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The Foster Daughter
I take a deep shaky breath as I stand outside the house where it all happened. This is the one place I swore I would never return, but I have no choice…
Fifteen years after the night I vanished, I knock sharply on my old door. Peering out from the shadows, my foster mother looks back at me in shock.
Why have you come back?
She pulls me and my young son inside. As she looks at me, I know she thinks I’m hiding something.
And I am.
Soon the whole town is whispering about my return. But not everyone is happy to see me. My oldest friend thinks I’m keeping secrets, and they aren’t wrong. We were seen arguing the night I returned.
And then my friend is found dead.
Everyone thinks I did it. But I didn’t. I couldn’t have.
Because I am not the person they think I am…
They have no idea what I’m capable of, and why I really came back to this place. Or how far I’ll go to protect my precious little boy…
An absolutely gripping and unputdownable psychological thriller, packed with twist after jaw-dropping twist. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn and Lucinda Berry.
Fifteen years after the night I vanished, I knock sharply on my old door. Peering out from the shadows, my foster mother looks back at me in shock.
Why have you come back?
She pulls me and my young son inside. As she looks at me, I know she thinks I’m hiding something.
And I am.
Soon the whole town is whispering about my return. But not everyone is happy to see me. My oldest friend thinks I’m keeping secrets, and they aren’t wrong. We were seen arguing the night I returned.
And then my friend is found dead.
Everyone thinks I did it. But I didn’t. I couldn’t have.
Because I am not the person they think I am…
They have no idea what I’m capable of, and why I really came back to this place. Or how far I’ll go to protect my precious little boy…
An absolutely gripping and unputdownable psychological thriller, packed with twist after jaw-dropping twist. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn and Lucinda Berry.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2024
About the author
Laura Wolfe
15 books356 followersLaura Wolfe is a bestselling author of twisty, fast-paced psychological thrillers. Her books include a 2024 Silver Falchion Award Winner (PROM QUEEN) and a 2024 ITW Award Nominee (THE IN-LAWS). Laura loves animals and nature. When she's not working on her next book, you can find her hiking through the woods, doting on her rescue dog, or binge-watching true crime documentaries and calling it research. She enjoys living with her husband, son, and daughter in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
September 26, 2024
This was an enjoyable read and above average psychological thriller. The author definitely knows what she’s doing with all those possible suspects that kept you guessing. I honestly couldn’t figure out what was going on, and was very surprised from the first twist that came on about halfway through. It made you see everything in a new light, and added to the mystery of it all. And then there was the different relationships where you couldn’t figure out who to trust. Everyone had their agenda, and it was not obvious what it could be.
If you love twisty thrillers with unexpected events, this is for you.
I didn’t love the ending unfortunately, it was a bit.. won’t say more to not spoil anything!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my opinion
If you love twisty thrillers with unexpected events, this is for you.
I didn’t love the ending unfortunately, it was a bit.. won’t say more to not spoil anything!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my opinion
October 14, 2024
Secrets from the past come back to threaten the future in this unpredictable, twisty, intense thriller. The first twist totally caught me off guard, followed by countless other mind-bending events. The beginning started as a slow burn, but the action quickly escalated toward the surprising, gripping conclusion. The narration masterfully brought the characters to life while adding a layer of mystery and tension. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
February 3, 2026
I have been reading Laura's books over the past year. I have loved every single one of them. She is an auto buy author for me. This is one of my favorites and as you can see, I gave it 5 stars.
It's a book all about deception, lies, secrets and revelations. It starts off right from the very first page. Lots of twists and turns and had me guessing. Very well done! I flew through this one.
It's a book all about deception, lies, secrets and revelations. It starts off right from the very first page. Lots of twists and turns and had me guessing. Very well done! I flew through this one.
October 4, 2024
This book is a masterful web of tantalizing twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the outset, the author skillfully subverts expectations, drawing readers into a conspiracy of past secrets as we accompany Riley on her quest for the truth.
Set against a backdrop of richly detailed settings, the story immerses you in a world where every character harbors hidden motives and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Riley, the determined and relatable protagonist, navigates a labyrinth of deceit and half-truths, making her journey both emotional and thrilling. As she unravels the mystery, we become deeply invested in her discoveries and setbacks.
