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The Night They Stole My Baby
My baby is due in two weeks. Hand on my bump, I swear to my little girl, I won’t be anything like my mother.
I’m walking home after the perfect baby shower, enjoying the cool summer evening breeze. I can’t wait to rest my aching feet.
I’m almost at my door when the world goes black.
I wake with a blinding pain in my head. Beeping of machines in background. I open my eyes to a white room.
Panic jolts through me. I reach down to my bump, to where my baby should be. But she’s not there.
Then my fingers find a rough line of stitches.
Someone has taken my baby.
Out of me.
I’m walking home after the perfect baby shower, enjoying the cool summer evening breeze. I can’t wait to rest my aching feet.
I’m almost at my door when the world goes black.
I wake with a blinding pain in my head. Beeping of machines in background. I open my eyes to a white room.
Panic jolts through me. I reach down to my bump, to where my baby should be. But she’s not there.
Then my fingers find a rough line of stitches.
Someone has taken my baby.
Out of me.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2024
783 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 3, 2024
Another less than mediocre book with a pretty boring storyline and a non-shocking twist. When will this bad book streak end?
May 12, 2024
Emily and Freya have a horrible childhood. Their mother is abusive and lands up in jail and Emily is raised by her grandparents. When Emily grows up, she gets pregnant with a baby girl, only the worse thing happens. Due in 2 weeks, someone preforms a c-section and takes her baby away. This book had me guessing and it was easy to figure out who took the baby because the author led us down that path. Lots of physical violence in this book could be triggers for some. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. To be published May 23, 2024.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
The night they stole my baby was such an addictive read! I really did not want to put it down I just had to know what happened to Freya!!
Emily’s childhood haunts her, secrets she can never tell, even those closest to her. She hopes she can make up for it with the baby she’s carrying, but after a night out Emily wakes up in a hospital bed, her baby gone, who took her and why?
I really enjoyed this book, just when I thought I had an idea of where the story was going another twist came and led me astray! This is an utterly captivating story, really had me second guessing just who was actually on Emily’s side and who wasn’t. The skip from past to present made the story even more thrilling cause you could slowly gather the picture of what happened in Emily’s past.
So thankful to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the arc! Highly recommend this book!!
March 26, 2025
4.5⭐️
This book was definitely a page turner. Alternating between past and present timelines, a nightmare situation for any mother is uncovered with heartbreaking details, flashbacks from a traumatic childhood, and so many twists and unexpected details that keep you hooked from the beginning until the end, trying to figure out the truth. I thought I had it figured out and suspected many of the main characters a different points, but I was still surprised by the final twist. Definitely a great read. Thank you to Darren O’Sullivan, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This book was definitely a page turner. Alternating between past and present timelines, a nightmare situation for any mother is uncovered with heartbreaking details, flashbacks from a traumatic childhood, and so many twists and unexpected details that keep you hooked from the beginning until the end, trying to figure out the truth. I thought I had it figured out and suspected many of the main characters a different points, but I was still surprised by the final twist. Definitely a great read. Thank you to Darren O’Sullivan, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
May 14, 2024
First, thank you to @NetGalley, @Darren O’Sullivan and @Joffe Books for allowing me to review an ARC of this book.
It was a great read. Fast paced thriller that I read in one sitting.
The storyline build up was great, the twists were unexpected and kept you on edge. I was totally convinced I knew how it was going to end but boy was I wrong (in a good way)
The character development and writing style were all done very well. It was suspenseful and absolutely kept my attention. I stayed up way past my adult bedtime because I just had to know how it ended
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Highly recommend and would love to read more from this author!
It was a great read. Fast paced thriller that I read in one sitting.
The storyline build up was great, the twists were unexpected and kept you on edge. I was totally convinced I knew how it was going to end but boy was I wrong (in a good way)
The character development and writing style were all done very well. It was suspenseful and absolutely kept my attention. I stayed up way past my adult bedtime because I just had to know how it ended
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Highly recommend and would love to read more from this author!
June 21, 2024
1.5-2 The actual story and plot have interest and depth, and there’s a back story too that adds dimension. However, the writing and dialogue are simplistic and repetitive. Detectives and friends are constantly asking Emily if she’s OK, and she’s constantly and frantically demanding to know if her baby has been found yet. The characters lack depth despite what they’re going through. Towards the end, the baddie is revealed, though we knew who it was from the get-go. They then explain exactly how they carried out their mission, including the incredulous ways they manipulated other people, which is unrealistic and unbelievable. If the baddie wanted the baby, the baddie could’ve gotten the baby faster and easier than how they went about things. The baddie also kept waffling with intentions. It felt like watching a tv movie from the 80s.
