What do you think?
Rate this book
Twisted Family Mysteries #6
The Night They Took My Son
THE NIGHT THEY TOOK MY SON WAS THE WORST NIGHT OF MY ENTIRE LIFE.
I'm his mother, after all. I was the one who needed to protect him and I failed, miserably.
Three long years later, he came back. It was a miracle. It should've been the best day of my life, but he came back a different child—violent and troubled.
The monster who abducted him must've done unimaginable things to him, and the worst part is—he won't say a word. I can't blame him one bit. It was my fault, I should've saved him.
To prolong my nightmare, the same day my son came back—a girl that he knew in school, our neighbor—suddenly vanished without a trace.
Many believe that she took his place, but why? Why are they doing this? Who is the monster abducting our children?
There is a deeply sinister mystery at play—filled with dark secrets, shocking lies and the final tragic truth that will change our lives forever.
I'm his mother, after all. I was the one who needed to protect him and I failed, miserably.
Three long years later, he came back. It was a miracle. It should've been the best day of my life, but he came back a different child—violent and troubled.
The monster who abducted him must've done unimaginable things to him, and the worst part is—he won't say a word. I can't blame him one bit. It was my fault, I should've saved him.
To prolong my nightmare, the same day my son came back—a girl that he knew in school, our neighbor—suddenly vanished without a trace.
Many believe that she took his place, but why? Why are they doing this? Who is the monster abducting our children?
There is a deeply sinister mystery at play—filled with dark secrets, shocking lies and the final tragic truth that will change our lives forever.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2025
385 people are currently reading
3008 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
January 9, 2025
It’s the night they took her son….and it is f*cking crazy. 😳
May 23, 2025
The Night They Took My Son by Spencer Guerrero
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this super intense psychological thriller!! This was such a fun and exciting read!!
In a small town, a mysterious kidnapping has occurred. A 10 year old boy, Charlie, has gone missing. What happened to Charlie? Where is he? Is he still alive? 3 years later another child goes missing. Are these related?
There’s several characters in this book and the story does a great job of filling in lots of information as you read along!
The story has so much mystery and suspense that it was hard to put it down! There are tons of twists and unknowns and I had to race to the end for the answers I desperately needed!
Thank you to Spencer Guerrero for an arc of this amazing psychological thriller!
It’s my favorite book from him so far!
*This book comes out May 26th and I definitely recommend grabbing this book!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this super intense psychological thriller!! This was such a fun and exciting read!!
In a small town, a mysterious kidnapping has occurred. A 10 year old boy, Charlie, has gone missing. What happened to Charlie? Where is he? Is he still alive? 3 years later another child goes missing. Are these related?
There’s several characters in this book and the story does a great job of filling in lots of information as you read along!
The story has so much mystery and suspense that it was hard to put it down! There are tons of twists and unknowns and I had to race to the end for the answers I desperately needed!
Thank you to Spencer Guerrero for an arc of this amazing psychological thriller!
It’s my favorite book from him so far!
*This book comes out May 26th and I definitely recommend grabbing this book!!*
April 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Charlie disappeared without a trace for 3 long years, but now he’s back. Upon his return, his family is left with many unanswered questions.
Where did he go? What happened to him? Why would they return him? 👀
His mother will certainly make sure justice is served as she puts together the pieces of the puzzle no matter what dark secrets and lies she uncovers on the way. 🤫
This was a great fast paced thriller with a shocking twist! You’ll definitely be hooked and will want answers to what evil is lurking in Ebony Lake!
Thank you, Spencer for allowing me to be an ARC reader on this book! ❤️
Charlie disappeared without a trace for 3 long years, but now he’s back. Upon his return, his family is left with many unanswered questions.
Where did he go? What happened to him? Why would they return him? 👀
His mother will certainly make sure justice is served as she puts together the pieces of the puzzle no matter what dark secrets and lies she uncovers on the way. 🤫
This was a great fast paced thriller with a shocking twist! You’ll definitely be hooked and will want answers to what evil is lurking in Ebony Lake!
