The Baby Hunters: Kathleen's Escape from incarceration

by Joanna Warrington

The story of Kathleen's escape from incarceration in an institution for "fallen women."
In 1974, the shadows of the Magdalene laundry still haunt Kathleen as she daringly escapes from a life of oppression. Now on the run, the priest is hot on her trail. As the priest's attention shifts to other lost souls, the consequences are nothing short of devastating.

Meanwhile, a famous American actress and her wealthy husband have arrived in Ireland to adopt a baby and discover an unexpected offer they cannot refuse. Will it turn out to be a dream come true or a nightmare waiting to unfold?

Enter the O’Sullivans, a struggling Catholic family in Belfast battling the weight of poverty and the turmoil of the Troubles. With a fifth child adding to their financial strain and ostracised by their Protestant neighbours, their house is about to be petrol-bombed. The couple face a momentous choice––hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life. Desperation drives Mrs O’Sullivan to come up with a plan that offers the family a glimmer of hope, but at what price?

Inspired by true events, this is a powerful story of joy and sorrow uncovering the profound and catastrophic effects of the Irish Troubles, the Catholic Church’s practices in Ireland and the systemic abuse by those in positions of authority.

For fans of Philomena, the book that inspired the Academy Award-nominated film, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2025

About the author

Joanna Warrington is a divorced mother to three children. Two have flown the nest. She has written seven books and writing is now firmly in her blood. She began writing as a cathartic exercise when her first child died and it snowballed from there.

She lives in West Sussex England and is a frequent visitor to various local cafes where she enjoys reading and eating cake.

Reviews

[Helen Christmas]

A well plotted story, exposing the cruelty and hypocrisy Catholic priests and nuns are capable of. I enjoyed reading about Kathleen’s escape from the laundry, hoping she would turn her life around. But the character I really empathised with was Sheridan, a young Mother yearning to protect her family from the troubles in Northern Ireland, whilst her husband turns a blind eye, resulting in tragic consequences. Enjoyable, though harrowing in parts.

[Emin Gul]

Not a bad little ready , easy to read and at parts made me feel angry towards the cruelty inflicted on young girls. Evil predators hiding behind religion and getting away with it
Glad these establishments no longer exist. Priests and nuns were simply cruel beyond belief almost wants to make me an atheist

[Sarah Jane]

Joanna Warrington writes such good historical fiction, she really researches it well and you feel like you understand it, as if you were there. The book ended a bit abruptly, id like to hope another book will follow to continue the story.

[Rosemarie]

The book ended abruptly I would like to think there was going to be another book to finish the story. As there is plenty going on in the book and it doesn’t seem to have an end in my opinion.

[Fiona Seabrook]

Thoroughly enjoyed that this book

In many ways it was a very sad book, but it was one of those books that you have to read to the end to see what happens

[Lynne Murray]

Had looked forward to this read and it didn’t meet my full expectations. Good read but slightly lacking

[joan geary]

Very interesting story

This is excellently written. Story so interesting and she opening in places. Hopefully those times and attitudes have changed now. Happy ending too!