July 15, 2024
I read this book based on a recommendation by the author John Marrs and I couldn’t be happier. When I began reading it, I just knew I had it figured out but boy was I wrong! I could not put this book down and the twists keep you on your toes!
June 7, 2024
ADDICTIVE, EXCITING, GRIPPING PAGE TURNER! This sucked me in from the first pages.
Sixteen years ago Emily killed her little sister, how or why we do not know, now Emily’s newborn daughter has disappeared. Told on dual timelines, the lead up in Emily’s past to her sisters death, and the aftermath in the present of her baby going missing, we flip between both as both stories are unveiled.
This book was fast paced and edgy, desperate to find out what happened in both the past and present and how they are linked. I couldn’t put this down, and had to stay up late to finish in one sitting.
This Is a new author for me but I’ve already added more of his titles to my TBR, his writing is engaging, littered with red herrings and full of suspense. Exactly the ingredients for a good psychological thriller for me.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Darren O’Sullivan for access to a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sixteen years ago Emily killed her little sister, how or why we do not know, now Emily’s newborn daughter has disappeared. Told on dual timelines, the lead up in Emily’s past to her sisters death, and the aftermath in the present of her baby going missing, we flip between both as both stories are unveiled.
This book was fast paced and edgy, desperate to find out what happened in both the past and present and how they are linked. I couldn’t put this down, and had to stay up late to finish in one sitting.
This Is a new author for me but I’ve already added more of his titles to my TBR, his writing is engaging, littered with red herrings and full of suspense. Exactly the ingredients for a good psychological thriller for me.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Darren O’Sullivan for access to a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 20, 2024
I found this book to be ok. It wasn’t a favourite. I thought that Michelle had taken the baby, but it was Lucas the father who did. I didn’t see the twist that Michelle and Lucas were together. It made me think even more that Michelle worked with Lucas to take Freya. I didn’t expect that it was Emily’s mom who taken Freya in some twisted attempt to get back the daughter she lost. Emily had a sister also named Freya who died when she was young, so Emily’s mom wanted to punish her by taking her granddaughter to raise. That is twisted. The mother doesn’t see that it was her neglect of her daughters that caused Freya to die.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
I read ‘The Players’ by this author at the start of the year and absolutely loved it and so I wanted to give more of his books a try. Despite the Goodreads reviews for this book being higher, I don’t think it lived up to the players.
The description sounded interesting but the plot ended up being pretty average. It was fairly predictable as to who had taken the baby. Other than a few moments, the rest of the book was boring. The only thing that kept me engaged was wanting to find out what had happened to Emily (and her sister Freya) as a child.
I read ‘The Players’ by this author at the start of the year and absolutely loved it and so I wanted to give more of his books a try. Despite the Goodreads reviews for this book being higher, I don’t think it lived up to the players.
The description sounded interesting but the plot ended up being pretty average. It was fairly predictable as to who had taken the baby. Other than a few moments, the rest of the book was boring. The only thing that kept me engaged was wanting to find out what had happened to Emily (and her sister Freya) as a child.
November 27, 2024
I love this book!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and loved every second of it! I highly recommend it!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and loved every second of it! I highly recommend it!
May 9, 2024
Absolutely amazing
May 28, 2024
Brilliant Book!
What an utterly entralling, if a bit creepy book...!
Originally, the artwork and also the Blurb drew me in. As a mum, it really struck a cord.
As soon as you start reading, Darren throws you in at the deep end with a prologue that just catches your attention and makes you want to read on.
The story revolves around Emily, who is attacked on her way home from her baby shower and wakes up... with no baby!
The whole makeup of the book is fascinating - it's split into parts that feature past and present POVs from Emily. Helpfully, Darren has chosen to make past 3rd person and present 1st person, so you never get confused.
It's interesting to see the life of a younger Emily and how this impacted a multitude of choices as adult Emily.
I loved the secrets, lies, twists, and turns of the book and the fact that Darren has crafted a story that keeps you utterly hooked until the end.
Above all, Darren has captured a mother's love beautifully and demonstrated the lengths she will take to (in this case) find her child.
If you love psychological thrillers, then this one is for you - no questions about it 5 🌟s.
What an utterly entralling, if a bit creepy book...!
