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The Wrong Child
🎧Listening Length = 10 hours and 45 minutes
The jaw dropping and twisty new thriller about a mother with a shocking secret
When 3-month-old Max is abducted, his parents are plunged into their worst nightmare. Devastated mum Sarah only took her eyes off him for a second, but that doesn't stop her guilt. Even husband, Jake, whom until now has been her rock, can't conceal his anger that their little boy went missing on her watch.
By contrast, it's all smiles and celebration at a caravan park in Lincolnshire, as baby Ronnie is introduced to his new family. Jenna and Gary are delighted with the new addition to the family. He is their fourth child and a real object of delight to their eldest - fifteen year old Becky - who once again it seems will take on the lion's share of raising the child, having dropped out of school several years ago.
But as desperate TV appeals by the Miller family make clear, trouble is brewing. Baby Max has neonatal diabetes and without regular dialysis will die. Teenager Becky is deeply troubled by the appeals that play incessantly on TV and radio, the Miller's rich relatives throwing everything at trying to smoke out the kidnappers. As her anxiety rises, as baby "Ronnie" becomes increasingly ill, a sickening realization steals over Becky. What is the truth about her family? And how far will they go to hide their deadly secret?
A gripping, heart-wrenching thriller for fans of Cara Hunter, Heidi Perks, Claire Douglas, Fiona Barton, Susan Lewis and Lesley Kara
The jaw dropping and twisty new thriller about a mother with a shocking secret
A gripping 2024 release cowritten by a Sunday Times bestselling author: When their infant son is suddenly abducted, parents Sarah and Jake are distraught. At the same time, the Star family welcomes a new baby boy. As 15-year-old Willow makes a shocking discovery that connects the two, she questions everything she knows about her family…
When 3-month-old Max is abducted, his parents are plunged into their worst nightmare. Devastated mum Sarah only took her eyes off him for a second, but that doesn't stop her guilt. Even husband, Jake, whom until now has been her rock, can't conceal his anger that their little boy went missing on her watch.
By contrast, it's all smiles and celebration at a caravan park in Lincolnshire, as baby Ronnie is introduced to his new family. Jenna and Gary are delighted with the new addition to the family. He is their fourth child and a real object of delight to their eldest - fifteen year old Becky - who once again it seems will take on the lion's share of raising the child, having dropped out of school several years ago.
But as desperate TV appeals by the Miller family make clear, trouble is brewing. Baby Max has neonatal diabetes and without regular dialysis will die. Teenager Becky is deeply troubled by the appeals that play incessantly on TV and radio, the Miller's rich relatives throwing everything at trying to smoke out the kidnappers. As her anxiety rises, as baby "Ronnie" becomes increasingly ill, a sickening realization steals over Becky. What is the truth about her family? And how far will they go to hide their deadly secret?
A gripping, heart-wrenching thriller for fans of Cara Hunter, Heidi Perks, Claire Douglas, Fiona Barton, Susan Lewis and Lesley Kara
Audible Audio
First published August 29, 2024
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About the author
M.J. Arlidge
37 books4,293 followersM.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
August 2, 2024
I've always enjoyed M. J. Ardlidge's novels and whilst I've not read Julia Crouch before, I was fully on board with this collaboration.
Whilst the initial setup was slightly confusing with the introduction of so many characters, the slow burn and obvious connection soon came to fore.
The contrast between Sarah and Jake alongside Jenna and Gary were starkly interesting.
I really felt for Sarah who's 3-month-old Max is abducted, the stressed out mother of three is devastated whilst struggling with postnatal depression.
The novel contains some really strong female characters whilst the search for baby Max who has recently been diagnosed with Neonatal diabetes really rackets up the tension.
Whilst the initial setup was slightly confusing with the introduction of so many characters, the slow burn and obvious connection soon came to fore.
The contrast between Sarah and Jake alongside Jenna and Gary were starkly interesting.
I really felt for Sarah who's 3-month-old Max is abducted, the stressed out mother of three is devastated whilst struggling with postnatal depression.
The novel contains some really strong female characters whilst the search for baby Max who has recently been diagnosed with Neonatal diabetes really rackets up the tension.
June 19, 2024
I wanted to read this book as I've read books from the fantastic author M.j.arlidge Ive not read any of Julie crouch books...this was an okay read but wasn't engrossed with this read..Sarah a mother whos youngest child a baby named Max is not very settled crying alot Sarah is at her wits end after a stroll her baby is stolen by another mother her family are nomads and wanted another child...Will Sarah get her baby back?...looking forward to reading M.J Arlidge next read one of my favourite authors.
August 19, 2024
Eager to read this latest collaborative effort by M.J. Arlidge and Julia Crouch, I rushed to get my hands on this book. Their styles, while different, meld together nicely in this well-paced thriller. A young chid goes missing and leaves a mother frantic while her family is unsure what t believe. All the while, a nomadic family appears in a Lincolnshire community with their newest bundle, ready to impress old friends. The case heats up and both families find thmemselves in the middle of the action, with the spotlight firmly focussed on the frantic mother, as accusations of murder and neglect surface. Arlidge and Crouch spin a tale of deception, angst, and criminal planning in this piece that is sure to grip the reader from the outset.
The abduction of 3-month-old Max Miller creates a nightmare like no other for a small community, none more than his mother, Sarah. Where could he have gone in the moments she was looking the other way and who would be so mean as to leave a doll in the pram where he had been? While Sarah only turned the other way for a moment, she cannot assuage her guilt with this and takers full responsibility. Her husband, Jake, who has long been her greatest support cannot help but scoff at Sarah, wondering how she could have done something so horrible in such a short time. Whispers of murder and mental instability begin as well, creating more issues for Sarah.