Thank you, Spencer for allowing me to be an ARC reader on this book! ❤️
December 29, 2025
I had to force myself to finish this book, was quite a bore to read and the 'twist' was obvious from about 20 pages in . I don't recommend.
May 6, 2025
I’m a big fan of Spencer‘s books, and I did enjoy reading this one. But it wasn’t my favorite of his. I had a hard time with some of the dialogue and the name-calling. At times I felt it was a little excessive and immature. Overall, the storyline was unique, and it did provide some suspense.
Read
May 2, 2025Haven't read, but one thing to point out.
THE NIGHT THEY TOOK MY SON WAS THE WORST NIGHT OF MY ENTIRE LIFE.
I mean duh.
THE NIGHT THEY TOOK MY SON WAS THE WORST NIGHT OF MY ENTIRE LIFE.
I mean duh.
April 28, 2025
I'm a huge fan of Spencer's and he did not disappoint with this one. I was pulled in from the very beginning.
It was so much going on in Ebony Lake. 10 year old Charlie disappears then returns 3 years later completely different from the boy his parents knew and loved. His mother is determined to find out what happened to him and who took her son.
This takes us on a journey of secrets, lies, and twists that I didn't see coming. If you love thrillers that will keep you guessing until the very end, this one is for you! I'm confident that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you Spencer for allowing me to read this early🤎
It was so much going on in Ebony Lake. 10 year old Charlie disappears then returns 3 years later completely different from the boy his parents knew and loved. His mother is determined to find out what happened to him and who took her son.
This takes us on a journey of secrets, lies, and twists that I didn't see coming. If you love thrillers that will keep you guessing until the very end, this one is for you! I'm confident that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you Spencer for allowing me to read this early🤎
May 4, 2025
I was fortunate enough to get an eARC for this book, and in turn I'm sharing my honest opinion of the novel.
things I liked:
- original plot line
- momma bears willing to do anything for their kids
- racial justice
- touch on drug epidemic
- the twist of why he did what he did
things I didn't like:
- the dialogue didn't flow so well for me; especially in the beginning. it felt choppy
- the phrases felt a bit repetitive at times
This was my first Spencer Guerrero novel. I will absolutely be reading some more! Thank you for this opportunity!!
things I liked:
- original plot line
- momma bears willing to do anything for their kids
- racial justice
- touch on drug epidemic
- the twist of why he did what he did
things I didn't like:
- the dialogue didn't flow so well for me; especially in the beginning. it felt choppy
- the phrases felt a bit repetitive at times
This was my first Spencer Guerrero novel. I will absolutely be reading some more! Thank you for this opportunity!!
May 8, 2025
This is my final review of my ARC! Thank you Spencer Guerrero - Author for entertaining me on social media with your hysterical posts and for the honor of being one of your first readers of this spine tingling, hold on to your everything book!
Gave me whiplash! Made me scream out "What is happening?"
Extremely descriptive! The women were on fire 🔥 I envied them.
The alternating time lines were easy to follow. Very well written book. Hooks you in. If you like a roller coaster ride that creeps slowly up to the tip top of 100 feet of track and then sends you catupulting down the other side face first going 60 miles an hour then this is the book for you!
Release Date: May 26th, 2025
Excuse me while I go pick up my jaw off the ground!
Gave me whiplash! Made me scream out "What is happening?"
Extremely descriptive! The women were on fire 🔥 I envied them.
The alternating time lines were easy to follow. Very well written book. Hooks you in. If you like a roller coaster ride that creeps slowly up to the tip top of 100 feet of track and then sends you catupulting down the other side face first going 60 miles an hour then this is the book for you!
Release Date: May 26th, 2025
Excuse me while I go pick up my jaw off the ground!
June 4, 2025
This felt like one of those books I had to manually read the entire time, like I was forcing myself through every page rather than getting pulled in naturally. It was short, so I decided to stick it out, but I seriously considered DNF’ing halfway through.
The biggest issue for me was the repetition. The same suspicions, the same conversations, the same emotional beats just kept cycling with no real progression. It felt like the plot was stuck in place, and honestly, I don’t think there was even a real twist. What should’ve been tense and emotionally gripping just fell flat.