Originally, the artwork and also the Blurb drew me in. As a mum, it really struck a cord.
As soon as you start reading, Darren throws you in at the deep end with a prologue that just catches your attention and makes you want to read on.
The story revolves around Emily, who is attacked on her way home from her baby shower and wakes up... with no baby!
The whole makeup of the book is fascinating - it's split into parts that feature past and present POVs from Emily. Helpfully, Darren has chosen to make past 3rd person and present 1st person, so you never get confused.
It's interesting to see the life of a younger Emily and how this impacted a multitude of choices as adult Emily.
I loved the secrets, lies, twists, and turns of the book and the fact that Darren has crafted a story that keeps you utterly hooked until the end.
Above all, Darren has captured a mother's love beautifully and demonstrated the lengths she will take to (in this case) find her child.
If you love psychological thrillers, then this one is for you - no questions about it 5 🌟s.
June 9, 2024
My Thoughts: I have been absolutely spoilt by the thrillers I’ve read this year & this one is definitely one to beat.
You’re thrown in at the deep end with the action from the start and I’m not kidding when I say it honestly does not stop.
We’re following Emily who has been hiding a life changing secret for 12 years. And although she knows nothing will ever make up for what she’s hiding she’s hoping that the baby she’s carrying will give her a new focus and a little bit of a fresh start.. if only things were that easy!
The story is told from 2 timelines, then and now. Both were equally harrowing yet totally gripping which is a weird combination, it makes you want to close your eyes and shut the book whilst being totally invested in the story that you have to know what’s going on!
The 2 storylines feel completely different although you know they’re both happening to the same person and it leaves you feeling sorry for Emily in such a strong way that at times I had to remind myself it was just a book.
This is the first time I’ve read one of Darren’s books and after the way it had me feeling I can promise you it won’t be the last.
You’re thrown in at the deep end with the action from the start and I’m not kidding when I say it honestly does not stop.
We’re following Emily who has been hiding a life changing secret for 12 years. And although she knows nothing will ever make up for what she’s hiding she’s hoping that the baby she’s carrying will give her a new focus and a little bit of a fresh start.. if only things were that easy!
The story is told from 2 timelines, then and now. Both were equally harrowing yet totally gripping which is a weird combination, it makes you want to close your eyes and shut the book whilst being totally invested in the story that you have to know what’s going on!
The 2 storylines feel completely different although you know they’re both happening to the same person and it leaves you feeling sorry for Emily in such a strong way that at times I had to remind myself it was just a book.
This is the first time I’ve read one of Darren’s books and after the way it had me feeling I can promise you it won’t be the last.
May 28, 2024
This is the first book that I've read by this author - but it definitely won't be the last as this was really well written and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout - perfect for this genre.
After leaving her baby shower, Emily is attacked and after days in a coma, she wakes to find that her baby has been delivered - and taken home with it's father - her ex-partner!
When friends can't get hold of him, Emily starts to search for the baby she's never even met yet...
I loved how this starts with such a shocking prologue, which instantly intrigued me and made me want to read on.
I also really felt quite emotional for Emily - being a mum, I remember how felt just after childbirth - and it was tough enough without having the worry of the baby being missing.
The chapters alternate between a 'then' and 'now' timeline which allowed us to really delve into Emily's own upbringing and understand what was going on for her now. Having tried to leave the last behind her for so long, she now finds it catching up with her again and taking over her life.
I loved the writing style which was fast-paced and exciting throughout - this had me reading late into the night to just get one more chapter read....
An intriguing and twisty read - loved this!
After leaving her baby shower, Emily is attacked and after days in a coma, she wakes to find that her baby has been delivered - and taken home with it's father - her ex-partner!
When friends can't get hold of him, Emily starts to search for the baby she's never even met yet...
I loved how this starts with such a shocking prologue, which instantly intrigued me and made me want to read on.
I also really felt quite emotional for Emily - being a mum, I remember how felt just after childbirth - and it was tough enough without having the worry of the baby being missing.
The chapters alternate between a 'then' and 'now' timeline which allowed us to really delve into Emily's own upbringing and understand what was going on for her now. Having tried to leave the last behind her for so long, she now finds it catching up with her again and taking over her life.
I loved the writing style which was fast-paced and exciting throughout - this had me reading late into the night to just get one more chapter read....
An intriguing and twisty read - loved this!