Across the country, Jenna and her family arrive at a campsite area in Lincolnshire with their new baby, Blaze. They are nomadic and have been away for a while but cannot help but celebrate with their on-again off-again friends. Blaze is so happy and ready to feel the love of those around him. Jenna’s fourth child looks like her and is the newest addition to the ‘star family’. However, the eldest child, Willow, can see that there is another side to the new addition. Willow will be required to take care of everything and everyone, as is usually the case. With the responsibility left to her, Willow has been forced to play mother and leave school years ago. This is becoming problematic and the animosity is on the rise.
The panic for the Millers cannot be masked, especially when television appeals begin. There is more to the abduction of baby Max than meets the eye. Max is a neonatal diabetic, so he needs medication and strict monitoring. Willow has heard these pleas and cannot ignore them. Blaze looks and sounds so much like Max, which only adds to Willow’s worry and confusion about the entire ‘star family’ unit. Then, ‘Blaze’ becomes ill and things take a turn for the worse, sending Willow into a panic. She seeks assistance from those in the community who might be able to help. With ‘Blaze’ getting worse, Willow will have to make a decision that could blow the truth off everything and send a small Lincolnshire community in chaos. Arlidge and Crouch do a formidable job with this piece and kept me hooked throughout.
The series work of M.J. Arlidge has always piqued my interest, so a collaborative effort with Julia Crouch could only be a get project. The authors present a strong story that keeps the reader hooked as things progress with dire twists. The narrative momentum increases as the story quickly takes hold and shorter chapters provide springboards to more action. Plot developments are paralleled by great characters, needed for a standalone that seeks to leave the reader impacted. The authors have made it their point to keep the reader wondering about future collaborative efforts, while keeping the story compacted to this novel. I cannot wait to see what else these two might have in store, as I see Arlidge has a number of joint writing efforts in the works.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge and Madam Crouch, for a great thriller.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The abduction of 3-month-old Max Miller creates a nightmare like no other for a small community, none more than his mother, Sarah. Where could he have gone in the moments she was looking the other way and who would be so mean as to leave a doll in the pram where he had been? While Sarah only turned the other way for a moment, she cannot assuage her guilt with this and takers full responsibility. Her husband, Jake, who has long been her greatest support cannot help but scoff at Sarah, wondering how she could have done something so horrible in such a short time. Whispers of murder and mental instability begin as well, creating more issues for Sarah.
Across the country, Jenna and her family arrive at a campsite area in Lincolnshire with their new baby, Blaze. They are nomadic and have been away for a while but cannot help but celebrate with their on-again off-again friends. Blaze is so happy and ready to feel the love of those around him. Jenna’s fourth child looks like her and is the newest addition to the ‘star family’. However, the eldest child, Willow, can see that there is another side to the new addition. Willow will be required to take care of everything and everyone, as is usually the case. With the responsibility left to her, Willow has been forced to play mother and leave school years ago. This is becoming problematic and the animosity is on the rise.
The panic for the Millers cannot be masked, especially when television appeals begin. There is more to the abduction of baby Max than meets the eye. Max is a neonatal diabetic, so he needs medication and strict monitoring. Willow has heard these pleas and cannot ignore them. Blaze looks and sounds so much like Max, which only adds to Willow’s worry and confusion about the entire ‘star family’ unit. Then, ‘Blaze’ becomes ill and things take a turn for the worse, sending Willow into a panic. She seeks assistance from those in the community who might be able to help. With ‘Blaze’ getting worse, Willow will have to make a decision that could blow the truth off everything and send a small Lincolnshire community in chaos. Arlidge and Crouch do a formidable job with this piece and kept me hooked throughout.
The series work of M.J. Arlidge has always piqued my interest, so a collaborative effort with Julia Crouch could only be a get project. The authors present a strong story that keeps the reader hooked as things progress with dire twists. The narrative momentum increases as the story quickly takes hold and shorter chapters provide springboards to more action. Plot developments are paralleled by great characters, needed for a standalone that seeks to leave the reader impacted. The authors have made it their point to keep the reader wondering about future collaborative efforts, while keeping the story compacted to this novel. I cannot wait to see what else these two might have in store, as I see Arlidge has a number of joint writing efforts in the works.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge and Madam Crouch, for a great thriller.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 20, 2025
3/3.5⭐️
March 19, 2025
Nothing special
March 5, 2025
Wanneer de drie maanden oude Max wordt ontvoerd, belanden zijn ouders in hun grootste nachtmerrie. Zijn moeder Sarah worstelt met haar schuldgevoel: ze keek slechts een tel de andere kant op en toen was hij verdwenen. En Jake kan moeilijk verkroppen dat zijn zoontje verdween terwijl zijn vrouw op hem had moeten letten.
Elders is het groot feest. In Lincolnshire wordt de pasgeboren baby Blaze voorgesteld aan zijn nieuwe familie. Ouders Jenna en Gaz zijn dolblij met hun vierde kind.
Dan verschijnen er wanhopige oproepen op televisie. De vermiste baby Max heeft neonatale diabetes en zonder goede verzorging zal hij sterven. Willow is erg verontrust door de oproepen die onophoudelijk in de media te horen zijn.
Terwijl haar angst toeneemt en Blaze steeds zieker wordt, wordt Willow overvallen door een haast misselijkmakend besef. Wat is de waarheid over haar familie? En hoe ver zullen ze gaan om hun dodelijke geheim te verbergen?
Normaal gesproken ben ik altijd heel erg enthousiast wanneer deze auteur weer een nieuw verhaal van Helen Grace uitbrengt, maar de losstaande verhalen wekken ook enorme nieuwsgierigheid bij mij op.
Vrijwel meteen lees je over Jenna, Gaz en de drie kinderen. Ook het vierde kind, Blaze, komt snel aan bod. Ondertussen lees je ook vanuit Sarah en haar gezin. Dingen lopen allemaal niet zo lekker en tot overmaat van ramp overkomt haar dan ook nog eens het allerergste: haar jongste kind raakt vermist en haar partner geeft haar de schuld. Vanaf dan gaat alles bergafwaarts in het leven van Sarah.