The dialogue felt especially awkward, every time the mother spoke to her son, it was some version of “I’m so sorry, son,” which started to feel robotic and unnatural. It kept pulling me out of the story.
I think the concept had promise, but the execution just didn’t deliver.
The biggest issue for me was the repetition. The same suspicions, the same conversations, the same emotional beats just kept cycling with no real progression. It felt like the plot was stuck in place, and honestly, I don’t think there was even a real twist. What should’ve been tense and emotionally gripping just fell flat.
The dialogue felt especially awkward, every time the mother spoke to her son, it was some version of “I’m so sorry, son,” which started to feel robotic and unnatural. It kept pulling me out of the story.
I think the concept had promise, but the execution just didn’t deliver.
May 26, 2025
The Night They Took My Son is an impossible to put down popcorn thriller. It's straight to the point, straight into the action, the pace is absolutely mind blowingly fast and it never lets up. I literally gobbled it up and couldn't put it down until I finished. I needed to know what the heck was happening in Ebony Lake. This is the perfect read to get you out of a reading slump, honestly I was heading there and it just brought me back out! I love when a book is just a straight shot without the unnecessary fluff, it just makes it so much more enjoyable for me.
Truly the characters grabbed me, they were all so interesting in their own way. The plot was super interesting and intriguing. I had no idea where Guerrero was headed with it and he completely gobsmacked me with that twisty twist. This was my first by this author and I can confidently say it won't be my last.
Overall, this was the perfect popcorn thriller to get me out of my oncoming reading slump. Super fast paced, impossible to put down and with a twist I never saw coming, highly recommend!
✨️Thank you to @spencerguerrero for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Truly the characters grabbed me, they were all so interesting in their own way. The plot was super interesting and intriguing. I had no idea where Guerrero was headed with it and he completely gobsmacked me with that twisty twist. This was my first by this author and I can confidently say it won't be my last.
Overall, this was the perfect popcorn thriller to get me out of my oncoming reading slump. Super fast paced, impossible to put down and with a twist I never saw coming, highly recommend!
✨️Thank you to @spencerguerrero for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2025
I am a fan of this author and was excited to read an ARC of his latest book, The Night They Took My Son. I have to say this is not my favorite book of his. The storyline was good, but there were some issues with it. I also had issues with the characters and the writing.
The premise of this story was interesting. Charlie disappears one night and then suddenly turns up three years later with no explanation of where he's been. He isn't talking, and the mom goes on a quest to find out what happened to her son during those years. She joins forces with Lucia, a neighbor whose daughter is now missing. There is very little in the story about the police interaction when Charlie reappears. Do the police of Ebony Lake just brush off a kid returning after three years of being missing? This just wasn't believable to me. Especially when another child went missing.
The issue I had with the characters was mainly with Lucia. Is she a vulnerable single mom or a badass vigilante bringing justice to Ebony Lake? I couldn't decide if I was supposed to feel sorry for this woman or enjoy her kick ass nature.
Now to the writing...the writing in this book just wasn't up to par with the writing in Spencer's other books. Some things seemed a bit immature, like the name-calling the female characters did. "Snot pouring from their noses". Ewww. Gross. And for the love of all things bookish, please quit using the phrase "they released the breath they didn't know they were holding". This phrase is way overused in books, and I can remember three times it was used in this book. Besides this, there were misplaced punctuation, which will hopefully be cleaned up before the book is released.
So, all in all, this is not my favorite Spencer book. It did have some suspense to it, and that saved it for me. I will still read his future books and continue to watch him grow as an author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
The premise of this story was interesting. Charlie disappears one night and then suddenly turns up three years later with no explanation of where he's been. He isn't talking, and the mom goes on a quest to find out what happened to her son during those years. She joins forces with Lucia, a neighbor whose daughter is now missing. There is very little in the story about the police interaction when Charlie reappears. Do the police of Ebony Lake just brush off a kid returning after three years of being missing? This just wasn't believable to me. Especially when another child went missing.