May 27, 2024
This book grabbed me from the first page. I read the entire thing in one day and could not pull myself away. Without giving away too much, this story follows Emily, a woman with a troubled past, who is pregnant and moving on with her life. Tragedy strikes and she is forced to face her past while trying to find her daughter. I was unsure if I would enjoy this book based on the title, but I loved it! A fun ride, with plenty of twists that was never boring!
Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read and review this book
Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read and review this book
May 30, 2024
First of all, let me say that I absolutely loved the duel timeline, I found the one set in the past was by far the most thought-provoking and interesting. The switch between the past and the present really helped with the pacing and added to the twists and turns of the story.
While I did find that it was somewhat obvious who was responsible for the events in the present, I'd not distract from the tense suspense that built chapter to chapter as I was taken to the end of the book.
I did find a few plot holes that did pull me out of the story a couple of times, but overall, this was a compelling, thrilling read.
There were moments when reading that I felt like my heart was going to break for those involved, especially when I hit the latter chapters set in the past.
While I did find that it was somewhat obvious who was responsible for the events in the present, I'd not distract from the tense suspense that built chapter to chapter as I was taken to the end of the book.
I did find a few plot holes that did pull me out of the story a couple of times, but overall, this was a compelling, thrilling read.
There were moments when reading that I felt like my heart was going to break for those involved, especially when I hit the latter chapters set in the past.
May 30, 2024
I have loved the authors previous work, so I knew I was in for a treat and I wasn’t disappointed.
This is a book to be binged in one sitting, it’s fast paced and full of twists, I thought I had it figured out but I was so so wrong!
The character development was built slowly as the different timelines unfolded, I felt so emotional for the children, the punishments they recieved were horrific.
The last few chapters were heart racing, I felt I was in the woods myself! An absolute must read!!
This is a book to be binged in one sitting, it’s fast paced and full of twists, I thought I had it figured out but I was so so wrong!
The character development was built slowly as the different timelines unfolded, I felt so emotional for the children, the punishments they recieved were horrific.
The last few chapters were heart racing, I felt I was in the woods myself! An absolute must read!!
May 22, 2024
THE NIGHT THEY STOLE MY BABY by Darren O'Sullivan.
This was a good read. I did like the cover. This is a new author for me. I did like the story. I wasn't sure how I felt about Emily. Gripping and twisty. I read in two sittings. It had suspense, and I thought I knew what was going to happen, but nope. I was wrong. I certainly didn't see that coming. What a roller coaster of a read. I would never have guessed the outcome. 5*.
This was a good read. I did like the cover. This is a new author for me. I did like the story. I wasn't sure how I felt about Emily. Gripping and twisty. I read in two sittings. It had suspense, and I thought I knew what was going to happen, but nope. I was wrong. I certainly didn't see that coming. What a roller coaster of a read. I would never have guessed the outcome. 5*.
May 18, 2024
This book was so wild and intense that I read it in 6 hours! I stayed up late just to finish the last 20%. This book took me on a thrilling ride. The story was nothing like I thought it would be in the best possible way. I was shocked, I gasped, and the end had me literally holding my breath. Incredible!
May 26, 2024
I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. Pregnant Emily is walking home from her baby shower when she is struck and everything goes black. She wakes up in a hospital and feels for her baby but the baby was delivered by C-section and Emily had been in a coma. The book is told in parts about her childhood and the present of searching for her baby. The constant use of the "f" word was definitely not for me and towards the end there were so many things that were just too far fetched.
May 23, 2024
Emily has a big secret about her childhood that she's keeping from her friends. She's scared and excited to be about to give birth to her baby daughter even thought the father of the baby and she aren't going to be together, they should be able to raise the child without many problems if they co-parent well. But as Emily is about home from her baby shower someone runs up behind her, injects her with something and she loses consciousness. Waking up in the hospital in pain is bad enough but when she realizes that she's no longer pregnant, she's out of her mind. All of her friends tell her the baby is fine but is she?
When her baby and the father of the baby go missing, Emily can only wait for the police to do their jobs and find her child. But things don't go as fast as they should and one disaster after another happens. Where is the baby? Who has her and why? Could this kidnapping have something to do with the big secret she's been keeping from everyone?
This story is told in alternate times lines, the present where the search for Emily's baby is ongoing and the story of what happened in her childhood when her sister was murdered. As the story unfolds about her childhood, it was absolutely heartbreaking reading what those kids went though. It was also sad to see Emily blame herself about what happened to her sister.