Je leest heel veel over de levens van beide vrouwen en hun kinderen, vooral dat van Willow, en dat vond ik interessant. De struggles die zij ervaart zijn goed op papier gezet.
Wel zat ik steeds te wachten op "iets" wat maar niet ging komen. Er zitten wel een aantal goede stukken in en de schrijfstijl is fijn, maar de echte spanning ontbrak voor mij.
Het verhaal was interessant en ik wilde toch steeds verder lezen, omdat ik benieuwd was naar een plottwist, maar helaas...
Dit verhaal is oké, maar verwacht geen thriller waarbij je op het puntje van je stoel zit.
Ik wil @boekerij heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,0/3,5 ⭐️
Elders is het groot feest. In Lincolnshire wordt de pasgeboren baby Blaze voorgesteld aan zijn nieuwe familie. Ouders Jenna en Gaz zijn dolblij met hun vierde kind.
Dan verschijnen er wanhopige oproepen op televisie. De vermiste baby Max heeft neonatale diabetes en zonder goede verzorging zal hij sterven. Willow is erg verontrust door de oproepen die onophoudelijk in de media te horen zijn.
Terwijl haar angst toeneemt en Blaze steeds zieker wordt, wordt Willow overvallen door een haast misselijkmakend besef. Wat is de waarheid over haar familie? En hoe ver zullen ze gaan om hun dodelijke geheim te verbergen?
Normaal gesproken ben ik altijd heel erg enthousiast wanneer deze auteur weer een nieuw verhaal van Helen Grace uitbrengt, maar de losstaande verhalen wekken ook enorme nieuwsgierigheid bij mij op.
Vrijwel meteen lees je over Jenna, Gaz en de drie kinderen. Ook het vierde kind, Blaze, komt snel aan bod. Ondertussen lees je ook vanuit Sarah en haar gezin. Dingen lopen allemaal niet zo lekker en tot overmaat van ramp overkomt haar dan ook nog eens het allerergste: haar jongste kind raakt vermist en haar partner geeft haar de schuld. Vanaf dan gaat alles bergafwaarts in het leven van Sarah.
Je leest heel veel over de levens van beide vrouwen en hun kinderen, vooral dat van Willow, en dat vond ik interessant. De struggles die zij ervaart zijn goed op papier gezet.
Wel zat ik steeds te wachten op "iets" wat maar niet ging komen. Er zitten wel een aantal goede stukken in en de schrijfstijl is fijn, maar de echte spanning ontbrak voor mij.
Het verhaal was interessant en ik wilde toch steeds verder lezen, omdat ik benieuwd was naar een plottwist, maar helaas...
Dit verhaal is oké, maar verwacht geen thriller waarbij je op het puntje van je stoel zit.
Ik wil @boekerij heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,0/3,5 ⭐️
June 6, 2024
Having read and enjoyed previous books by each author, this collaboration was one that I couldn’t say no to and I wasn’t disappointed. However their joint writing process works, it seems very successful and I forgot that I was reading two authors so seamless was the flow. With characters that I felt sympathy for but also despised, this was a story of drama and emotion.
When Sarah took her eyes off her three month baby Max, every parent’s worst nightmare happened. Someone was watching and they didn’t hesitate to take their chance. I’m not a parent but it should have been clear to Sarah’s family how much she was struggling with a new baby and two other young children. Her husband Jake was as much use as a chocolate teapot, his own interests taking priority.
The vilification of Sarah in the media made for uncomfortable reading because we see this toxicity all the time. There are few boundaries the press will not cross to get their story and clicks. Add in the investigating detectives who decided that their only suspect was Sarah and she was on her own whilst dealing with her own feelings of heartbreak and guilt. Even her own husband offered no support.
The Star family dynamics would become clear but the head of the family Jenna, seemed a disturbed individual and the one person that I really rooted for here was Willow. As the eldest child, she was left to look after everyone, including a new baby, whilst Jenna and her latest boyfriend went off to do their ‘job’ – their income stream seemed decidedly dodgy. Although she came from a normal suburban background Jenna was very much anti-establishment. She made sure the family was constantly moving around, living off grid in their caravan Nomad and not allowing phones or any form of media that might influence. Despite her assertions that she wanted her children to have freedom, she was able to exercise complete control and manipulation of her family.
Whilst the book initially had a slower pace as it introduced the characters and the build up, the pace and tension increased as lives began to unravel and behaviours became more erratic. With baby Blaze needing regular medication to keep him alive there was a race to find him in time.
I enjoyed this thrilling story with its powerful emotive plot and diverse characters. There were well drawn main and supporting players and Willow was one that stood out for me. In spite of Jenna’s parenting – or rather the lack of it, she was an intelligent, caring and brave young girl who just wanted love and a normal life.
When Sarah took her eyes off her three month baby Max, every parent’s worst nightmare happened. Someone was watching and they didn’t hesitate to take their chance. I’m not a parent but it should have been clear to Sarah’s family how much she was struggling with a new baby and two other young children. Her husband Jake was as much use as a chocolate teapot, his own interests taking priority.
The vilification of Sarah in the media made for uncomfortable reading because we see this toxicity all the time. There are few boundaries the press will not cross to get their story and clicks. Add in the investigating detectives who decided that their only suspect was Sarah and she was on her own whilst dealing with her own feelings of heartbreak and guilt. Even her own husband offered no support.
The Star family dynamics would become clear but the head of the family Jenna, seemed a disturbed individual and the one person that I really rooted for here was Willow. As the eldest child, she was left to look after everyone, including a new baby, whilst Jenna and her latest boyfriend went off to do their ‘job’ – their income stream seemed decidedly dodgy. Although she came from a normal suburban background Jenna was very much anti-establishment. She made sure the family was constantly moving around, living off grid in their caravan Nomad and not allowing phones or any form of media that might influence. Despite her assertions that she wanted her children to have freedom, she was able to exercise complete control and manipulation of her family.