The plot is cleverly structured, weaving together multiple timelines and perspectives that gradually reveal the depth of the deception. The author’s knack for planting subtle clues ensures that each twist feels both surprising and earned. The challenge of figuring out who is deceitful adds to the excitement, with several surprising twists along the way—though I did manage to catch onto one.
The secondary characters are equally compelling, each adding their own layer of intrigue and complexity to the story. From the enigmatic neighbor with a shady past to the charming friend who might not be as trustworthy as they seem, each character is meticulously crafted with hidden secrets that slowly come to light. The dialogue is sharp, and the interactions between characters are loaded with tension and subtext, making every conversation a potential clue to the larger mystery.
The epilogue was satisfying but introduced a crafty twist that left me uncertain. If it was intended to set up a sequel, then I think it’s a smart move. However, if it’s meant to be the final resolution, I’m not as keen on it.
Overall, it’s a highly enjoyable and captivating story, perfect for those who love a good mystery filled with unexpected turns and richly developed characters. The clever interplay of hidden secrets and the gradual unveiling of each character’s true nature make this book an unputdownable read. A solid four stars! ✨
Thank you to the author and Bookouture for providing me with this ARC.
The publication date is Oct 11, 2024. If you enjoy twisty thrillers, add this one to your TBR.
Set against a backdrop of richly detailed settings, the story immerses you in a world where every character harbors hidden motives and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Riley, the determined and relatable protagonist, navigates a labyrinth of deceit and half-truths, making her journey both emotional and thrilling. As she unravels the mystery, we become deeply invested in her discoveries and setbacks.
The plot is cleverly structured, weaving together multiple timelines and perspectives that gradually reveal the depth of the deception. The author’s knack for planting subtle clues ensures that each twist feels both surprising and earned. The challenge of figuring out who is deceitful adds to the excitement, with several surprising twists along the way—though I did manage to catch onto one.
The secondary characters are equally compelling, each adding their own layer of intrigue and complexity to the story. From the enigmatic neighbor with a shady past to the charming friend who might not be as trustworthy as they seem, each character is meticulously crafted with hidden secrets that slowly come to light. The dialogue is sharp, and the interactions between characters are loaded with tension and subtext, making every conversation a potential clue to the larger mystery.
The epilogue was satisfying but introduced a crafty twist that left me uncertain. If it was intended to set up a sequel, then I think it’s a smart move. However, if it’s meant to be the final resolution, I’m not as keen on it.
Overall, it’s a highly enjoyable and captivating story, perfect for those who love a good mystery filled with unexpected turns and richly developed characters. The clever interplay of hidden secrets and the gradual unveiling of each character’s true nature make this book an unputdownable read. A solid four stars! ✨
Thank you to the author and Bookouture for providing me with this ARC.
The publication date is Oct 11, 2024. If you enjoy twisty thrillers, add this one to your TBR.
October 23, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Foster Daughter by Laura Wolfe. This book was pretty well paced with many twists along the way. It was a captivating book. There were times when the main character would explain something that was very awkward and seemed to be a different writing style than the other parts of the book. The epilogue was a set up to perhaps a book 2? But then again, it would end up being similar to book 1. It was enjoyable and I would recommend it. A 4 star rating from me.
June 10, 2026
Respiro hondo, temblando, parada frente a la casa donde ocurrió todo. Es el único lugar al que juré no volver jamás, pero no tengo otra opción…
Quince años después de la noche en la que desaparecí, llamo a la puerta de mi antiguo hogar. Desde las sombras, mi madre de acogida me mira con sorpresa.
¿Por qué has vuelto?
Me hace pasar junto con mi pequeño hijo. Me observa, y sé que piensa que le oculto algo.
Y tiene razón.
Pronto todo el pueblo murmura sobre mi regreso. Pero no todos se alegran de verme. Mi mejor amigo sospecha que escondo secretos, y no se equivoca. Nos vieron discutir la noche en que volví.