I had so many thoughts about who could have taken her baby and why but the truth and the twist was one I didn't see coming. I thought I had this one figured out and I was so wrong.
Waiting to see if the baby would be found alive or ever found at all had me on the edge of my seat. I think the story stalled a little because nothing was happening with the search, no new clues to keep us engaged enough to keep reading at times. But things do pick up towards the end of the book where we finally get to see what was actually going on and that was a good ending.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
When her baby and the father of the baby go missing, Emily can only wait for the police to do their jobs and find her child. But things don't go as fast as they should and one disaster after another happens. Where is the baby? Who has her and why? Could this kidnapping have something to do with the big secret she's been keeping from everyone?
This story is told in alternate times lines, the present where the search for Emily's baby is ongoing and the story of what happened in her childhood when her sister was murdered. As the story unfolds about her childhood, it was absolutely heartbreaking reading what those kids went though. It was also sad to see Emily blame herself about what happened to her sister.
I had so many thoughts about who could have taken her baby and why but the truth and the twist was one I didn't see coming. I thought I had this one figured out and I was so wrong.
Waiting to see if the baby would be found alive or ever found at all had me on the edge of my seat. I think the story stalled a little because nothing was happening with the search, no new clues to keep us engaged enough to keep reading at times. But things do pick up towards the end of the book where we finally get to see what was actually going on and that was a good ending.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 13, 2024
Many thanks to Joffe Books for this ARC ebook.
Gripping, emotional, and an absolute must read!
‘She ran deep into the wildlands, as fast as her legs would carry her, stumbling over the uneven ground, frosty and hard from the harsh winter night. At first her bare feet hurt, almost as much as the gash that trickled crimson down her thigh, then they burned, then she felt nothing at all.’ … from this wonderful atmospheric opening, the story grabs the reader by the throat and doesn’t let go until the end.
I cannot imagine what this young woman endured, both as a child and then as a new mother who has her baby stolen whilst she’s in a coma. The plot, pacing, premise, character development, and excellent prose all make this an absolutely compelling read.
Here are some lines that stayed with me …
‘It was in the eyes, a hatred only one Mother ever showed. Emily was standing in front of Monster Mother.’ … OMG, this had me on the edge of my seat!
And …
‘It provided comfort on a bed of nails.’
And …
‘[…] memories flooded in so vividly I felt like I was eleven all over again. They tried to wash me away, back to a time that still hurt so badly, still impacted me so greatly, but I swam against the tide, waded until I was back in the present.
This is the type of story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. Whilst I had a good idea who was the culprit from early on, the many twists and turns had me doubt and second guess myself so many times. The penultimate scene had me forgetting to breathe.
As you can guess, I give 5 stars for this book and would give 10 if I could. Go buy this book!
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
Gripping, emotional, and an absolute must read!
‘She ran deep into the wildlands, as fast as her legs would carry her, stumbling over the uneven ground, frosty and hard from the harsh winter night. At first her bare feet hurt, almost as much as the gash that trickled crimson down her thigh, then they burned, then she felt nothing at all.’ … from this wonderful atmospheric opening, the story grabs the reader by the throat and doesn’t let go until the end.
I cannot imagine what this young woman endured, both as a child and then as a new mother who has her baby stolen whilst she’s in a coma. The plot, pacing, premise, character development, and excellent prose all make this an absolutely compelling read.
Here are some lines that stayed with me …
‘It was in the eyes, a hatred only one Mother ever showed. Emily was standing in front of Monster Mother.’ … OMG, this had me on the edge of my seat!
And …
‘It provided comfort on a bed of nails.’
And …
‘[…] memories flooded in so vividly I felt like I was eleven all over again. They tried to wash me away, back to a time that still hurt so badly, still impacted me so greatly, but I swam against the tide, waded until I was back in the present.
This is the type of story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. Whilst I had a good idea who was the culprit from early on, the many twists and turns had me doubt and second guess myself so many times. The penultimate scene had me forgetting to breathe.
As you can guess, I give 5 stars for this book and would give 10 if I could. Go buy this book!
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
May 16, 2024
4.5 stars.
After a rather harrowing and intriguing prologue, we start the main story with Emily who is pregnant and due in the next couple of weeks. She is no longer with the father of the baby but they are working together to arrange to co-parent. On the way home from her baby shower, held by friends, she is attacked and ends up in unconscious in hospital. When she comes round, she is horrified to discover that she has been in a coma, had her baby, and said baby has now gone home with its father. Although, when her friends try to get hold of him, there is no sign of him or her baby daughter...
