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The Guilty Girl
Chloe is serving a life sentence. In her own home.
Ever since the horrific day her mother died, Chloe's life has been anything but normal - more like a carefully constructed prison. Her father hasn’t let her go to school, have friends or leave the house alone.
As she grows up, Chloe begins to question the motives behind her dad's obsessive control. What would happen if she broke one of his many rules? And what exactly is he hiding under the overgrown grass in the back garden?
When new neighbors arrive next door, they trigger a chain of events that causes Chloe to suspect her father's motives are far darker than she knew.
Now she faces the terrifying consequences of defying the man who controls her every waking moment. Will she risk everything to win her freedom or will her father’s dark secrets keep her captive forever?
The Guilty Girl – the shocking psychological thriller perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin and Daniel Hurst.
Ever since the horrific day her mother died, Chloe's life has been anything but normal - more like a carefully constructed prison. Her father hasn’t let her go to school, have friends or leave the house alone.
As she grows up, Chloe begins to question the motives behind her dad's obsessive control. What would happen if she broke one of his many rules? And what exactly is he hiding under the overgrown grass in the back garden?
When new neighbors arrive next door, they trigger a chain of events that causes Chloe to suspect her father's motives are far darker than she knew.
Now she faces the terrifying consequences of defying the man who controls her every waking moment. Will she risk everything to win her freedom or will her father’s dark secrets keep her captive forever?
The Guilty Girl – the shocking psychological thriller perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin and Daniel Hurst.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2024
1393 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Harrow
13 books136 followersRuth Harrow is known for her gripping psychological thrillers. Born and raised in England, Ruth discovered her passion for writing in 2018. Her debut novel, In Her Footsteps, swiftly became a bestseller, marking the beginning of her journey in the genre. She continues to captivate readers with her jaw-dropping twists. For exclusive updates on her latest releases, visit RuthHarrow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
May 11, 2024
This mystery instantly intrigued me. Chloe is kept locked away from the outside world. Her father makes sure each day that she is securely kept away from anyone and anything outside the four walls of the familiar cottage that has been her home, or more like her prison for twelve years. Why is she kept hidden away? What is her father keeping her from? These were some of the unanswered questions that kept me reading as I tried to decipher truth from lies in this gripping story of a haunting past colliding with an unknown future and puzzling present. I was engaged and entertained as my questions were answered reaching a satisfying conclusion. Thank you Booksprout for my copy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2024
This may have been the most predictable “thriller” I’ve ever read. It took me a lot to finish this book… while it was a quick easy read… it was too easy. I felt like the writing technique was very basic and it while did a great job of portraying Chloe’s innocent character, it fell short with the overall story line. The way Mark spoke made it seem like he was a child as well, or not an advanced speaker (which goes in line with his character in the end, I suppose).
The ending was very predictable and you didn’t need to read much to figure it out how it would end. There were many great reviews on it though, so I tread through. I think it could have been condensed into a short story as I felt the chapters were just filled with repeating thoughts.
I would recommend this book to new readers..
The ending was very predictable and you didn’t need to read much to figure it out how it would end. There were many great reviews on it though, so I tread through. I think it could have been condensed into a short story as I felt the chapters were just filled with repeating thoughts.
I would recommend this book to new readers..
May 22, 2024
The Guilty Girl by Ruth Harrow
Chloe has lived in a small rundown cottage in the middle of the wood with her father for the last twelve years. She has nothing much to do all day but reread her worn books, clean, and cook. Her father and her watch a new Colombo episode on their VHS player every three months, other than that they don’t watch tv, and once a month her dad takes her on a walk in the woods. She isn’t allowed out other than that one time a month. Chloe is very sheltered, with her only companion her father, so when she see her friends the trees falling down, she explores the cottage and discovers that the basement window is able to open, and she can climb out. When she goes to explore she meets a boy the same age as her named Matt. When her father discovers she broke the rules and left the cottage, he becomes very angry, telling her again how she must stay hidden to protect herself.
As she talks to Matt, she begins to question her dad, breaking more of his rules. What secrets is her father hiding? Why does her father keep her locked up? Although the beginning starts a little slow, it quickly starts to pick up with twists and turns.
I definitely recommend this for fans of Daniel Hurst and Freida McFadden.
Chloe has lived in a small rundown cottage in the middle of the wood with her father for the last twelve years. She has nothing much to do all day but reread her worn books, clean, and cook. Her father and her watch a new Colombo episode on their VHS player every three months, other than that they don’t watch tv, and once a month her dad takes her on a walk in the woods. She isn’t allowed out other than that one time a month. Chloe is very sheltered, with her only companion her father, so when she see her friends the trees falling down, she explores the cottage and discovers that the basement window is able to open, and she can climb out. When she goes to explore she meets a boy the same age as her named Matt. When her father discovers she broke the rules and left the cottage, he becomes very angry, telling her again how she must stay hidden to protect herself.