Y entonces mi amigo aparece muerto. Todos creen que fui yo. Pero no lo hice. No podría haberlo hecho. Porque no soy la persona que creen que soy…
No tienen ni idea de lo que soy capaz, ni del verdadero motivo por el que regresé a este lugar. Ni de hasta dónde llegaré para proteger a mi hijo.
Un thriller psicológico lleno de suspense, con un ritmo ágil, directo y dinámico, capítulos cortos e intrigantes donde la historia arranca rápido y sin rodeos revelando poco a poco los secretos del pasado. Personajes que generan desconfianza y mantienen la intriga, Atmósfera claustrofóbica y opresiva que funciona como el tipo escenario donde las fachadas de normalidad esconden dinámicas muy oscura.
Trata temas como la suplantación de identidad, los secretos del sistema de acogida; las secuelas psicológicas y la vulnerabilidad de los menores criados en hogares temporales. El instinto de protección maternal, el engaño, la culpa, el remordimiento, las segundas oportunidades y los prejuicios de un pueblo pequeño; la rapidez con la que una comunidad cerrada juzga, aísla y señala al eslabón más débil.
Es una lectura que engancha desde el primer capítulo, utiliza un lenguaje sencillo y visual, priorizando el ritmo y los giros impactantes por encima de una prosa elaborada. Ideal para salir de un bloqueo lector.
Quince años después de la noche en la que desaparecí, llamo a la puerta de mi antiguo hogar. Desde las sombras, mi madre de acogida me mira con sorpresa.
¿Por qué has vuelto?
Me hace pasar junto con mi pequeño hijo. Me observa, y sé que piensa que le oculto algo.
Y tiene razón.
Pronto todo el pueblo murmura sobre mi regreso. Pero no todos se alegran de verme. Mi mejor amigo sospecha que escondo secretos, y no se equivoca. Nos vieron discutir la noche en que volví.
Y entonces mi amigo aparece muerto. Todos creen que fui yo. Pero no lo hice. No podría haberlo hecho. Porque no soy la persona que creen que soy…
No tienen ni idea de lo que soy capaz, ni del verdadero motivo por el que regresé a este lugar. Ni de hasta dónde llegaré para proteger a mi hijo.
Un thriller psicológico lleno de suspense, con un ritmo ágil, directo y dinámico, capítulos cortos e intrigantes donde la historia arranca rápido y sin rodeos revelando poco a poco los secretos del pasado. Personajes que generan desconfianza y mantienen la intriga, Atmósfera claustrofóbica y opresiva que funciona como el tipo escenario donde las fachadas de normalidad esconden dinámicas muy oscura.
Trata temas como la suplantación de identidad, los secretos del sistema de acogida; las secuelas psicológicas y la vulnerabilidad de los menores criados en hogares temporales. El instinto de protección maternal, el engaño, la culpa, el remordimiento, las segundas oportunidades y los prejuicios de un pueblo pequeño; la rapidez con la que una comunidad cerrada juzga, aísla y señala al eslabón más débil.
Es una lectura que engancha desde el primer capítulo, utiliza un lenguaje sencillo y visual, priorizando el ritmo y los giros impactantes por encima de una prosa elaborada. Ideal para salir de un bloqueo lector.
April 16, 2026
El peorcito que leí de Laura Wolfe.
Todo muy forzado.
Todo muy forzado.
October 29, 2024
The Foster Daughter by Laura Wolfe
What do you do when you are in trouble? Return to the one home that you remember was safe… The foster parents you ran away from… They open the door to a woman they vaguely recognize holding the hand of a little boy but within a week of allowing her to stay with them… Someone she knew has ended up dead…
I loved it. It's one of those books that has you so twisted up you don’t know if up is down or left is right. It chilled me to my bone not knowing what was going on or who was telling the truth. The audio was smashing too. The narrator was bang on and I listened to the whole thing in one sitting.
No one seems to be who you think they are and this book will give you whiplash, in the best way, with all the twists and turns. I literally gasped at the end. Did not see any of it coming.
One of the best books I’ve listened to lately.
5 stars
October 11, 2024
Happy publication day 🎉🥳
This was so damned good!! More twists and turns than you can imagine, and a complete masterclass in keeping you guessing and wanting more from the story. I guessed a couple but while I knew who, I didn’t know why. Excellent!!