And so begins a harrowing story as Emily tries to find the baby she has not yet met. Switching between present and past, we learn secrets from the past that both complement, explain, and progress what is happening in the present. We learn more about Emily's upbringing and how she has tried her best to leave that past behind. But how it has always followed her like a shadow.
There are twists and turns aplenty as more of the truth starts to emerge. Along with many secrets, lies, and more than a healthy dollop of dysfunctional behaviour. Possibly, maybe, too much, which, for me, sort of overshadowed the story being told which I felt could have been stronger, and a tad more credible in places. (Hence the rounding down) But, that said, it was compelling reading and kept my attention all the way through. It was also, for me, a relatively quick and easy read which, after a few eye-rolls, did leave me satisfied. Characters were also well drawn and all played their parts very well.
It's been a while since this author published a book, and I have read and enjoyed all his past offerings. Which you could check out yourself if you haven't already. Hopefully it won't be as long for the next one. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
After a rather harrowing and intriguing prologue, we start the main story with Emily who is pregnant and due in the next couple of weeks. She is no longer with the father of the baby but they are working together to arrange to co-parent. On the way home from her baby shower, held by friends, she is attacked and ends up in unconscious in hospital. When she comes round, she is horrified to discover that she has been in a coma, had her baby, and said baby has now gone home with its father. Although, when her friends try to get hold of him, there is no sign of him or her baby daughter...
And so begins a harrowing story as Emily tries to find the baby she has not yet met. Switching between present and past, we learn secrets from the past that both complement, explain, and progress what is happening in the present. We learn more about Emily's upbringing and how she has tried her best to leave that past behind. But how it has always followed her like a shadow.
There are twists and turns aplenty as more of the truth starts to emerge. Along with many secrets, lies, and more than a healthy dollop of dysfunctional behaviour. Possibly, maybe, too much, which, for me, sort of overshadowed the story being told which I felt could have been stronger, and a tad more credible in places. (Hence the rounding down) But, that said, it was compelling reading and kept my attention all the way through. It was also, for me, a relatively quick and easy read which, after a few eye-rolls, did leave me satisfied. Characters were also well drawn and all played their parts very well.
It's been a while since this author published a book, and I have read and enjoyed all his past offerings. Which you could check out yourself if you haven't already. Hopefully it won't be as long for the next one. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 2, 2024
The Night They Stole My Baby by Darren O'Sullivan. Darren is a bestselling author, screenwriter, and award-nominated theatre director.
My baby is due in two weeks. Hand on my bump, I swear to my little girl, I won't be anything like my mother.
I walk home after the perfect baby shower, enjoying the cool summer evening breeze. I can't wait to rest my aching feet.
I'm almost at my door when the world goes black.
I wake with a blinding pain in my head—the beeping of machines in the background. I open my eyes to a white room.
Panic jolts through me. I reach down to my bump, to where my baby should be. But she's not there.
Then, my fingers find a rough line of stitches.
Someone has taken my baby.
Out of me.
This is the first book I've read by this author. It is well-composed and has a great plot. The writing style is strong and fast-paced, keeping your attention throughout.
The startling prologue is an excellent opening to the book, instantly making you want to read on.
Emily is the protagonist; she experiences every emotion as we follow her journey to its moving end.
The story is an emotional roller coaster that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will certainly be adding this author's books to my 'to be read' pile. I am happy to recommend this book to all who enjoy a gripping psychological thriller.
I want to thank publishers Joffe Books, author Darren O'Sullivan and Zooloosbooktours for a place on the tour.
Darren's first novel, Our Little Secret, is optioned by Rollick Film, and he is credited as the writer of the feature film.
His 6 thrillers with HarperCollins can be read in any order.
OUR LITTLE SECRET (July 2017)
CLOSE YOUR EYES (May 2018)
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK (March 2019)
DARK CORNERS (April 2020)
THE PLAYERS (May 2021)
THE PRICE (JUNE 2023).
You can follow Darren on:
Twitter @Darrensully,
Instagram @darrensully,
Facebook @darrenosullivanauthor
My baby is due in two weeks. Hand on my bump, I swear to my little girl, I won't be anything like my mother.
I walk home after the perfect baby shower, enjoying the cool summer evening breeze. I can't wait to rest my aching feet.
I'm almost at my door when the world goes black.
I wake with a blinding pain in my head—the beeping of machines in the background. I open my eyes to a white room.