As she talks to Matt, she begins to question her dad, breaking more of his rules. What secrets is her father hiding? Why does her father keep her locked up? Although the beginning starts a little slow, it quickly starts to pick up with twists and turns.
I definitely recommend this for fans of Daniel Hurst and Freida McFadden.
April 22, 2024
The Guilty Girl is a one sitting fast paced bingeable action packed psychological thriller. I read this one in an afternoon, it was the perfect escape. From the start I was engrossed in the story and refused to put the book down until the end.
Although some parts could be found to be a little repetitive, it was still an intensely enjoyable read. The premise was unsettling and creepy, wondering what truly is happened and is happening? Who did what? Why are they running? I loved how the secrets were all uncovered piece by piece until the final twist.
Harrow has some great storytelling skills, she was able to keep me hooked and engaged without ever having a dull moment. I was glued to my kindle. Highly entertaining read !
✨️ Thank you to @netgalley, @inkubatorbooks & @ruthharrow for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although some parts could be found to be a little repetitive, it was still an intensely enjoyable read. The premise was unsettling and creepy, wondering what truly is happened and is happening? Who did what? Why are they running? I loved how the secrets were all uncovered piece by piece until the final twist.
Harrow has some great storytelling skills, she was able to keep me hooked and engaged without ever having a dull moment. I was glued to my kindle. Highly entertaining read !
✨️ Thank you to @netgalley, @inkubatorbooks & @ruthharrow for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2024
I did like this book buttttt i don't know, something was missing. The mystery was decent but i guess the story didn't captivate me much. I did try to guess what was going to happen but i wasn't right.
Sooo overall it is a nice book but just didn't grab my attention.
Thanks to Net gallery and the publisher for providing me an arc of the book in exchange of my honest review :))
Sooo overall it is a nice book but just didn't grab my attention.
Thanks to Net gallery and the publisher for providing me an arc of the book in exchange of my honest review :))
April 21, 2024
For the past 12 years, Chloe has believed her father has been keeping her safe. Everything he does is for her safety- even if it means keeping her locked in a cottage, with no friends, no internet, and no school. All Chloe knows is that house and her father, nothing more. It's not until Chloe meets her new neighbor that she starts questioning her father's real motive and reason for keeping her locked inside and isolated from the rest of the world. When Chloe does confront her father about it, he reveals a dark secret, leading her to believe she is the reason they're forced to live their lives that way. As time goes by, Chloe has more questions as things start seeming more and more suspicious. Her father appears to be hiding much more than he leads on. Chloe learn her father is not the caring, nurturing person she always thought him to be.
As a newcomer to Ruth Harrow books, I had no idea what to expect but I am truly blown away! She has an amazing and captivating style of writing, one that made me not want to put this book down! This psychological thriller is filled with twists and turns, and just when you think things can't get more shocking they do! I was completely immersed in this book from start to finish!
Thank you NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Ruth Harrow for such an amazing ARC!
As a newcomer to Ruth Harrow books, I had no idea what to expect but I am truly blown away! She has an amazing and captivating style of writing, one that made me not want to put this book down! This psychological thriller is filled with twists and turns, and just when you think things can't get more shocking they do! I was completely immersed in this book from start to finish!
Thank you NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Ruth Harrow for such an amazing ARC!
May 30, 2024
Poor Chloe! She’s trapped by her dad in a gloomy house. Her dad told her to never go outside. It’s been this way since she was a toddler, but now she’s 16! When a new family moves in near her home, Chloe sees a boy her age and curiosity gets the best of her which sets of a major turn of events that she never anticipated.
Wow! I hate the dad so much! The tension in this book is overwhelming as I cheered for Chloe to just run and run as far from her lying father as quickly as possible! 4 Stars!
Wow! I hate the dad so much! The tension in this book is overwhelming as I cheered for Chloe to just run and run as far from her lying father as quickly as possible! 4 Stars!
April 28, 2024
This book made me so mad! I can’t even explain why because it will ruin the whole story. I knew part of the twist, I saw it coming a mile away, but OMG there was way more to it then I had expected. The book was a little slow going in the beginning, but it picked up the pace & at about 78% in slapped me in the face.
June 6, 2024
This book was a roller coaster ride of thrills! It was a ride that I didn’t want to get off either. It is fast paced, and keeps you turning pages. There were so many shocking twists in this book that I didn’t see coming. There were scenes where I held my breath, I couldn’t believe what was happening and I couldn’t wait to see how things were going to play out. It was great! It’s been a while since a psychological thriller captivated me as much as this book did.
