this story to keep the reader guessing throughout as to whether Pope is being conned or the victim has true memory loss, and the author keeps up the pace right to the end!. The story also highlights the potential which the internet can have to lure young vulnerable people into a scenario which they did not anticipate. Great story and this is developing nicely as a series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe books for the ARC to review.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE STOLEN GIRLS by Jez Pinfold. The premise was interesting and the opening chapter was intriguing. The narrative only skimmed over the surface and became repetitive. The characters lack any depth making it difficult to engage with them. The ending was disappointing in that it left many loose threads and story lines that were not finished. However, it was an entertaining and quick read.

Thank you to the author, Joffe Books, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's always one case that sticks with you and for DCI Pope it's an unsolved murder of one girl and the abduction of three others. But this might all be about to change when Bec discovers links between the cold cases and the appearance of a girl covered in blood with no memory.
Complex, gripping and tense. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A few moments where my heart was in my mouth... but no spoilers here

[Tommy Zulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked Jez Pinfold's first book in the Bec Pope series but this one comes up short. It starts well enough but totally loses its way big time. Met DCI taking a murder suspect to her family home? Never. And it goes downhill from there. She wouldn't do it, wouldn't be allowed to, etc etc... Pinfold writes well but this plot is deeply flawed. Sorry but I'll not read the third in the series now.