Whilst the book initially had a slower pace as it introduced the characters and the build up, the pace and tension increased as lives began to unravel and behaviours became more erratic. With baby Blaze needing regular medication to keep him alive there was a race to find him in time.
I enjoyed this thrilling story with its powerful emotive plot and diverse characters. There were well drawn main and supporting players and Willow was one that stood out for me. In spite of Jenna’s parenting – or rather the lack of it, she was an intelligent, caring and brave young girl who just wanted love and a normal life.
March 17, 2025
Om maar meteen met de deur in huis te vallen: ‘Het verkeerde kind’ van M.J. Arlidge en Julia Crouch wordt gepresenteerd als een thriller, maar voor mij voelde het meer als een familiedrama met een onderhuidse spanning.
Het verhaal bouwt langzaam op – een echte slow burn – en hoewel er zeker een dreigende sfeer aanwezig is, miste ik de nagelbijtende spanning die ik van een thriller verwacht.
Ja, de verdwijning van een baby is intens. En zeker wanneer zowel de media als naasten de moeder in eerste instantie verdenken. Hoewel ik met het personage van Sarah weinig op had, kon ik wat betreft de valse beschuldigingen iets met haar meeleven.
Echter kreeg ik gedurende dit verhaal geen echte band met de personages. Er werd niet genoeg diepgang geboden om het echt te voelen. Zeker bij de mogelijke dader had ik gehoopt op meer uitwerking, zodat het verhaal meer impact had. Hierdoor bleef het verhaal wat vlak en kon het me niet volledig meeslepen.
Ook de kant van de politie en het onderzoeksteam was behoorlijk onderbelicht. In dit verhaal vervulden zij slechts een amateuristische bijrol.
Ondanks bovenstaande is de schrijfstijl wel vlot en is er voldoende afwisseling tussen perspectieven.
Een sterk punt vond ik de manier waarop de mediahectiek rondom de verdwijning van baby Max werd neergezet. De invloed van sociale media en de publieke opinie voelde beklemmend en realistisch, iets wat zeker bijdroeg aan de spanning van het verhaal.
Het einde vond ik iets te abrupt en te summier uitgewerkt naar mijn smaak.
Conclusie
Hoewel ik de samenwerking tussen Arlidge & Broadribb geslaagd vond, haalde deze samenwerking het net niet in mijn ogen.
‘Het verkeerde kind’ is een prima thriller voor tussendoor, maar is wat mij betreft geen absolute must-read.
Voor mij persoonlijk geen hoogtepunt binnen het genre dus.
Het verhaal bouwt langzaam op – een echte slow burn – en hoewel er zeker een dreigende sfeer aanwezig is, miste ik de nagelbijtende spanning die ik van een thriller verwacht.
Ja, de verdwijning van een baby is intens. En zeker wanneer zowel de media als naasten de moeder in eerste instantie verdenken. Hoewel ik met het personage van Sarah weinig op had, kon ik wat betreft de valse beschuldigingen iets met haar meeleven.
Echter kreeg ik gedurende dit verhaal geen echte band met de personages. Er werd niet genoeg diepgang geboden om het echt te voelen. Zeker bij de mogelijke dader had ik gehoopt op meer uitwerking, zodat het verhaal meer impact had. Hierdoor bleef het verhaal wat vlak en kon het me niet volledig meeslepen.
Ook de kant van de politie en het onderzoeksteam was behoorlijk onderbelicht. In dit verhaal vervulden zij slechts een amateuristische bijrol.
Ondanks bovenstaande is de schrijfstijl wel vlot en is er voldoende afwisseling tussen perspectieven.
Een sterk punt vond ik de manier waarop de mediahectiek rondom de verdwijning van baby Max werd neergezet. De invloed van sociale media en de publieke opinie voelde beklemmend en realistisch, iets wat zeker bijdroeg aan de spanning van het verhaal.
Het einde vond ik iets te abrupt en te summier uitgewerkt naar mijn smaak.
Conclusie
Hoewel ik de samenwerking tussen Arlidge & Broadribb geslaagd vond, haalde deze samenwerking het net niet in mijn ogen.
‘Het verkeerde kind’ is een prima thriller voor tussendoor, maar is wat mij betreft geen absolute must-read.
Voor mij persoonlijk geen hoogtepunt binnen het genre dus.
January 8, 2026
Soms lees je een boek en dan zou je het het liefste voor het einde wegleggen.
Want ja....anders is het boek uit. Dit is er zo een!
Superspannend. Goed begin van 2026.
Want ja....anders is het boek uit. Dit is er zo een!
Superspannend. Goed begin van 2026.
September 22, 2025
Een verslavend boek. Ik ben vandaag bewust iets eerder gaan lezen dan normaal, zodat ik het boek vandaag nog uit kon lezen. Want toen ik eenmaal in het boek bezig was, vond ik het steeds moeilijker om het weg te leggen. Dat heb ik wel vaker met de boeken van M.J. Arlidge. Zijn serie met Helen Grace vind ik niet leuk meer. Daar was ik na verschillende delen gelezen te hebben wel op uitgekeken. Zijn standalones vind ik wel goed, vandaar dat ik ook wel benieuwd was na zijn samenwerking met Julia Crouch, een schrijfster die ik niet kende. Wel vraag ik mij bij zo’n samenwerking af wat de invloed van beide auteurs is. Ik vind het leuk dat het verhaal vanuit Sarah’s en Willows perspectief wordt verteld en niet vanuit bijvoorbeeld een politierechercheur. Nu maak je echt mee hoe het voor een moeder is om een kind kwijt te raken. Ook maakt Sarah echt een ontwikkeling door. Daarnaast leefde ik ook mee met Willow, die het goede probeert te doen, maar geen ander leven kent dan dat met Jenna. Ook heeft Joan een leuke bijrol, vooral op het einde. Dit boek was weer genieten.