It’s hard not to question’s the dad’s intentions. Just like it’s hard not to feel bad for Chloe. So sheltered that she didn’t even know what the internet was! It’s hard not to think – why didn’t she just run away? But, when this life is all you’ve known, it becomes easy to see why she stayed.
The scenes between Chloe and her dad were perfect. Harrow created so much tension between the two that it was palpable.
The end of the book was fantastic. It started with a twist that I didn’t see coming, once again, and an ending that I didn’t see coming. But I’m glad it ended the way that it did. I like when I read a book and it leaves me fulfilled.
This really was great, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes psychological thrillers.
It’s hard not to question’s the dad’s intentions. Just like it’s hard not to feel bad for Chloe. So sheltered that she didn’t even know what the internet was! It’s hard not to think – why didn’t she just run away? But, when this life is all you’ve known, it becomes easy to see why she stayed.
The scenes between Chloe and her dad were perfect. Harrow created so much tension between the two that it was palpable.
The end of the book was fantastic. It started with a twist that I didn’t see coming, once again, and an ending that I didn’t see coming. But I’m glad it ended the way that it did. I like when I read a book and it leaves me fulfilled.
This really was great, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes psychological thrillers.
May 16, 2024
Well that’s a bit of a disturbing prologue, so many questions, what happened? Was it murder? Was it self inflicted? So many questions. It’s interesting how the plot develops and you learn more about Chloe and her Father’s relationship. Chloe not being allowed outside, only once a month for monthly walks with her father. Shocking! It’s difficult realising all the things the Chloe is craving as she’s getting older. So many rules. Until Matt.
I’m glad the author reveals snippets about what happened and who was responsible so early on, but was it the right information? Mind blown. There’s so much twisting and turning you literally do not know what’s going to happen next. So many hidden secrets (no spoilers) but the deception keeps ramping up towards the end in more ways than one. To start I wasn’t sure how it was going to evolve but the speed ramps up towards the end. This is a brilliant psychological thriller right up to the very Six months later.
I’m glad the author reveals snippets about what happened and who was responsible so early on, but was it the right information? Mind blown. There’s so much twisting and turning you literally do not know what’s going to happen next. So many hidden secrets (no spoilers) but the deception keeps ramping up towards the end in more ways than one. To start I wasn’t sure how it was going to evolve but the speed ramps up towards the end. This is a brilliant psychological thriller right up to the very Six months later.
Read
June 13, 2024Just finished reading The Guilty Girl by Ruth Harrow. Thank you to Zooloo's book tours for sending me an e-copy of this book.
This book is so unique and different from all other psychological thrillers I've read. The Guilty Girl is a story about a teenage girl who narrates her life story, caged inside a cottage, far away from any human interaction. This book is a mind-bending tale about the equation between a father and a daughter, who've grown to be so dependent on each other for so long that all the girl knows about her life as a human being is her dad. But the story has lava under its foundation as it is the hauntingly gory scenes of her mother's death in the bathtub that the girl recalls from when she was so little, the hazy memories of a past so effortlessly made to be forgotten by her father that makes her peel off every layer of her personality and her self that her father has carefully constructed for her. This story was so gripping and was impossible to put down. It resonated with me so much, with my personal life and made me question everything around me and the dynamics I have with certain people. The Guilty Girl shows how mental instability and self-centredness can truly wreck havoc on a person's life and the lives of everyone else around them. It shows how parents, although disguised as the sole provider of the child, hiding behind the mask of "the caring parent" can truly be emotionally abusive and selfish towards their own flesh and blood: their children. It's a tale that snakes through lies, guilt, shame, fear of leaving the comfort zone and of losing the one person in the world who seems to care about you, mental and emotional toxicity and control as well as love and hope. It shows how when we are forced to make one person our whole world, we blindly believe whatever they tell us and become so dependent on them that we lose ourselves in the process of mere survival. I am so proud of the narrating main character for her journey. And I could only sympathize with her dad's character at the end of the story. There are people like her dad who roam around us in our daily lives too. It shows how when we have emotional baggage that we haven't dealt with for long or trauma/personal issues that we choose to ignore and shove down our hearts and keep smashed at the bottom, it can impact our lives at a very fundamental level in such a destructively unhealthy manner. This was the only book in my life that I came across, that spoke of such an apparent yet hidden equation between dads and daughters in the society, in such detail, with such an engaging narrative. Daughters who live with their dads, away from their mums, due to whatever reasons or circumstances that are not under their control, MUST read this book to get a fresh perspective into your lives. I highly recommend this book for all such girls and any readers of psychological thrillers. This book impressed me so much. The touch of acceptance, feeling of belonging and attachment that the girl felt when she encountered a boy of her own age was a beautiful addition to the whole story. It is a very well written piece of fiction that explores the human psyche, how we can decide to take ownership of our own lives away from toxic parental influence and how we can be bold enough sometimes to make decisions that benefit our piece of mind in the long run, instead of succumbing to momentary emotional weakness and finding ourselves and surviving as individual being. This book came to me at the perfect time, I feel. Thank you to the author for writing such a good book. Five stars, hands down.