I have to be clear though that I really didn’t enjoy the narration, I messed with the speed a lot, and no matter what I done the voice sounded robotic, computer generated almost. The sad thing is that I really didn’t want to stick with it but the story had me hooked, and technically I should’ve rated this title higher, but I had to be true to the overall audiobook.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ELC
This was so damned good!! More twists and turns than you can imagine, and a complete masterclass in keeping you guessing and wanting more from the story. I guessed a couple but while I knew who, I didn’t know why. Excellent!!
I have to be clear though that I really didn’t enjoy the narration, I messed with the speed a lot, and no matter what I done the voice sounded robotic, computer generated almost. The sad thing is that I really didn’t want to stick with it but the story had me hooked, and technically I should’ve rated this title higher, but I had to be true to the overall audiobook.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ELC
October 14, 2024
I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to my first audiobook on their platform.
Unfortunately the narrator spoiled this story with her disjointed speech pattern, she broke up so many sentences where there was no need and made it uncomfortable to listen to. I think this spoilt the overall plot of the book and maybe reading it would be better but I would say I think the main character “Riley” spent a lot of her time explaining things that were happening in an awkward way.
Unfortunately the narrator spoiled this story with her disjointed speech pattern, she broke up so many sentences where there was no need and made it uncomfortable to listen to. I think this spoilt the overall plot of the book and maybe reading it would be better but I would say I think the main character “Riley” spent a lot of her time explaining things that were happening in an awkward way.
January 3, 2026
This book had me on the edge of my seat! It was tense and suspenseful all the way through. I kept changing my mind on what was really going on. The twists were great! The very ending of the book wasn't my favorite part, but I would recommend this one if you are looking for a fast paced, exciting read.
October 11, 2024
Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m an avid reader of Laura Wolfe’s entertaining psychological thriller.
Her latest intriguing read is The Foster Daughter.
A praiseworthy and jaw dropping tale.
After an incident, Riley and her four year old son Noah arrive back to a town from her past.
Needing a place to stay she calls on her foster parents Wendy and George.
Fleeing fifteen years prior, Riley has some explaining to do.
Her arrival creates tension, suspense, secrets and mystery.
And that’s all I’m going to say…… except read this book.
A great plot with numerous twists and a cast of sly characters that leads to a clever ending and a smart epilogue.
I had an inkling about something and I was correct but there was so much more to the reveal than I expected.
Another clever book from a talented writer.
I’m an avid reader of Laura Wolfe’s entertaining psychological thriller.
Her latest intriguing read is The Foster Daughter.
A praiseworthy and jaw dropping tale.
After an incident, Riley and her four year old son Noah arrive back to a town from her past.
Needing a place to stay she calls on her foster parents Wendy and George.
Fleeing fifteen years prior, Riley has some explaining to do.
Her arrival creates tension, suspense, secrets and mystery.
And that’s all I’m going to say…… except read this book.
A great plot with numerous twists and a cast of sly characters that leads to a clever ending and a smart epilogue.
I had an inkling about something and I was correct but there was so much more to the reveal than I expected.
Another clever book from a talented writer.
November 18, 2024
Riley comes back to her foster parents 15 years after running away. Only it isn't Riley, It's her secret sister.
While I really wanted to like the story it felt very obvious and far fetched. There is no way that a foster girl disappeared (and from a set of parents that already had known issues) and nobody thought anything about the brand new hastily installed concrete patio? Also fake Riley had zero street sense considering she had been living in the streets for most of her life.
It was an average thriller and to a newer thriller reader it would probably be fine but a more avid reader is going to stop the issues very quickly.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookoture Audio, and the author for my copy of this book.
While I really wanted to like the story it felt very obvious and far fetched. There is no way that a foster girl disappeared (and from a set of parents that already had known issues) and nobody thought anything about the brand new hastily installed concrete patio? Also fake Riley had zero street sense considering she had been living in the streets for most of her life.
It was an average thriller and to a newer thriller reader it would probably be fine but a more avid reader is going to stop the issues very quickly.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookoture Audio, and the author for my copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
I loved this book! It was a twisty edge of your seat ride the whole way through. The characters both lovable and hateable, the plot were engaging. I loved the bit of romance in this one as well as the shining mother's love. We all want to do better for our children than we had ourselves.