Panic jolts through me. I reach down to my bump, to where my baby should be. But she's not there.
Then, my fingers find a rough line of stitches.
Someone has taken my baby.
Out of me.
This is the first book I've read by this author. It is well-composed and has a great plot. The writing style is strong and fast-paced, keeping your attention throughout.
The startling prologue is an excellent opening to the book, instantly making you want to read on.
Emily is the protagonist; she experiences every emotion as we follow her journey to its moving end.
The story is an emotional roller coaster that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will certainly be adding this author's books to my 'to be read' pile. I am happy to recommend this book to all who enjoy a gripping psychological thriller.
I want to thank publishers Joffe Books, author Darren O'Sullivan and Zooloosbooktours for a place on the tour.
Darren's first novel, Our Little Secret, is optioned by Rollick Film, and he is credited as the writer of the feature film.
His 6 thrillers with HarperCollins can be read in any order.
OUR LITTLE SECRET (July 2017)
CLOSE YOUR EYES (May 2018)
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK (March 2019)
DARK CORNERS (April 2020)
THE PLAYERS (May 2021)
THE PRICE (JUNE 2023).
You can follow Darren on:
Twitter @Darrensully,
Instagram @darrensully,
Facebook @darrenosullivanauthor
May 29, 2024
Here is my review for The Night They Stole My Baby by Darren O’Sullivan
I got into this psychological thriller straight away and it is a thrilling read, it even had me on the edge of my seat! It is a ‘now’ and ‘then’ book which I love. When it goes back, it takes you back to when Emily is a child with a younger sister. In the present day, Emily is two weeks away from her due date from giving birth when she is attacked and injected with insulin. This puts her into a coma so they operate and little Freya is born by caesarian. After a couple of days, they allowed her home with her father, Lucas. When Emily comes out of the coma and wants to see Freya, Lucas has taken Freya away but no-one knows where so the police start looking for them. It’s a really thrilling read and I loved it. The emotions were there and the press, social media, etc. were included. The plotting was brilliant and the writing was superb. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.
Blurb :
My baby is due in two weeks. Hand on my bump, I swear to my little girl, I won’t be anything like my mother.
I’m walking home after the perfect baby shower, enjoying the cool summer evening breeze. I can’t wait to rest my aching feet.
I’m almost at my door when the world goes black.
I wake with a blinding pain in my head. Beeping of machines in background. I open my eyes to a white room.
Panic jolts through me. I reach down to my bump, to where my baby should be. But she’s not there.
Then my fingers find a rough line of stitches.
Someone has taken my baby.
Out of me.
I got into this psychological thriller straight away and it is a thrilling read, it even had me on the edge of my seat! It is a ‘now’ and ‘then’ book which I love. When it goes back, it takes you back to when Emily is a child with a younger sister. In the present day, Emily is two weeks away from her due date from giving birth when she is attacked and injected with insulin. This puts her into a coma so they operate and little Freya is born by caesarian. After a couple of days, they allowed her home with her father, Lucas. When Emily comes out of the coma and wants to see Freya, Lucas has taken Freya away but no-one knows where so the police start looking for them. It’s a really thrilling read and I loved it. The emotions were there and the press, social media, etc. were included. The plotting was brilliant and the writing was superb. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.
Blurb :
My baby is due in two weeks. Hand on my bump, I swear to my little girl, I won’t be anything like my mother.
I’m walking home after the perfect baby shower, enjoying the cool summer evening breeze. I can’t wait to rest my aching feet.
I’m almost at my door when the world goes black.
I wake with a blinding pain in my head. Beeping of machines in background. I open my eyes to a white room.
Panic jolts through me. I reach down to my bump, to where my baby should be. But she’s not there.
Then my fingers find a rough line of stitches.
Someone has taken my baby.
Out of me.