This book is so unique and different from all other psychological thrillers I've read. The Guilty Girl is a story about a teenage girl who narrates her life story, caged inside a cottage, far away from any human interaction. This book is a mind-bending tale about the equation between a father and a daughter, who've grown to be so dependent on each other for so long that all the girl knows about her life as a human being is her dad. But the story has lava under its foundation as it is the hauntingly gory scenes of her mother's death in the bathtub that the girl recalls from when she was so little, the hazy memories of a past so effortlessly made to be forgotten by her father that makes her peel off every layer of her personality and her self that her father has carefully constructed for her. This story was so gripping and was impossible to put down. It resonated with me so much, with my personal life and made me question everything around me and the dynamics I have with certain people. The Guilty Girl shows how mental instability and self-centredness can truly wreck havoc on a person's life and the lives of everyone else around them. It shows how parents, although disguised as the sole provider of the child, hiding behind the mask of "the caring parent" can truly be emotionally abusive and selfish towards their own flesh and blood: their children. It's a tale that snakes through lies, guilt, shame, fear of leaving the comfort zone and of losing the one person in the world who seems to care about you, mental and emotional toxicity and control as well as love and hope. It shows how when we are forced to make one person our whole world, we blindly believe whatever they tell us and become so dependent on them that we lose ourselves in the process of mere survival. I am so proud of the narrating main character for her journey. And I could only sympathize with her dad's character at the end of the story. There are people like her dad who roam around us in our daily lives too. It shows how when we have emotional baggage that we haven't dealt with for long or trauma/personal issues that we choose to ignore and shove down our hearts and keep smashed at the bottom, it can impact our lives at a very fundamental level in such a destructively unhealthy manner. This was the only book in my life that I came across, that spoke of such an apparent yet hidden equation between dads and daughters in the society, in such detail, with such an engaging narrative. Daughters who live with their dads, away from their mums, due to whatever reasons or circumstances that are not under their control, MUST read this book to get a fresh perspective into your lives. I highly recommend this book for all such girls and any readers of psychological thrillers. This book impressed me so much. The touch of acceptance, feeling of belonging and attachment that the girl felt when she encountered a boy of her own age was a beautiful addition to the whole story. It is a very well written piece of fiction that explores the human psyche, how we can decide to take ownership of our own lives away from toxic parental influence and how we can be bold enough sometimes to make decisions that benefit our piece of mind in the long run, instead of succumbing to momentary emotional weakness and finding ourselves and surviving as individual being. This book came to me at the perfect time, I feel. Thank you to the author for writing such a good book. Five stars, hands down.
June 19, 2024
5⭐️
Ruth Harrow had me glued from the start! A psychological thriller full of twists and turns. I read this in one day and wish I had read it as soon as I got it. Chloe lives with her father in a small cottage where she can never leave the house. Her father has locked her away from the outside world to “protect her” from the world. No school, no friends, and zero connections since she was 4 years old. She’s now 16 and is becoming more and more curious about what her father is protecting her from. She begins questioning her father’s motives after meeting a neighbor around her age. Secrets slowly begin to unwind on the real reason why she’s been locked away for years. Prepare for the unexpected twist.
Thank you, NetGalley for the copy.
Ruth Harrow had me glued from the start! A psychological thriller full of twists and turns. I read this in one day and wish I had read it as soon as I got it. Chloe lives with her father in a small cottage where she can never leave the house. Her father has locked her away from the outside world to “protect her” from the world. No school, no friends, and zero connections since she was 4 years old. She’s now 16 and is becoming more and more curious about what her father is protecting her from. She begins questioning her father’s motives after meeting a neighbor around her age. Secrets slowly begin to unwind on the real reason why she’s been locked away for years. Prepare for the unexpected twist.
Thank you, NetGalley for the copy.
April 27, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Guilty Girl by Ruth Harrow was a really intriguing thriller with captivating writing. It was different. It was intense! This psychological thriller is full of twists and turns, and just when you think things can't get more shocking they do!
Probably a bit too long!
I would cut a bit in the middle or would like a bit more suspense there.
It gave me The Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent vibes for sure!
This book wasn't easy. All I could do was breathe deeply to survive. Ok, I know I am dramatic :D
Chloe’s life was simple until she met Matt, the boy who inspired her to look for more. Chloe is a teenager locked in the house but now she is ready to escape. She just didn't realise what will be the consequences when her dad will found out...