September 24, 2024
OOOOH, when I heard that MJ Arlidge has a new collaborative project with some of the best thriller writers around I knew I had to get involved and read them. It is my ABSOLUTE pleasure and honour to be arranging the blogtours for the “Crime Writers’ Room” and kick off the first book in this project which features another of my favourite authors HRH Julia Crouch (Queen of Domestic Noir).
I haven’t read many collaborative books so I don’t know how it works but I do know that I adore both writers and was intrigued to see what they could come up with together, after all two twisted heads are definitely better than one.
The Wrong Child starts by introducing the reader to Jenna Star. She’s a young and beautiful, free spirited traveller who lives with her 3 children, Willow, Tiger and Moon and her boyfriend Gaz moving from site to site in their caravan Nomad, never staying too long. Her children are the most important things in her life and she’s now ready for another baby to complete her family.
We then meet Sarah. She’s recently had her third child and is now a very harassed and stressed mother of 3 under 3. Her husband is the Deputy Head of a local school and despite promising to help out more at home, she’s almost at breaking point. To make matters worse, baby Max has recently been diagnosed with Neonatal diabetes and spends almost all day and night crying.
When baby Max gets abducted in the park whilst Sarah is distracted, everyone’s world is turned upside down. Both parents react very differently to the abduction. Sarah is understandably distraught, but her husband can’t help but blame her plus the police also suspect her of harming her baby.
I’m going to be honest here, after the first 2 chapters I really wasn’t sure about the storyline or the characters, but slowly the plot begins to unravel and the characters start to show their true colours and within a few more chapters I was absolutely hooked.
Each chapter of the book follows a different character so we gradually find out more about who they are and what part they play.
With two strong female main characters both determined to keep their family together at any cost, the tension and pace ensures the reader can’t put the book down.
The Wrong Child really is a rollercoaster of a ride. It’s absolutely full of twists and turns, characters you love and characters you will despise and I 100% recommend this to everyone who enjoys thrillers.
I haven’t read many collaborative books so I don’t know how it works but I do know that I adore both writers and was intrigued to see what they could come up with together, after all two twisted heads are definitely better than one.
The Wrong Child starts by introducing the reader to Jenna Star. She’s a young and beautiful, free spirited traveller who lives with her 3 children, Willow, Tiger and Moon and her boyfriend Gaz moving from site to site in their caravan Nomad, never staying too long. Her children are the most important things in her life and she’s now ready for another baby to complete her family.
We then meet Sarah. She’s recently had her third child and is now a very harassed and stressed mother of 3 under 3. Her husband is the Deputy Head of a local school and despite promising to help out more at home, she’s almost at breaking point. To make matters worse, baby Max has recently been diagnosed with Neonatal diabetes and spends almost all day and night crying.
When baby Max gets abducted in the park whilst Sarah is distracted, everyone’s world is turned upside down. Both parents react very differently to the abduction. Sarah is understandably distraught, but her husband can’t help but blame her plus the police also suspect her of harming her baby.
I’m going to be honest here, after the first 2 chapters I really wasn’t sure about the storyline or the characters, but slowly the plot begins to unravel and the characters start to show their true colours and within a few more chapters I was absolutely hooked.
Each chapter of the book follows a different character so we gradually find out more about who they are and what part they play.
With two strong female main characters both determined to keep their family together at any cost, the tension and pace ensures the reader can’t put the book down.
The Wrong Child really is a rollercoaster of a ride. It’s absolutely full of twists and turns, characters you love and characters you will despise and I 100% recommend this to everyone who enjoys thrillers.
June 15, 2025
One of the best books I’ve read all year! The characters were so vivid and real and I was completely hooked.
I didn’t love the references to losing ‘baby weight’ at the start of the book, but I can see that it was relevant in regards to the character’s mental state at the time and it wasn’t mentioned again.
I didn’t love the references to losing ‘baby weight’ at the start of the book, but I can see that it was relevant in regards to the character’s mental state at the time and it wasn’t mentioned again.
March 3, 2025
1.5 ⭐️ Gewoon 0 spanning. Simpel geschreven, korte hoofdstukken, dus leest wel lekker weg maar na die eerste paar hoofdstukken weet je al exact hoe het eindigt. Eigenlijk weet je het al terwijl je de achterflap leest…
November 3, 2024
Wow! I always say I only give 5 stars to books I couldn’t put down and this was one of the rare 5 stars. Fantastic book, gripping and I stayed up way too late to finish it in under 24 hours.
April 29, 2025
A really enjoyable book! I was drawn in right away and kept wanting to keep reading. The storyline was interesting.
The book had some suspense in terms of how things would play out, but it wasn’t super thrilling like some other thrillers, especially since you know from the start who took the baby. There’s not really a ‘wow’ plot twist or anything like that.
I also missed some psychological depth and would’ve liked to know more about the kidnapping of the other children. I think I was just looking for a bit more depth overall, and the ending felt a bit too simple for the story.
But all in all, a really entertaining and easy read. A solid book, but not one that blew me away. I’d give it 3.5 stars.
The book had some suspense in terms of how things would play out, but it wasn’t super thrilling like some other thrillers, especially since you know from the start who took the baby. There’s not really a ‘wow’ plot twist or anything like that.
I also missed some psychological depth and would’ve liked to know more about the kidnapping of the other children. I think I was just looking for a bit more depth overall, and the ending felt a bit too simple for the story.
But all in all, a really entertaining and easy read. A solid book, but not one that blew me away. I’d give it 3.5 stars.
September 8, 2025
This book read like a train to me. I was intrigued by the story and the plot.
It did not disappoint!
Also an Award to Jake for being the most unbearable, annoying male character I've had the displeasure of reading about this year. The instant dislike I had for this guy since his very first chapter, it should be studied. The way this man talked about his wife, the disrespect, while she was the one doing everything for their 3 children while battling postpartum depression. Hated him, what an unpleasant man. He totally got what he deserved.