October 16, 2024
There is nothing better than a psychological thriller that has so much suspense running throughout. The Foster Daughter is that book.
Laura Wolfe is an author whose books I do look forward to reading. When this one landed on my Kindle, I wasted no time in diving in. I was hooked right away. The characters are fully rounded, and I had no clue who to trust. The intricately crafted plot just kept throwing twists and turns that had my jaw dropping and me on the edge of my seat in expectation.
The fact that the action begins straight away makes it such a fast-paced read. I just couldn't stop flipping the pages. Well, not until I fell asleep anyway! That's the only reason I didn't finish on the same day. Tension, suspense, atmospheric, and deep. All this together makes it a book that ticks all my boxes for an excellent read.
Thanks to Bookouture Books and NetGalley for my review copy to write my honest review.
Laura Wolfe is an author whose books I do look forward to reading. When this one landed on my Kindle, I wasted no time in diving in. I was hooked right away. The characters are fully rounded, and I had no clue who to trust. The intricately crafted plot just kept throwing twists and turns that had my jaw dropping and me on the edge of my seat in expectation.
The fact that the action begins straight away makes it such a fast-paced read. I just couldn't stop flipping the pages. Well, not until I fell asleep anyway! That's the only reason I didn't finish on the same day. Tension, suspense, atmospheric, and deep. All this together makes it a book that ticks all my boxes for an excellent read.
Thanks to Bookouture Books and NetGalley for my review copy to write my honest review.
October 17, 2024
First, I want to thank Laura Wolfe, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
DANG!!! Laura Wolf takes you on a wickedly twisted roller coaster ride in her latest psychological suspense novel The Foster Daughter! This is a book you will need to clear your schedule as it is so intense you will just want to binge read it. Oh and the book sucks you in quickly as it is fast paced and totally addictive. You are going to want to put this one on the must read list.
When I say there are wicked twists in this book I really mean there are some serious twists in this book. Some of the twists caught me off guard and I even said oh snap to! Laura was really good at throwing us off the path for a few things if not more.
Laura created a very storyline that was very creative and was thought of outside of the box. I really loved that. Her story was unlike any I had ever read before.
DANG!!! Laura Wolf takes you on a wickedly twisted roller coaster ride in her latest psychological suspense novel The Foster Daughter! This is a book you will need to clear your schedule as it is so intense you will just want to binge read it. Oh and the book sucks you in quickly as it is fast paced and totally addictive. You are going to want to put this one on the must read list.
When I say there are wicked twists in this book I really mean there are some serious twists in this book. Some of the twists caught me off guard and I even said oh snap to! Laura was really good at throwing us off the path for a few things if not more.
Laura created a very storyline that was very creative and was thought of outside of the box. I really loved that. Her story was unlike any I had ever read before.
October 7, 2024
The beginning of this book felt very amateurish. I was pleased to see that as it went on, it did get a little bit better. It wasn’t particularly twisty, as you can guess the who and the why, but it started to get a bit suspenseful at the end. “Riley” was a decent character, but was pretty naive for someone on the run.
All in all, it was just ok to me.
I enjoyed the narrator and listened at 2x which was the perfect speed.
October 13, 2024
I flew through this gripping psychological suspense novel! I love it because I was invested in the storyline & Riley. She’s a strong protagonist that I was rooting for no matter her secrets. Yet, there were many secrets that other characters harbored and twists right until the very last page.
September 8, 2024
This book was so suspenseful, and I can’t even tell you all about it! All you get is what we know from the synopsis: Wendy and George Eckhart fostered Riley for about a year when she was a teenager, along with many other troubled teens. Riley was able to leave the awful group home she was in and live in a real home environment - but something happened. She ran away, and was never seen again. The Eckharts, who had done so much for the community, lost their permission to foster children after that, and everyone always wondered what happened to Riley.
Fifteen years later, Riley shows up at the Eckharts’ door with her four-year-old son Noah. She apologizes profusely for scaring everyone and running away, but she had gotten caught up with an older man. He took to her Los Angeles, and turned her into a sex worker/drug addict. When she became pregnant with Noah, she got clean, and has tried to put the bad decisions she made behind her. She refuses to mess up and let her son become a member of the foster system, just like his mother.