Thank youInkubator Books and NetGalley :)
The Guilty Girl by Ruth Harrow was a really intriguing thriller with captivating writing. It was different. It was intense! This psychological thriller is full of twists and turns, and just when you think things can't get more shocking they do!
Probably a bit too long!
I would cut a bit in the middle or would like a bit more suspense there.
It gave me The Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent vibes for sure!
This book wasn't easy. All I could do was breathe deeply to survive. Ok, I know I am dramatic :D
Chloe’s life was simple until she met Matt, the boy who inspired her to look for more. Chloe is a teenager locked in the house but now she is ready to escape. She just didn't realise what will be the consequences when her dad will found out...
Thank youInkubator Books and NetGalley :)
May 14, 2024
This is a well written psychological thriller with strong characters and an intriguing storyline. The author does a fantastic job developing the story and painting her scenes. She had me glued to the pages with all the action, twists and turns. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
May 7, 2024
I was new to this author but I’m so happy that I had a chance to read this book. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the twists and turns that have me wanting more. Great book!!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review
May 17, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for my copy.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the claustrophobic feel. And the twists. I felt so sorry the the MCs and I was glad to turned out the way it did.
Looking forward to reading more by Harrow.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the claustrophobic feel. And the twists. I felt so sorry the the MCs and I was glad to turned out the way it did.
Looking forward to reading more by Harrow.
July 14, 2024
usually for me, books under 300 pages feel rushed; especially at the end. but! this storyline was wrapped up well with no major plot holes or predictable moments.
i loved how Ruby was able to pull through the traumatic events caused by a man (big surprise) and learn how to move forward without the challenges of a gaslighting, patronising, unstable guy! slay
i loved how Ruby was able to pull through the traumatic events caused by a man (big surprise) and learn how to move forward without the challenges of a gaslighting, patronising, unstable guy! slay
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
Really enjoyed this Got me out of a reading slump
June 18, 2024
Just discovered this new (to me) author. Will definitely be checking out more of her books. Great thriller
November 6, 2024
I couldn't put it down.
June 16, 2024
This was such an enjoyable and gripping read, Chloe had been kept prisoner by her Dad for many years, the windows are boarded up and hasn't seen daylight with only text books and her dad for company, this was one book I couldn't put down I had to find out what would happen.
June 8, 2024
Title: The Guilty Girl
Author: Ruth Harrow
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pages: 300
Rating: 5/5
Book Blurb:
Ever since the horrific day her mother died, Chloe's life has been anything but normal - more like a carefully constructed prison. Her father hasn’t let her go to school, have friends or leave the house alone.
As she grows up, Chloe begins to question the motives behind her dad's obsessive control. What would happen if she broke one of his many rules? And what exactly is he hiding under the overgrown grass in the back garden?
When new neighbors arrive next door, they trigger a chain of events that causes Chloe to suspect her father's motives are far darker than she knew.
Now she faces the terrifying consequences of defying the man who controls her every waking moment. Will she risk everything to win her freedom or will her father’s dark secrets keep her captive forever?
Review:
The title and front cover of this read instantly grabbed my attention, it really did scream read me and I’m so glad I did! I really enjoyed The Silent Wife by this author too, so I had a feeling this one would go down well with me.
The first thing I’ll say about this book is the prologue really did chill me, it also instantly hooked me into the book. I then noticed the author’s vivid descriptive writing and how she was able to set scenes, I could really picture everything which meant I could then feel everything! I generally felt on edge and scared for the character Chloe at times.
Once I’d picked this book up, I really did struggle to put it back down. I was excited for the climax and couldn’t wait to see what the twist would be. I also knew this twist would be coming but I loved that I couldn’t quite work out what it would be. And I would have never of guess that!
I was engrossed from start to finish, the author does a fantastic job at engaging the reader. I enjoyed the slow build up and the fast paced ending and I loved how there were so many secrets to uncover. The Guilty Girl was simply brilliant.
Author: Ruth Harrow
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pages: 300
Rating: 5/5
Book Blurb:
Ever since the horrific day her mother died, Chloe's life has been anything but normal - more like a carefully constructed prison. Her father hasn’t let her go to school, have friends or leave the house alone.
As she grows up, Chloe begins to question the motives behind her dad's obsessive control. What would happen if she broke one of his many rules? And what exactly is he hiding under the overgrown grass in the back garden?
When new neighbors arrive next door, they trigger a chain of events that causes Chloe to suspect her father's motives are far darker than she knew.
Now she faces the terrifying consequences of defying the man who controls her every waking moment. Will she risk everything to win her freedom or will her father’s dark secrets keep her captive forever?
Review:
The title and front cover of this read instantly grabbed my attention, it really did scream read me and I’m so glad I did! I really enjoyed The Silent Wife by this author too, so I had a feeling this one would go down well with me.