The issue I had with the characters was mainly with Lucia. Is she a vulnerable single mom or a badass vigilante bringing justice to Ebony Lake? I couldn't decide if I was supposed to feel sorry for this woman or enjoy her kick ass nature.
Now to the writing...the writing in this book just wasn't up to par with the writing in Spencer's other books. Some things seemed a bit immature, like the name-calling the female characters did. "Snot pouring from their noses". Ewww. Gross. And for the love of all things bookish, please quit using the phrase "they released the breath they didn't know they were holding". This phrase is way overused in books, and I can remember three times it was used in this book. Besides this, there were misplaced punctuation, which will hopefully be cleaned up before the book is released.
So, all in all, this is not my favorite Spencer book. It did have some suspense to it, and that saved it for me. I will still read his future books and continue to watch him grow as an author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 24, 2025
I got the opportunity to get an ARC of this book and I couldn’t put this one down!! It has been so incredibly gripping.. something I’ve noticed about the ones I have read by Spencer so far, is there is always that chance that anyone named could be involved. I feel like I can never trust any character and I honestly love that! Im constantly questioning myself about who it could be, what is happening and at the end, I still don’t figure it out.
His writing skills are right up there with my favourites like McFadden & Marrs.. gripping chapters, untrustworthy characters & crazy twists that I never expect. I can’t wait to continue reading more by him and have enjoyed every read so far.. do yourself a favour and get this one on release day!!
His writing skills are right up there with my favourites like McFadden & Marrs.. gripping chapters, untrustworthy characters & crazy twists that I never expect. I can’t wait to continue reading more by him and have enjoyed every read so far.. do yourself a favour and get this one on release day!!
May 27, 2025
The Night They Took My Son - Spencer Guerrero
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let me start this review by saying moms are total bad asses! Never underestimate the strength and determination of a mother!
This Thriller was well written with an interesting plot. It was easy to follow the dual timeline and multiple POVs.
I had a suspicion early on about some of the plot and even though I was right, there were still a lot of twists that had me in shock!
This was my first book by @spencergauthor but it won’t be my last!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let me start this review by saying moms are total bad asses! Never underestimate the strength and determination of a mother!
This Thriller was well written with an interesting plot. It was easy to follow the dual timeline and multiple POVs.
I had a suspicion early on about some of the plot and even though I was right, there were still a lot of twists that had me in shock!
This was my first book by @spencergauthor but it won’t be my last!
April 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this eARC version. Spencer continues to impress me with all of his new thrillers! Never saw the ending coming..
May 31, 2025
Spencer Guerrero has a great storytelling ability that makes his characters jump off the page. My favorite characters in this book were Phoebe and Lucia with their drive to do anything to uncover the truth about their missing children. Fans of family and neighborhood thrillers will like this book.
June 9, 2025
OMG WHAT DID I JUST READ. I was not expecting it to end the way it did. Way to go Spencer for writing another jaw dropping thriller. I was twiddling my thumbs for it to come out and I'm so glad I was finally able to read it!!!
April 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely amazing you will definitely not want to miss this one! I couldn’t put it down I read it all in one sitting and it left me questioning everything with amazing twists! I got the amazing opportunity as a part of Spencer’s ARC readers to read this one early and I was so happy with it!
This was my 4th book I have read by Spencer Guerrero it did not disappoint! Now I’m reading My Mother in law must die!
This book was absolutely amazing you will definitely not want to miss this one! I couldn’t put it down I read it all in one sitting and it left me questioning everything with amazing twists! I got the amazing opportunity as a part of Spencer’s ARC readers to read this one early and I was so happy with it!
This was my 4th book I have read by Spencer Guerrero it did not disappoint! Now I’m reading My Mother in law must die!
June 2, 2025
I love all his books but this one is WOW! So amazing. I did not want to put it down. I can not wait for book 7
April 14, 2025
This was an enthralling, unputdownable story full of twists and turns that frankly downright shocked me in the end.
Phoebe lives in Ebony Lake with her husband, Duncan, and her son, Charlie. One terrible night after fighting with his mom, Charlie vanishes. Where did he go? Did someone take him? Like any mother would, Phoebe blames herself and struggles daily with overwhelming guilt.