I really felt for Sarah, everything she was going through, everything that was happening, she didn't deserve that.
My favourite character was definitely Willow. Loved the bond between her and her "brothers"
It did not disappoint!
Also an Award to Jake for being the most unbearable, annoying male character I've had the displeasure of reading about this year. The instant dislike I had for this guy since his very first chapter, it should be studied. The way this man talked about his wife, the disrespect, while she was the one doing everything for their 3 children while battling postpartum depression. Hated him, what an unpleasant man. He totally got what he deserved.
I really felt for Sarah, everything she was going through, everything that was happening, she didn't deserve that.
My favourite character was definitely Willow. Loved the bond between her and her "brothers"
December 4, 2024
3.5* rounded down.
This didn’t feel at all like a book written by M J Arlidge and although it was an easily and enjoyable read it wasn’t gripping like I’m come to expect from M J Arlidge
This didn’t feel at all like a book written by M J Arlidge and although it was an easily and enjoyable read it wasn’t gripping like I’m come to expect from M J Arlidge
April 2, 2025
Spannend
April 20, 2025
Leuk om te lezen. Ook al weet je al precies wat er met baby Max gebeurd is en weet je wie wat heeft gedaan, toch blijft het verhaal boeien.
Het is nergens verrassend, maar een lekker boek voor tussendoor.
Het is nergens verrassend, maar een lekker boek voor tussendoor.
April 30, 2025
Een super spannende thriller die je snel wilt uitlezen! Je zit meteen in het verhaal, de schrijfstijl was heel fijn om te lezen en de spanning werd alsmaar opgebouwd. Verder wil ik niet te veel spoilen, maar echt wow.
May 6, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Written by M.J. Arlidge in collaboration with Julia Crouch The Wrong Child plays on every parent’s worst nightmare, child abduction! collaborations can sometimes feel disjointed and the reader can distinguish which author contributed to each chapter. But I’m thrilled to say that’s not the case here! The plot moves seamlessly between parents Sarah and Jake, whose 3- month-old son Max has been abducted. And travellers Jenna and Gary Starr and their daughter Willow who are celebrating baby Blaze becoming their fourth child.
Max has neonatal diabetes, and without regular treatment, he will die. This immediately gives the plot a sense of urgency. Sarah and Jenna are both mothers, but that’s where the similarities end! Jenna isn’t a character you will warm to. She’s manipulative, calculating, and a mass of contradictions. Her parenting skills leave a lot to be desired, but she’s fascinating. Sarah, on the other hand, pulls on the heartstrings and the authors lay bare her every emotion, guilt, anger, fear and heartbreak. I felt uncomfortable reading about the police, media and public perception of Sarah, especially how quick they were to judge, embellish and speculate. And don’t get me started on Sarah’s despicable Husband Jake, he made my blood boil!
Fifteen-year-old Willow has come to the age where she begins to question Jenna’s parenting skills and the narrative she’s been spoon fed since she was a child. This leads to her making a shocking discovery. What is the truth about her family? And how far will they go to hide their deadly secret? As The Wrong Child progresses, there’s an impending sense of danger and escalating tension. Navigating complex themes such as identity, family, motherhood, and mental health. I found this book to be a cracking read and one I would highly recommend to those who enjoy a character driven thriller.
You can follow me at………..
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
Written by M.J. Arlidge in collaboration with Julia Crouch The Wrong Child plays on every parent’s worst nightmare, child abduction! collaborations can sometimes feel disjointed and the reader can distinguish which author contributed to each chapter. But I’m thrilled to say that’s not the case here! The plot moves seamlessly between parents Sarah and Jake, whose 3- month-old son Max has been abducted. And travellers Jenna and Gary Starr and their daughter Willow who are celebrating baby Blaze becoming their fourth child.
Max has neonatal diabetes, and without regular treatment, he will die. This immediately gives the plot a sense of urgency. Sarah and Jenna are both mothers, but that’s where the similarities end! Jenna isn’t a character you will warm to. She’s manipulative, calculating, and a mass of contradictions. Her parenting skills leave a lot to be desired, but she’s fascinating. Sarah, on the other hand, pulls on the heartstrings and the authors lay bare her every emotion, guilt, anger, fear and heartbreak. I felt uncomfortable reading about the police, media and public perception of Sarah, especially how quick they were to judge, embellish and speculate. And don’t get me started on Sarah’s despicable Husband Jake, he made my blood boil!
Fifteen-year-old Willow has come to the age where she begins to question Jenna’s parenting skills and the narrative she’s been spoon fed since she was a child. This leads to her making a shocking discovery. What is the truth about her family? And how far will they go to hide their deadly secret? As The Wrong Child progresses, there’s an impending sense of danger and escalating tension. Navigating complex themes such as identity, family, motherhood, and mental health. I found this book to be a cracking read and one I would highly recommend to those who enjoy a character driven thriller.
You can follow me at………..
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
July 2, 2025
Goeie thriller!! Wel duidelijk in de schrijfstijl dat niet alleen Arlidge de pen er heeft ingezet, maar dat er een ander auteur mede het boek tot deze vorm heeft gebracht.
In het begin moest ik even wennen aan het verhaal, ook omdat er een aparte vorm was om personages en ruimtes te gaan beschrijven. Desalniettemin, eenmaal meegezogen in het verhaal laat het niet meer los en wil je het einde werkelijk ontdekken.
In het begin moest ik even wennen aan het verhaal, ook omdat er een aparte vorm was om personages en ruimtes te gaan beschrijven. Desalniettemin, eenmaal meegezogen in het verhaal laat het niet meer los en wil je het einde werkelijk ontdekken.