The first thing I’ll say about this book is the prologue really did chill me, it also instantly hooked me into the book. I then noticed the author’s vivid descriptive writing and how she was able to set scenes, I could really picture everything which meant I could then feel everything! I generally felt on edge and scared for the character Chloe at times.
Once I’d picked this book up, I really did struggle to put it back down. I was excited for the climax and couldn’t wait to see what the twist would be. I also knew this twist would be coming but I loved that I couldn’t quite work out what it would be. And I would have never of guess that!
I was engrossed from start to finish, the author does a fantastic job at engaging the reader. I enjoyed the slow build up and the fast paced ending and I loved how there were so many secrets to uncover. The Guilty Girl was simply brilliant.
April 24, 2024
Wow, what a book!!!
If you are a fan of fast-paced thrillers with short chapters, this is the book for you. It felt very Freida McFadden-esque. The storyline was incredible and the twist… THE TWIST! I was obsessed. Chloe is isolated from the outside world, living in a cottage with only her father for company, until one day she meets Matt.
I loved how the characters developed and literally could not stop reading. I flew through the book.
I was a little hesitant about the epilogue at first but I do think it was very tastefully done and worked well.
My only MINOR criticism (if you can even call it that) is Ruby/Chloe’s ability to be able to tell when some things are off when she had been so isolated from the outside world. It sometimes felt like she wouldn’t have naturally been able to recognise those things. But it didn’t prevent my enjoyment of the book.
Ruth Harrow, bravo.
Thank you to NetGallery for my advance copy in return for an honest review.
If you are a fan of fast-paced thrillers with short chapters, this is the book for you. It felt very Freida McFadden-esque. The storyline was incredible and the twist… THE TWIST! I was obsessed. Chloe is isolated from the outside world, living in a cottage with only her father for company, until one day she meets Matt.
I loved how the characters developed and literally could not stop reading. I flew through the book.
I was a little hesitant about the epilogue at first but I do think it was very tastefully done and worked well.
My only MINOR criticism (if you can even call it that) is Ruby/Chloe’s ability to be able to tell when some things are off when she had been so isolated from the outside world. It sometimes felt like she wouldn’t have naturally been able to recognise those things. But it didn’t prevent my enjoyment of the book.
Ruth Harrow, bravo.
Thank you to NetGallery for my advance copy in return for an honest review.
June 10, 2024
This is the third book that I've read by this author now and having loved the first two reads, I was pretty sure that I was going to love this just as much!
Once again, this grabs you right from the start as it opens with a gripping and bloody scene which had me instantly hooked.
We then see Chloe years later having been practically held prisoner in her own home.
Her father runs a tight ship and poor Chloe has been homeschooled and only leaves the cottage once a month to take a walk with her Dad.
It's a pretty stark life and hard to believe that her own father would treat her this way.
I felt really quite sorry for Chloe. As we read through, we learn more about her current existence and see that she hasn't been allowed to live with the times at all, not having any internet access or any current technology at all.
This really did make me distrust her Dad and, for a while, make judgements and theories about what had happened in the past and who was to blame.
Of course these theories were totally obliterated at every twist and turn, leaving me back at square one....and still guessing.
This was another exciting read which starts with a bang and holds your attention the whole way through.
I love a twisty thriller and this one definitely packed a fair few in there.
The tension builds as we see Chloe exerting some independence and discovering more and more.
A fast paced and thrilling read once again and I will definitely be looking for more by this author.
Once again, this grabs you right from the start as it opens with a gripping and bloody scene which had me instantly hooked.
We then see Chloe years later having been practically held prisoner in her own home.
Her father runs a tight ship and poor Chloe has been homeschooled and only leaves the cottage once a month to take a walk with her Dad.
It's a pretty stark life and hard to believe that her own father would treat her this way.
I felt really quite sorry for Chloe. As we read through, we learn more about her current existence and see that she hasn't been allowed to live with the times at all, not having any internet access or any current technology at all.
This really did make me distrust her Dad and, for a while, make judgements and theories about what had happened in the past and who was to blame.
Of course these theories were totally obliterated at every twist and turn, leaving me back at square one....and still guessing.
This was another exciting read which starts with a bang and holds your attention the whole way through.
I love a twisty thriller and this one definitely packed a fair few in there.
The tension builds as we see Chloe exerting some independence and discovering more and more.
A fast paced and thrilling read once again and I will definitely be looking for more by this author.
June 5, 2024
This book is just 🤌
Chloe has lived secluded in her home for the past 12 years with her father. Only allowed out once a month for a walk with him and home schooled. She's now turning 16 and ready for more freedom. When a chance encounter has her leaving the house and bumping into a neighbour boy her life is turned upside down. She realises that her life isn't normal. She's never heard of the Internet or mobile phones and still watches VHS tapes. The red flags coming off her father were so bad! I was wanting to rip him out the book and rescue poor chloe. What a book though. Everything I thought I k ew where it was gonna go I was wrong! I just loved it.