Suddenly, three years later, Charlie is back! But something is still terribly wrong, Charlie has completely changed, and he refuses to talk about anything that happened during the past three years. Who took Charlie? Where did he go for three years? What horrible, unspeakable things did he endure? And how did he get back?
To add to the nightmare, his next-door neighbor Kaya is taken the same night Charlie returns. Who is the monster or group of monsters taking the children of Ebony Lake, and what are they doing with them?
There is evil lurking in their community, and Phoebe wants desperately to know what happened to her son and to get justice. Will Phoebe ever get the answers she seeks, or will she lose everything trying?
Guerrero has yet again delivered an exceptional psychological thriller that was full of puzzles to unravel and questions to answer! I devoured this story in record time because I just had to know what on earth happened to Charlie and who was responsible for all the evil taking over Ebony Lake! Though I had part of the story figured out, I never could have imagined the full picture and was left dumb-founded after learning the whole truth.
Guerrero has an uncanny ability to immerse readers in the lives of his characters and the world they are in, making them feel as if they are right in the thick of things with them all the way through the wild ride! Everyone either has a mom, is a mom, or knows a mom who, like Phoebe, has made mistakes she's not proud of when raising kids and can identify with her character right from the beginning.
This was incredibly fast-paced and full of so many twists that are sure to keep readers’ heads spinning! Guerrero grips you right away and keeps you engaged in Phoebe's hunt for the truth all the way until the very end.
If you like exciting thrillers that are true page-turners, then add this to your TBR now!
Phoebe lives in Ebony Lake with her husband, Duncan, and her son, Charlie. One terrible night after fighting with his mom, Charlie vanishes. Where did he go? Did someone take him? Like any mother would, Phoebe blames herself and struggles daily with overwhelming guilt.
Suddenly, three years later, Charlie is back! But something is still terribly wrong, Charlie has completely changed, and he refuses to talk about anything that happened during the past three years. Who took Charlie? Where did he go for three years? What horrible, unspeakable things did he endure? And how did he get back?
To add to the nightmare, his next-door neighbor Kaya is taken the same night Charlie returns. Who is the monster or group of monsters taking the children of Ebony Lake, and what are they doing with them?
There is evil lurking in their community, and Phoebe wants desperately to know what happened to her son and to get justice. Will Phoebe ever get the answers she seeks, or will she lose everything trying?
Guerrero has yet again delivered an exceptional psychological thriller that was full of puzzles to unravel and questions to answer! I devoured this story in record time because I just had to know what on earth happened to Charlie and who was responsible for all the evil taking over Ebony Lake! Though I had part of the story figured out, I never could have imagined the full picture and was left dumb-founded after learning the whole truth.
Guerrero has an uncanny ability to immerse readers in the lives of his characters and the world they are in, making them feel as if they are right in the thick of things with them all the way through the wild ride! Everyone either has a mom, is a mom, or knows a mom who, like Phoebe, has made mistakes she's not proud of when raising kids and can identify with her character right from the beginning.
This was incredibly fast-paced and full of so many twists that are sure to keep readers’ heads spinning! Guerrero grips you right away and keeps you engaged in Phoebe's hunt for the truth all the way until the very end.
If you like exciting thrillers that are true page-turners, then add this to your TBR now!
April 30, 2025
The Night They Took My Son
-Spencer Guerrero
A child gone without a trace. No clues, no witnesses, and the trail quickly goes cold - until it doesn’t.
Set in the quiet town of Ebony Lake, the story follows Phoebe (FMC) and her husband Duncan, who are devastated when their 10-year-old son, Charlie (MMC), disappears from their home one night. After three years apart, Charlie unexpectedly reappears, but he’s no longer the boy they knew - he’s changed, silent, carrying an unspoken burden. With no clear answers and little to go on, Phoebe is haunted by guilt and driven by a fierce determination to uncover the truth. Will delving into Ebony Lake’s hidden secrets lead her to the answers she needs - or put her and others in even greater danger?