March 10, 2025
Het verkeerde kind is het tweede boek dat verscheen in de Crime Writer's Room reeks. M.J. Arlidge schreef dit boek samen met Julia Crouch. Het knappe is dat in het boek niet te onderscheiden is welke schrijver nu wat heeft geschreven.
Wanneer de drie maanden oude Max wordt ontvoerd, belanden zijn ouders in hun grootste nachtmerrie. Zijn moeder Sarah worstelt met haar schuldgevoel: ze keek slechts een tel de andere kant op en toen was hij verdwenen.
Elders is het groot feest. De pasgeboren baby Blaze voorgesteld aan zijn nieuwe familie. Ouders Jenna en Gaz zijn dolblij met hun vierde kind.
Dan verschijnen er wanhopige oproepen op televisie. De vermiste baby Max heeft neonatale diabetes en zonder goede verzorging zal hij sterven. Willow komt steeds meer tot het besef dat haar familie hier iets mee te maken heeft. Hoe ver zullen zij gaan om hun geheim te verbergen…?
In deze samenwerking is een sterk, goed verhaal tot stand gekomen. Niet perse nagelbijtend spannend, maar wel intrigerend met onderhuidse spanning die uiteindelijk wel tot een climax moet leiden.
Het wordt verteld vanuit verschillende perspectieven, bijvoorbeeld die van Sarah en Jake (de vader en moeder), maar ook vanuit Willow, de dochter van Jenna. Het geeft daardoor een goed beeld van de verhoudingen, de achtergronden en daarmee wordt het verhaal sterker.
Zo is de verandering van Sarah goed uitgewerkt, net als de keuzes die puberdochter Willow moet maken.
Hoewel het boek vlot leest door de korte hoofdstukken, komt het wat traag op gang. Het setting the scene kost even wat tijd, maar daarmee komt het wel het verhaal ten goede. Het boeit zeker wel.
Naarmate het boek vordert, loopt de spanning op en komt het tot een sterk einde.
Dit is een goed boek, een zeer geslaagde samenwerking!
Wanneer de drie maanden oude Max wordt ontvoerd, belanden zijn ouders in hun grootste nachtmerrie. Zijn moeder Sarah worstelt met haar schuldgevoel: ze keek slechts een tel de andere kant op en toen was hij verdwenen.
Elders is het groot feest. De pasgeboren baby Blaze voorgesteld aan zijn nieuwe familie. Ouders Jenna en Gaz zijn dolblij met hun vierde kind.
Dan verschijnen er wanhopige oproepen op televisie. De vermiste baby Max heeft neonatale diabetes en zonder goede verzorging zal hij sterven. Willow komt steeds meer tot het besef dat haar familie hier iets mee te maken heeft. Hoe ver zullen zij gaan om hun geheim te verbergen…?
In deze samenwerking is een sterk, goed verhaal tot stand gekomen. Niet perse nagelbijtend spannend, maar wel intrigerend met onderhuidse spanning die uiteindelijk wel tot een climax moet leiden.
Het wordt verteld vanuit verschillende perspectieven, bijvoorbeeld die van Sarah en Jake (de vader en moeder), maar ook vanuit Willow, de dochter van Jenna. Het geeft daardoor een goed beeld van de verhoudingen, de achtergronden en daarmee wordt het verhaal sterker.
Zo is de verandering van Sarah goed uitgewerkt, net als de keuzes die puberdochter Willow moet maken.
Hoewel het boek vlot leest door de korte hoofdstukken, komt het wat traag op gang. Het setting the scene kost even wat tijd, maar daarmee komt het wel het verhaal ten goede. Het boeit zeker wel.
Naarmate het boek vordert, loopt de spanning op en komt het tot een sterk einde.
Dit is een goed boek, een zeer geslaagde samenwerking!
July 20, 2025
3.5
Oh, don’t you just love to hate a character? I do. And it’s so easy to hate Jake. But why was there so much “steaming”? Honestly, steam-count: like, 37? Cuppa-count: infinite.
It was overall an enjoyable read, but nothing amazing. I thought the whole situation with the press was really interesting because it shows how confirmation bias works and how important circumstances are, but also the knowledge (or lack thereof) of those circumstances before we pass judgement.
The novel touches on multiple interesting themes and then suddenly there would be these parts that felt so overdone that it was slightly off-putting. It’s not so much a thriller as a… tying-ends-together story.
There are of characters, who are all very distinct and fun in their own way. The different POV’s were well executed and convincing. Joan is a fucking BEAST.
The plot is not as twisty had I had hoped, but the way it unfolds is still enjoyable. Something about the pacing and the ending felt a little off to me. I think this has to do with the sentence structure, but sometimes the flow just really lost its momentum mid-sentence which annoyed me.
The cowriting aspect was interesting to me, I wish I remembered more of Arlidge’s writing to be able to tell the difference in writing style.
And on a completely irrelevant note: I always love seeing AMSND mentioned.
Oh, don’t you just love to hate a character? I do. And it’s so easy to hate Jake. But why was there so much “steaming”? Honestly, steam-count: like, 37? Cuppa-count: infinite.
It was overall an enjoyable read, but nothing amazing. I thought the whole situation with the press was really interesting because it shows how confirmation bias works and how important circumstances are, but also the knowledge (or lack thereof) of those circumstances before we pass judgement.
The novel touches on multiple interesting themes and then suddenly there would be these parts that felt so overdone that it was slightly off-putting. It’s not so much a thriller as a… tying-ends-together story.
There are of characters, who are all very distinct and fun in their own way. The different POV’s were well executed and convincing. Joan is a fucking BEAST.
The plot is not as twisty had I had hoped, but the way it unfolds is still enjoyable. Something about the pacing and the ending felt a little off to me. I think this has to do with the sentence structure, but sometimes the flow just really lost its momentum mid-sentence which annoyed me.
The cowriting aspect was interesting to me, I wish I remembered more of Arlidge’s writing to be able to tell the difference in writing style.