This was my first ever book by Ruth Harrow but I'll be adding the rest of her work to my tbr.
Chloe has lived secluded in her home for the past 12 years with her father. Only allowed out once a month for a walk with him and home schooled. She's now turning 16 and ready for more freedom. When a chance encounter has her leaving the house and bumping into a neighbour boy her life is turned upside down. She realises that her life isn't normal. She's never heard of the Internet or mobile phones and still watches VHS tapes. The red flags coming off her father were so bad! I was wanting to rip him out the book and rescue poor chloe. What a book though. Everything I thought I k ew where it was gonna go I was wrong! I just loved it.
This was my first ever book by Ruth Harrow but I'll be adding the rest of her work to my tbr.
June 22, 2024
First, thank you to NetGalley, Ruth Harrow and Inkubator books for the chance to participate in an ARC. This was my first Ruth Harrow book and I am inclined to now read others.
I’d say it was a 3.5 stars. Being able to be a part of ‘Chloe’s” story and development was awesome. Her character was very well written and many times I felt her emotions and fears.
The plot was well done. I did figure out the twist and much of the book was relatively predictable, but having said that it was a good read.
I felt the level of writing was a little under whelming. It felt a tad less adult-ish than most books I read.
It wasn’t a psychological thriller in my opinion, but I felt it like an experience.
I believe many readers will be able to emphasize with the storyline and the characters and I feel the author did a very good job with the mental health aspects.
Overall, a good read but I feel it had more potential for more of a thriller aspect.
I’d say it was a 3.5 stars. Being able to be a part of ‘Chloe’s” story and development was awesome. Her character was very well written and many times I felt her emotions and fears.
The plot was well done. I did figure out the twist and much of the book was relatively predictable, but having said that it was a good read.
I felt the level of writing was a little under whelming. It felt a tad less adult-ish than most books I read.
It wasn’t a psychological thriller in my opinion, but I felt it like an experience.
I believe many readers will be able to emphasize with the storyline and the characters and I feel the author did a very good job with the mental health aspects.
Overall, a good read but I feel it had more potential for more of a thriller aspect.
September 18, 2024
a really good book!
June 3, 2024
Here is my review for The Guilty Girl by Ruth Harrow
It’s quite easy to get into this thrilling read as there is a bloody scene within the first few pages but who did it? The dad takes Chloe away and locks her up in a cottage away from everyone, she isn’t even allowed to go to school. She is now growing up and is fifteen and they have new neighbours who topple some of the trees Chloe is used to seeing and has even named. She has to get out to see what is happening and the only way out is through the cellar window but then she meets Matt. She likes Matt and arranges to meet him for a hike one day, that was the worst thing she could have done as she doesn’t know her dad has changed his job and is no longer a solicitor. He is now a leader of hiking groups who are on the hills where Matt and Chloe are. Also, Chloe thinks she just makes it back but she is wrong, her dad caught her out. What will he do? This is a really thrilling read as Chloe is basically held hostage in the cottage for twelve years of her life but now she wants to grow up. It's been well plotted and planned out. The writing is just excellent as you never know how the dad is going to react to Chloe and it’s almost like he sets traps for her to walk into. It’s good to see how it develops and how the author's mind works to see what is really in store for Chloe. A great read.
Blurb :
Chloe is serving a life sentence. In her own home.
Ever since the horrific day her mother died, Chloe's life has been anything but normal - more like a carefully constructed prison. Her father hasn’t let her go to school, have friends or leave the house alone.
As she grows up, Chloe begins to question the motives behind her dad's obsessive control. What would happen if she broke one of his many rules? And what exactly is he hiding under the overgrown grass in the back garden?
When new neighbors arrive next door, they trigger a chain of events that causes Chloe to suspect her father's motives are far darker than she knew.
Now she faces the terrifying consequences of defying the man who controls her every waking moment. Will she risk everything to win her freedom or will her father’s dark secrets keep her captive forever?
It’s quite easy to get into this thrilling read as there is a bloody scene within the first few pages but who did it? The dad takes Chloe away and locks her up in a cottage away from everyone, she isn’t even allowed to go to school. She is now growing up and is fifteen and they have new neighbours who topple some of the trees Chloe is used to seeing and has even named. She has to get out to see what is happening and the only way out is through the cellar window but then she meets Matt. She likes Matt and arranges to meet him for a hike one day, that was the worst thing she could have done as she doesn’t know her dad has changed his job and is no longer a solicitor. He is now a leader of hiking groups who are on the hills where Matt and Chloe are. Also, Chloe thinks she just makes it back but she is wrong, her dad caught her out. What will he do? This is a really thrilling read as Chloe is basically held hostage in the cottage for twelve years of her life but now she wants to grow up. It's been well plotted and planned out. The writing is just excellent as you never know how the dad is going to react to Chloe and it’s almost like he sets traps for her to walk into. It’s good to see how it develops and how the author's mind works to see what is really in store for Chloe. A great read.