Wendy welcomes her back with open arms, and she and George let Riley rent the apartment above their garage, which isn’t much, but is fine for now. Riley just needs to stay hidden; some of the things she got herself involved in may have put her in danger. The plan is going well until at a barbecue, a local news station shows up to do a story on the foster child lost for fifteen years coming back home. Now Riley is really scared about her past catching up with her…
This is all really a small part of the books; early on there is a huge twist that changes EVERYTHING for the reader. That twist is followed by many others, until the jaw-dropping ending and epilogue. Every time I thought I knew what was happening, everything would change again. If you love twisty (and twisted) psychological thrillers, this one is for you! 4.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Laura Wolfe and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is alters to be released on October 11, 2024.)
Fifteen years later, Riley shows up at the Eckharts’ door with her four-year-old son Noah. She apologizes profusely for scaring everyone and running away, but she had gotten caught up with an older man. He took to her Los Angeles, and turned her into a sex worker/drug addict. When she became pregnant with Noah, she got clean, and has tried to put the bad decisions she made behind her. She refuses to mess up and let her son become a member of the foster system, just like his mother.
Wendy welcomes her back with open arms, and she and George let Riley rent the apartment above their garage, which isn’t much, but is fine for now. Riley just needs to stay hidden; some of the things she got herself involved in may have put her in danger. The plan is going well until at a barbecue, a local news station shows up to do a story on the foster child lost for fifteen years coming back home. Now Riley is really scared about her past catching up with her…
This is all really a small part of the books; early on there is a huge twist that changes EVERYTHING for the reader. That twist is followed by many others, until the jaw-dropping ending and epilogue. Every time I thought I knew what was happening, everything would change again. If you love twisty (and twisted) psychological thrillers, this one is for you! 4.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Laura Wolfe and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is alters to be released on October 11, 2024.)
August 29, 2024
As soon as you open the book, you dive straight into the action. I had the feeling I was going to enjoy this book a lot.
And I did indeed. There is a lot of speculation and finger pointing. Lies are being found out and vicious secrets are floating to the surface. Friendships are being rekindled and new ones are being formed. Pasts are being left behind and the foundation for a new life is being laid.
The question is though : can you really leave the past behind?
I loved the surprises the author had in store. When a story is well build and things I did not expect to happen, happen, this really puts a smile on my face. But I am in awe too. I admire the way the author manages to glue me to the book with amazing storytelling.
Sleep is so overrated when you are immersed in an excellent story like this one. 5 stars
Thank you
And I did indeed. There is a lot of speculation and finger pointing. Lies are being found out and vicious secrets are floating to the surface. Friendships are being rekindled and new ones are being formed. Pasts are being left behind and the foundation for a new life is being laid.
The question is though : can you really leave the past behind?
I loved the surprises the author had in store. When a story is well build and things I did not expect to happen, happen, this really puts a smile on my face. But I am in awe too. I admire the way the author manages to glue me to the book with amazing storytelling.
Sleep is so overrated when you are immersed in an excellent story like this one. 5 stars
Thank you
December 7, 2024
What a twisty thriller with an unpredictable ending! There were many suspects that kept me guessing right up to the end. I kept changing my mind as the story progressed. With twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, the plot developed well and left me questioning everyone and everything. I really like Riley's character. Very unexpected twists that were well written within the context of the plot. And that ending and epilogue?! My jaw literally dropped. I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2024
Future readers, just know that The Foster Daughter is all about deception and hides so many secrets, it is a little difficult for us to review it without spoiling it for you... but I'll do my best!
"I'd spent my entire adult life honing the craft of deception."
Riley, the teenage foster daughter of the Eckhart's, ran away and disappeared in the middle of the night. Years later, she shows back up at their door with her four year old son. Where was she? Why did she leave? Why did she come back? Nevertheless, she is welcomed home with open arms. Life begins to settle back into some normalcy.... until Rileys past begins to catch up with her.