Guerrero utilizes a dual timeline that enriches the narrative, providing deep background that shapes complex, relatable characters. Their strengths and flaws add emotional weight, making the story resonate on a personal level. As a mother and grandmother, I connected profoundly with Phoebe’s raw emotions - every tear, surge of anger, and flicker of hope felt real and intense. I was right there with her, eager to uncover the truth and stand alongside her in her journey.
Fast-paced yet thoughtfully paced, The Night They Took My Son masterfully balances moments of tension with quieter, suspenseful build-up. Guerrero’s straightforward, vivid writing style grips from the first page and doesn’t let go until the climactic finish. And don’t be fooled into thinking the plot is simple: Guerrero peppers the story with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing - and second-guessing - throughout the journey.
Guerrero’s novel is a dark, emotional, and powerful psychological thriller that will leave an imprint on your heart and mind. While it’s my second favorite Guerrero book, I highly recommend it to any thriller enthusiast looking for a gripping, emotionally charged read.
Thank you to Spencer Guerrero for allowing me to read this as an ARC. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author of any type, present or future in exchange for my review.
-Spencer Guerrero
A child gone without a trace. No clues, no witnesses, and the trail quickly goes cold - until it doesn’t.
Set in the quiet town of Ebony Lake, the story follows Phoebe (FMC) and her husband Duncan, who are devastated when their 10-year-old son, Charlie (MMC), disappears from their home one night. After three years apart, Charlie unexpectedly reappears, but he’s no longer the boy they knew - he’s changed, silent, carrying an unspoken burden. With no clear answers and little to go on, Phoebe is haunted by guilt and driven by a fierce determination to uncover the truth. Will delving into Ebony Lake’s hidden secrets lead her to the answers she needs - or put her and others in even greater danger?
Guerrero utilizes a dual timeline that enriches the narrative, providing deep background that shapes complex, relatable characters. Their strengths and flaws add emotional weight, making the story resonate on a personal level. As a mother and grandmother, I connected profoundly with Phoebe’s raw emotions - every tear, surge of anger, and flicker of hope felt real and intense. I was right there with her, eager to uncover the truth and stand alongside her in her journey.
Fast-paced yet thoughtfully paced, The Night They Took My Son masterfully balances moments of tension with quieter, suspenseful build-up. Guerrero’s straightforward, vivid writing style grips from the first page and doesn’t let go until the climactic finish. And don’t be fooled into thinking the plot is simple: Guerrero peppers the story with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing - and second-guessing - throughout the journey.
Guerrero’s novel is a dark, emotional, and powerful psychological thriller that will leave an imprint on your heart and mind. While it’s my second favorite Guerrero book, I highly recommend it to any thriller enthusiast looking for a gripping, emotionally charged read.
Thank you to Spencer Guerrero for allowing me to read this as an ARC. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author of any type, present or future in exchange for my review.
May 27, 2025
This was my first time reading anything by this author and I'm officially a fan! The idea behind the book instantly pulled me in. It's about a mother's worst nightmare. Her son is abducted and when he finally comes back 3 years later, he's different... and strange. I was hooked!
TROPES:
- Missing Child/Abduction
- Child Returns Changed (missing child comes back BUT they are no longer the same person)
- Mysterious disappearance
- Desperate momma
- Parental fear
- Small Town Secrets (possible hidden darkness)
- Unspeakable trauma
- Sinister villain (unknown antagonist)
❤️ I love Spencer's writing style❤️ It's SUPER easy to read and just flows well, so you can easily get lost in the mystery. As I read his book, I just kept turning the pages easily. It was almost like the book was pulling me in WITHOUT any effort on my part. That's exactly what you want from a psychological thriller!
If you're new to the genre, this one is a great place to start! It's exciting and pulls you in. BUT...don't worry, it's not too hard to follow. The story is really good and the characters here are interesting so it will definitely draw you in.
I remember starting reading this ARC in a noisy fast food restaurant. I was sitting by myself in a corner. The first 5 chapters just flew by! I was so completely hooked that I hardly even noticed I'd finished my meal 😂 ....Lots of questions kept popping into my head.. like, what happened to the son? And who is this "monster" abducting children? I was sooooo curious about the characters, especially the mystery of what happened to the son and where the neighbor girl disappeared to. It kept me really entertained. Spencer Guerrero does a great job telling a story full of dark secrets and shocking lies. You'll be guessing until the very end.