November 26, 2025
I do not usually write reviews but feel compelled to after reading this book. It was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Had me gripped from start to finish. I met this author on a meet and greet online a couple of years ago and have had some of his books in my TBR pile. I’m so glad I started this yesterday (and could not go to sleep tonight until I’d finished it). I cannot even sleep as I need to get my thoughts about this book onto this review. I loved the way it was in the present and then went back to the past. It flowed so well throughout the book, which even with some of the more well known authors does not always flow as well! The description and detail made it feel as if all the feelings were coming off the page and I felt every single one of them. I gasped, I wept, I felt scared at times as I had such a strong connection with the main subject of the book Emily. It made me think that the child neglect aspect written about is sadly such that still happens daily. And that makes me so utterly heartbroken and sad. I will not spoil the ending but again, I wept. I would give 6 stars if I could. A brilliant read. Off to read more of Darren’s books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
Emily grew up neglected and abused by her mother. Trauma and abuse have an awful way of distorting reality. Emily is haunted by her past and feels the guilt of her sister’s death. Altering being taken away from her mother and living with her grandparents - Emily changes her name and starts to move on with her life. After getting pregnant by her boyfriend Lucas, they break up and argue about how to raise the child - ultimately the plan was for Emily to keep Freya and Lucas can visit then take her on trips once she gets older.
After Emily’s surprise baby shower she’s attacked at her front door and wakes up in the hospital and her baby is gone. The Cops try everything and follow all the leads available and her friends start a search team and hit social media looking for leads.
Emily loses all hope and goes back to where everything began never expecting to find what she does..
This book really throws your mind for a loop - throwing doubts after making you believe something whole-heartedly.. Was able to binge the book in a day and kept me engaged the entire time - such a great read.
After Emily’s surprise baby shower she’s attacked at her front door and wakes up in the hospital and her baby is gone. The Cops try everything and follow all the leads available and her friends start a search team and hit social media looking for leads.
Emily loses all hope and goes back to where everything began never expecting to find what she does..
This book really throws your mind for a loop - throwing doubts after making you believe something whole-heartedly.. Was able to binge the book in a day and kept me engaged the entire time - such a great read.
June 8, 2024
I just have to start this review saying, I was in the biggest reading slump. Every book I started didn't grab me didn't intrigue me and I gave up every book after a couple of chapters.
Then I started this book. The title itself had me wondering. And then from the prologue I was hooked. And then the first chapter just wouldn't let me go. I found myself reading this book at any given opportunity and didn't want to stop ever.
I think as a mum myself I related to Em so much which is what and me gripped. My heart wrenched for her and I just couldn't even imagine how she would feel. But Darren wrote this brilliantly and felt he got the feeling spot on.
I love a book with then and now chapters. And reading the then chapters had my jaw hitting the floor at everything Em went through. I feel we are now friends after exploring this journey with her and knowing her secrets. I also loved her friends and the detective in this book too.
A fantastic book that pulled me from an almighty slump. Thank you Darren!
Then I started this book. The title itself had me wondering. And then from the prologue I was hooked. And then the first chapter just wouldn't let me go. I found myself reading this book at any given opportunity and didn't want to stop ever.
I think as a mum myself I related to Em so much which is what and me gripped. My heart wrenched for her and I just couldn't even imagine how she would feel. But Darren wrote this brilliantly and felt he got the feeling spot on.
I love a book with then and now chapters. And reading the then chapters had my jaw hitting the floor at everything Em went through. I feel we are now friends after exploring this journey with her and knowing her secrets. I also loved her friends and the detective in this book too.
A fantastic book that pulled me from an almighty slump. Thank you Darren!
June 13, 2024
Emily strolls home after the perfect baby shower that her friends have thrown for her.
As the familiar threshold of home beckons, darkness descends like a shroud, swallowing her world as everything goes black.
Echoes of machines hum in the distance, as she awakens in a sterile white room. Panic blooms in her chest, clawing its way to the surface as her trembling hand seeks solace on her once-swollen belly, now eerily empty. The palpable absence of her precious child sends shockwaves through her being. With trembling fingers, she traces the jagged path of stitches on her abdomen, a cruel testament to the unthinkable violation she has endured. The realization dawns that someone has stolen her baby, torn her precious child from the sanctuary of her womb.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Great plot with great pacing and plenty of suspense. Told in dual timelines which knitted together perfectly. Nice short chapters which I always love too.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
As the familiar threshold of home beckons, darkness descends like a shroud, swallowing her world as everything goes black.
Echoes of machines hum in the distance, as she awakens in a sterile white room. Panic blooms in her chest, clawing its way to the surface as her trembling hand seeks solace on her once-swollen belly, now eerily empty. The palpable absence of her precious child sends shockwaves through her being. With trembling fingers, she traces the jagged path of stitches on her abdomen, a cruel testament to the unthinkable violation she has endured. The realization dawns that someone has stolen her baby, torn her precious child from the sanctuary of her womb.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Great plot with great pacing and plenty of suspense. Told in dual timelines which knitted together perfectly. Nice short chapters which I always love too.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
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