Blurb :
Chloe is serving a life sentence. In her own home.
Ever since the horrific day her mother died, Chloe's life has been anything but normal - more like a carefully constructed prison. Her father hasn’t let her go to school, have friends or leave the house alone.
As she grows up, Chloe begins to question the motives behind her dad's obsessive control. What would happen if she broke one of his many rules? And what exactly is he hiding under the overgrown grass in the back garden?
When new neighbors arrive next door, they trigger a chain of events that causes Chloe to suspect her father's motives are far darker than she knew.
Now she faces the terrifying consequences of defying the man who controls her every waking moment. Will she risk everything to win her freedom or will her father’s dark secrets keep her captive forever?
May 23, 2024
What do you remember from when you are four years old? Would you remember watching your dad kill your mother to protect you? Or would you remember being a very violent child and you killing your mother? These are stories that your dad Albert Morris has told you, but what is true? I was four years old when I left the only home I have ever known, and my dad took us to a small rundown cottage in the middle of the woods and that is where we have lived for the last 12 years. For all of that time you could say I have been in a prison that my dad put me in. I had to learn to do all of the cooking, housework and my schoolwork all on my own. I had a few books to read that I read over and over. If I was very good, I got to go outside of the house with my dad and go for a walk in the woods once a month, that is the only time I got to go outside of the house in 12 years. We do not watch any TV but as another reward once every 3 months my dad would produce a VHS tape of a new Colombo episode for us to enjoy. We had no telephone, and I had no idea as to what a cell phone was. Poor Chloe is so sheltered and the only person she talks to is her dad, so she has no idea how the world has passed her by over the last 12 years. She has so much to learn.
So, what stories has her dad told her that are true? Is your mom really dead or is she still living? If she is living does, she ever wonder where I am or how I am doing? Does she miss me? Did she have mental issues like my dad said? Will I ever learn the answers to these questions?
You need to check out this fantastic book, it has so many twists and turns that it is hard to figure out who the bad person is. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and did not want to put it down until I was done.
I got this book from BookSprout and will be happy to leave my review.
So, what stories has her dad told her that are true? Is your mom really dead or is she still living? If she is living does, she ever wonder where I am or how I am doing? Does she miss me? Did she have mental issues like my dad said? Will I ever learn the answers to these questions?
You need to check out this fantastic book, it has so many twists and turns that it is hard to figure out who the bad person is. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and did not want to put it down until I was done.
I got this book from BookSprout and will be happy to leave my review.
May 20, 2024
The Guilty Girl by Ruth Harrow is a shocking psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming. The book opens from the viewpoint of a little girl named Chloe, on the day of her mother’s death. Chloe has witnessed her father kill her mother. There is then a time jump, and Chloe is twelve years old. We learn she has been kept inside by her father for her entire life, away from the outside influences of the “immoral” world. When she gets older, Chloe questions her life inside and why she can’t leave the house, especially when she meets a neighbor boy named Matt after sneaking out the basement window. She starts to sneak out more and learns things about the world and her father that trouble her.
When I began reading this book, I was immediately drawn in by the descriptive first pages. The horrors described there, the sadness of the little girl, and the mystery of what would happen next. Then, as she grew up, I wondered how long her life could continue this way. The author did a fantastic job of building the suspense in that regard. I knew that the boiling point was coming but didn’t know when. That led to increased anxiety and suspense while reading. The plot was uncovered at a good pace, but slightly faster toward the end. I’d say the last 25% of the book had me with my mouth hanging open.
Overall, I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed reading it. It kept my interest, the plot kept moving forward, and I had to know what happened. Due to mature themes, I recommend it for mature audiences only. If you like psychological thrillers, this one is a must-read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I began reading this book, I was immediately drawn in by the descriptive first pages. The horrors described there, the sadness of the little girl, and the mystery of what would happen next. Then, as she grew up, I wondered how long her life could continue this way. The author did a fantastic job of building the suspense in that regard. I knew that the boiling point was coming but didn’t know when. That led to increased anxiety and suspense while reading. The plot was uncovered at a good pace, but slightly faster toward the end. I’d say the last 25% of the book had me with my mouth hanging open.
Overall, I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed reading it. It kept my interest, the plot kept moving forward, and I had to know what happened. Due to mature themes, I recommend it for mature audiences only. If you like psychological thrillers, this one is a must-read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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