If you want a book that will grab you right away and won't let you stop reading, this is definitely the book I will recommend!
---------------------
NOTE: This is my personal opinion about the book. My goal is to share my experience, not to change anyone's perspective. Thank you to Spencer Guerrero for giving me the opportunity to read this early.
TROPES:
- Missing Child/Abduction
- Child Returns Changed (missing child comes back BUT they are no longer the same person)
- Mysterious disappearance
- Desperate momma
- Parental fear
- Small Town Secrets (possible hidden darkness)
- Unspeakable trauma
- Sinister villain (unknown antagonist)
❤️ I love Spencer's writing style❤️ It's SUPER easy to read and just flows well, so you can easily get lost in the mystery. As I read his book, I just kept turning the pages easily. It was almost like the book was pulling me in WITHOUT any effort on my part. That's exactly what you want from a psychological thriller!
If you're new to the genre, this one is a great place to start! It's exciting and pulls you in. BUT...don't worry, it's not too hard to follow. The story is really good and the characters here are interesting so it will definitely draw you in.
I remember starting reading this ARC in a noisy fast food restaurant. I was sitting by myself in a corner. The first 5 chapters just flew by! I was so completely hooked that I hardly even noticed I'd finished my meal 😂 ....Lots of questions kept popping into my head.. like, what happened to the son? And who is this "monster" abducting children? I was sooooo curious about the characters, especially the mystery of what happened to the son and where the neighbor girl disappeared to. It kept me really entertained. Spencer Guerrero does a great job telling a story full of dark secrets and shocking lies. You'll be guessing until the very end.
If you want a book that will grab you right away and won't let you stop reading, this is definitely the book I will recommend!
---------------------
NOTE: This is my personal opinion about the book. My goal is to share my experience, not to change anyone's perspective. Thank you to Spencer Guerrero for giving me the opportunity to read this early.
May 26, 2025
The Night They Took My Son by Spencer Guerrero is a twisty thriller that explores small town secrets and the lengths a mother will go to for their children. Some sensitive topics are discussed in this book including: murder, DV, child abduction, non graphic SA, non graphic mention of child abuse, mention of drug use, and violence.
When Phoebe's 10 year old son Charlie disappeared one night after a fight, she swore that she would never stop looking for him. The grief and guilt are away at her until miraculously one night 3 years later, Charlie returns. But the Charlie that came home is very different. He is more quiet, reserved but more prone to anger. With Charlie not saying a word about where he was or what happened while he was gone, Phoebe can only imagine the trauma he went through. But then, a neighbor's daughter goes missing as well, gone without a trace. What is going on in Ebony Lake? And how far will Phoebe go to uncover the truth about the night they took her son?
Its every parents worst nightmare, your child going missing and you have no idea where to find them. Guerrero takes that nightmare and fleshes it out into a gripping and tense story that had me hooked from the start! The suspense is thick and the unease I felt throughout was well done! No matter how deep Phoebe digs for answers, it feels like there are more dark secrets just below the surface. One criticism I had was at times some of the things the characters said seemed a little unrealistic and over the top, but it didn't stop me from enjoying it! If you like twisty domestic mystery/thrillers definitely give this one a shot!!
Thank you so much Spencer for letting me be a part of your ARC team!! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!!
When Phoebe's 10 year old son Charlie disappeared one night after a fight, she swore that she would never stop looking for him. The grief and guilt are away at her until miraculously one night 3 years later, Charlie returns. But the Charlie that came home is very different. He is more quiet, reserved but more prone to anger. With Charlie not saying a word about where he was or what happened while he was gone, Phoebe can only imagine the trauma he went through. But then, a neighbor's daughter goes missing as well, gone without a trace. What is going on in Ebony Lake? And how far will Phoebe go to uncover the truth about the night they took her son?