This book didn't fluff around at the beginning and jumped straight into the action! We loooovvve that! Throughout the book there is a lot of speculation, secrets unfolding, realisations made, and lies being unraveling. This made for a super interesting and engaging read. This book has lots of shocking twists and I didn't expect the huge one that came at about halfway through! Towards the end though, it got a little bit more predictable but because it seemed that everyone could be a potential suspect, I was never really sure who it was.
As for the things I didn't enjoy.... The ending hmmm.... I don't think I was a fan of the ending. Yes, questions were answered and then it was wrapped up in a nice little bow but I felt like there could have just been something more. There was a little cliffhanger at the end that leaves room for a sequel.
Another thing I didn't understand is the book blurb - I picked up this book thinking that it was going to be from the perspective of the foster parents but was surprised that it is in the perspective of the daughter, Riley.
The narrator did a great job but I thought that she gave the foster mother, Wendy, a terrible accent that made me cringe at times.
All in all, this was a suspenseful read that still had me up late listening and crawling into bed at 2am. I enjoyed this story and after reading this book I'm definitely going to check out the authors other books!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio and author Laura Wolfe, for an advance copy of this audiobook. Catch You Later is available from October 11th, 2024!
"I'd spent my entire adult life honing the craft of deception."
Riley, the teenage foster daughter of the Eckhart's, ran away and disappeared in the middle of the night. Years later, she shows back up at their door with her four year old son. Where was she? Why did she leave? Why did she come back? Nevertheless, she is welcomed home with open arms. Life begins to settle back into some normalcy.... until Rileys past begins to catch up with her.
This book didn't fluff around at the beginning and jumped straight into the action! We loooovvve that! Throughout the book there is a lot of speculation, secrets unfolding, realisations made, and lies being unraveling. This made for a super interesting and engaging read. This book has lots of shocking twists and I didn't expect the huge one that came at about halfway through! Towards the end though, it got a little bit more predictable but because it seemed that everyone could be a potential suspect, I was never really sure who it was.
As for the things I didn't enjoy.... The ending hmmm.... I don't think I was a fan of the ending. Yes, questions were answered and then it was wrapped up in a nice little bow but I felt like there could have just been something more. There was a little cliffhanger at the end that leaves room for a sequel.
Another thing I didn't understand is the book blurb - I picked up this book thinking that it was going to be from the perspective of the foster parents but was surprised that it is in the perspective of the daughter, Riley.
The narrator did a great job but I thought that she gave the foster mother, Wendy, a terrible accent that made me cringe at times.
All in all, this was a suspenseful read that still had me up late listening and crawling into bed at 2am. I enjoyed this story and after reading this book I'm definitely going to check out the authors other books!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio and author Laura Wolfe, for an advance copy of this audiobook. Catch You Later is available from October 11th, 2024!
October 12, 2024
It was enjoyable with a twist that I wasn't necessarily expecting, but I also wasn't surprised. This book was filled with a bunch of shady characters that I couldn't really root for, and I wasn't really a fan of them, but they all had a bunch of secrets that were exposed as the book went on, adding another layer of excitement to the story.
Cody was an interesting choice for an assisting character. It was good that he was always there to help when he was needed, and I felt bad for him at the end. Harper was a whole different story. I don't think she was meant to be likeable at all, which is good because I was seriously not a fan of her. She had her moments, but most of the time, she was unbearable.
The whole thing with the ex-boss was ended a lot easier than I thought it would. I was expecting that to be a little more difficult, since it was built up to be one of the main characters major problems that she was trying to run away from. However, this was still an interesting problem to throw into the book to show a little bit of backstory for our main character.
The ending was also a little disappointing in the sense that there was so much build up throughout the book, but the ending was very short and only lasted a few pages, at most and then we get an epilogue. I feel like this would have been better if it was expanded on, and more information was given to give more background of the villains in this story and what happened to Riley and Pete. The ending also appears to elude to the possibility of a sequel with the introduction of another character that may bring our main character some trouble in the future. If this is the case, I may check out any follow ups.
Cody was an interesting choice for an assisting character. It was good that he was always there to help when he was needed, and I felt bad for him at the end. Harper was a whole different story. I don't think she was meant to be likeable at all, which is good because I was seriously not a fan of her. She had her moments, but most of the time, she was unbearable.