And on a completely irrelevant note: I always love seeing AMSND mentioned.
March 7, 2025
Arlidge is één van mijn favoriete thrillerauteurs. Dus als er een nieuw boek verschijnt, wil ik het boek snel lezen! Dit is het tweede boek dat hij samen met een andere auteur schrijft.
Terwijl Sarah het moeilijk heeft sinds de geboorte van haar derde kind en weinig hulp krijgt van haar man, wordt haar baby Max gestolen terwijl ze even haar ogen niet op de kinderwagen had. Ze wordt beschuldigd van het ergste, niet in het minst door haar man. Maar Max is ziek en heeft dringend medicijnen nodig.
Jenna komt thuis met een nieuwe baby. Ze leeft samen met haar man en drie andere kinderen in een woonwagen en heeft geen vaste thuis. Jenna heeft de mond vol over vrijheid maar haar oudste dochter moet slaafs voldoen aan alles wat Jenna haar opdraagt. Ze krijgt dan ook de zorg over baby Blaze. Alleen lijkt Blaze niet helemaal gezond en gaat hij zienderogen achteruit.
De schrijfstijl van Arlidge is ook weer terug te vinden in dit boek. Een vlotgeschreven verhaal dat je moeilijk kan wegleggen. Deze thriller moet het minder hebben van de echte spannende gebeurtenissen maar eerder van de uitwerking van het verhaal. Het verhaal van Jenna krijgt in dit boek veel aandacht. Hoe ze haar jeugd beleeft heeft en waarom ze zich in de situatie gebracht heeft waar ze in terecht is gekomen. Dit maakt het verhaal wel erg fascinerend. Ook Sarah en haar gezin wordt goed uitgewerkt net als wat nieuwsberichten voor effect kunnen hebben op slachtoffer. Dit alles maakt dit verhaal zeer realistisch.
Ook deze samenwerking is weer een schot in de roos. Misschien is dit verhaal niet nagelbijtend spannend maar zeker ook wel een pageturner en een verhaal dat je zal aangrijpen.
Terwijl Sarah het moeilijk heeft sinds de geboorte van haar derde kind en weinig hulp krijgt van haar man, wordt haar baby Max gestolen terwijl ze even haar ogen niet op de kinderwagen had. Ze wordt beschuldigd van het ergste, niet in het minst door haar man. Maar Max is ziek en heeft dringend medicijnen nodig.
Jenna komt thuis met een nieuwe baby. Ze leeft samen met haar man en drie andere kinderen in een woonwagen en heeft geen vaste thuis. Jenna heeft de mond vol over vrijheid maar haar oudste dochter moet slaafs voldoen aan alles wat Jenna haar opdraagt. Ze krijgt dan ook de zorg over baby Blaze. Alleen lijkt Blaze niet helemaal gezond en gaat hij zienderogen achteruit.
De schrijfstijl van Arlidge is ook weer terug te vinden in dit boek. Een vlotgeschreven verhaal dat je moeilijk kan wegleggen. Deze thriller moet het minder hebben van de echte spannende gebeurtenissen maar eerder van de uitwerking van het verhaal. Het verhaal van Jenna krijgt in dit boek veel aandacht. Hoe ze haar jeugd beleeft heeft en waarom ze zich in de situatie gebracht heeft waar ze in terecht is gekomen. Dit maakt het verhaal wel erg fascinerend. Ook Sarah en haar gezin wordt goed uitgewerkt net als wat nieuwsberichten voor effect kunnen hebben op slachtoffer. Dit alles maakt dit verhaal zeer realistisch.
Ook deze samenwerking is weer een schot in de roos. Misschien is dit verhaal niet nagelbijtend spannend maar zeker ook wel een pageturner en een verhaal dat je zal aangrijpen.
June 29, 2025
I always devour M.J. arlidge’s books and own his entire collection, but I was so disappointed in how the characters were described.
There was the well overplayed hippie/nomad trope where they gathered all the clichés under the sun.
There was the stupidity of how Sarah (the mother of Max) interfered with the search.
And lastly, there was the way that the authors described/body shamed new mothers versus the “slim”, “beautiful”, “untouched” body of Jake’s “young” assistant Bea. They could have easily tone it down a lot more and it would have still been obvious to the reader how they portrayed the characters.
I read the book until the end. The plot was fine, but in my opinion, I’d like to see M.J. Arlidge flourish on his own. He’s an amazing author but the books that were co-written weren’t doing him any favor.
I hardly ever leave reviews, but this book gave me a weird feeling.
There was the well overplayed hippie/nomad trope where they gathered all the clichés under the sun.
There was the stupidity of how Sarah (the mother of Max) interfered with the search.
And lastly, there was the way that the authors described/body shamed new mothers versus the “slim”, “beautiful”, “untouched” body of Jake’s “young” assistant Bea. They could have easily tone it down a lot more and it would have still been obvious to the reader how they portrayed the characters.
I read the book until the end. The plot was fine, but in my opinion, I’d like to see M.J. Arlidge flourish on his own. He’s an amazing author but the books that were co-written weren’t doing him any favor.
I hardly ever leave reviews, but this book gave me a weird feeling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
3 stars. This book took me ages to read, I just couldn’t get into it and didn’t have the urge to pick it up. I’m not sure what I think of it. Predictable.
March 12, 2025
Ik vond dit echt een leuk boek! Al meer inhoud dan de vorige spannende verhalen, moet wel zeggen dat ik met mijn schoolstress meer hou van simpele boeken dus verwacht geen hoogstaande literatuur
May 8, 2025
Fantastisch boek !
July 30, 2025
Weer een heerlijk boekkie om te lezen. Wel een goede 4.5 ster waard. Verhaal was goed, spannend meeslepend! Heerlijk weg te lezen. Cliché, maar page tuner!! Verrassend einde, waarin ik het liefdevol? vond.. en dat voor een triller. Jaa enthousiast!
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