The whole thing with the ex-boss was ended a lot easier than I thought it would. I was expecting that to be a little more difficult, since it was built up to be one of the main characters major problems that she was trying to run away from. However, this was still an interesting problem to throw into the book to show a little bit of backstory for our main character.
The ending was also a little disappointing in the sense that there was so much build up throughout the book, but the ending was very short and only lasted a few pages, at most and then we get an epilogue. I feel like this would have been better if it was expanded on, and more information was given to give more background of the villains in this story and what happened to Riley and Pete. The ending also appears to elude to the possibility of a sequel with the introduction of another character that may bring our main character some trouble in the future. If this is the case, I may check out any follow ups.
October 10, 2024
This was a super addictive, exciting popcorn thriller
Riley a foster runaway, returns home after 15 years. As she settles into her new life, her paranoia grows. She’s sure someone’s following her and afraid of her secrets being revealed
I can’t say much more than that, because this book is twisty! It’s also faced paced, exciting and addictive
I enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator was great with accents and it was a super easy listen/read
The ending was surprising and juicy but I hoped for a more solid conclusion. A couple of events were unresolved and a flashback would have been the cherry on top
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
Riley a foster runaway, returns home after 15 years. As she settles into her new life, her paranoia grows. She’s sure someone’s following her and afraid of her secrets being revealed
I can’t say much more than that, because this book is twisty! It’s also faced paced, exciting and addictive
I enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator was great with accents and it was a super easy listen/read
The ending was surprising and juicy but I hoped for a more solid conclusion. A couple of events were unresolved and a flashback would have been the cherry on top
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
May 24, 2026
I’m landing on 3 stars, and honestly that’s mostly because it’s short. The book itself earns about 2 stars, and I’m throwing in an extra one simply because it didn’t drag on long enough to be tedious. The plot never really grabbed me; it just kind of moved along without ever becoming exciting or surprising. I kept waiting for something to click, but it never did. The characters didn’t help much; they never felt like real people, more like placeholders being pushed around to make the story happen. Their reactions didn’t always make sense to me, and I never fully bought into any of them. The writing is fine, quick to get through, and that’s probably the best thing about the whole experience. It’s not a bad book, just not a memorable one. I finished it, shrugged, and moved on.
December 30, 2024
The foster daughter was a whirlwind of a mystery thriller. Riley returns to her foster home that she ran away from 15 years prior, leaving a trail of bad deeds and broken laws in her wake. Who can she truly trust, and who will reveal her secrets?
I can’t honestly say I knew where it was headed at any given point, I kept flip flopping between who I thought was responsible, and was actually surprised by who it ended up being!
I can’t honestly say I knew where it was headed at any given point, I kept flip flopping between who I thought was responsible, and was actually surprised by who it ended up being!
October 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a wild ride. I felt like I knew who was behind Riley’s disappearance as soon as it was discovered she had been missing for years. I loved that her sister pretended to be Riley as a way of discovering what happened to her. The foster parents were the perfect blend of creepy and they had me scared from the moment they entered the story. This was a great and fast paced thriller.
This book was a wild ride. I felt like I knew who was behind Riley’s disappearance as soon as it was discovered she had been missing for years. I loved that her sister pretended to be Riley as a way of discovering what happened to her. The foster parents were the perfect blend of creepy and they had me scared from the moment they entered the story. This was a great and fast paced thriller.
October 8, 2024
Audio version of this book 📕- A really enjoyable listen with lots of twists and turns that kept you guessing! The Narrator was really good , was easy to listen to.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture audio for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture audio for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 8, 2026
A medium crime/thriller book.
The story started out great, but as you continue on and you get the scent of what happened, it is starting to loose a little of the charm.
I did like the ending, I just saw it coming.
The story started out great, but as you continue on and you get the scent of what happened, it is starting to loose a little of the charm.
I did like the ending, I just saw it coming.
April 2, 2026
Un thriller ágil y muy facil de leer, sumamente entretenido, no le doy las cinco estrellas porque para mí han sido muchas cosas demasiado previsibles.
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