Its every parents worst nightmare, your child going missing and you have no idea where to find them. Guerrero takes that nightmare and fleshes it out into a gripping and tense story that had me hooked from the start! The suspense is thick and the unease I felt throughout was well done! No matter how deep Phoebe digs for answers, it feels like there are more dark secrets just below the surface. One criticism I had was at times some of the things the characters said seemed a little unrealistic and over the top, but it didn't stop me from enjoying it! If you like twisty domestic mystery/thrillers definitely give this one a shot!!
Thank you so much Spencer for letting me be a part of your ARC team!! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!!
May 26, 2025
In a small town, 10 year old Charlie has been kidnapped. Three years later, he’s back home. Now another little girl, Kaya, has been taken. There’s been no explanation as to why Charlie was returned, and he isn’t talking. Charlie’s mom, Phoebe, teams up with Lucia, Kaya’s mom, to find Kaya and find out what happened to Charlie. While looking into things, they were not fully prepared for what they found out.
I really enjoy this author, and I really enjoyed this book. This one is full of suspense and action. Throughout the entire book you’re left to wander, what happened to Charlie? Where was he taken? Who took him? Why did they return him? Will he be okay? Why did they take Kaya? Where is she? Was it the same person?
Phoebe and Lucia are strong, brave women. But I wouldn’t expect anything less when it comes to someone harming their children. I’m not sure I would have went as far as they went, but I understand their actions. Their focus was the whole story – how far would you go to find your child and find out what happened to your child?
I couldn’t believe the ending. Something felt off when Charlie said something, and I had an inkling of a feeling. And then when that feeling was solidified with the reveal, even though I was right, I was shocked. I refuse to ever post spoilers, so I won’t say more that that. But if you want a great, twisted ending, you’ll need to read this book to find out what that twisted ending is!
Thriller readers, this is out on 5/26 – so get your hands on it!
I really enjoy this author, and I really enjoyed this book. This one is full of suspense and action. Throughout the entire book you’re left to wander, what happened to Charlie? Where was he taken? Who took him? Why did they return him? Will he be okay? Why did they take Kaya? Where is she? Was it the same person?
Phoebe and Lucia are strong, brave women. But I wouldn’t expect anything less when it comes to someone harming their children. I’m not sure I would have went as far as they went, but I understand their actions. Their focus was the whole story – how far would you go to find your child and find out what happened to your child?
I couldn’t believe the ending. Something felt off when Charlie said something, and I had an inkling of a feeling. And then when that feeling was solidified with the reveal, even though I was right, I was shocked. I refuse to ever post spoilers, so I won’t say more that that. But if you want a great, twisted ending, you’ll need to read this book to find out what that twisted ending is!
Thriller readers, this is out on 5/26 – so get your hands on it!
May 26, 2025
After letting this one settle, I can say it’s definitely a book you can finish in one sitting. The story is fast-paced in all the right places, but at times that quick pace worked against it. I found myself wanting more depth and detail to truly feel immersed in certain scenes. Just as I was getting into a moment, we were already on to the next.
The premise is what hooked me: a missing child who suddenly returns three years later. While that concept had so much potential, I really wanted more insight into those missing years. What did the son go through? Was he scared, trying to escape, or simply surviving? A deeper look into his experience — perhaps even a time-lapse or POV — would have made the story much more impactful.
Lucia was a standout character for me. She was unhinged in the best way, and her scenes, especially alongside Phoebe, brought energy and excitement as they investigated the unsettling events in the town.
By the end, I had a lot of unanswered questions. Many of which were tied up in the epilogue. While it was nice to get closure, it would’ve been more satisfying to see the main plot threads wrapped up within the chapters themselves, with the epilogue used just to tie up a few final loose ends.
The character backgrounds were strong enough to make connections with the reader, and if you’re someone who enjoys short, bingeable thrillers, this one is worth checking out.
The premise is what hooked me: a missing child who suddenly returns three years later. While that concept had so much potential, I really wanted more insight into those missing years. What did the son go through? Was he scared, trying to escape, or simply surviving? A deeper look into his experience — perhaps even a time-lapse or POV — would have made the story much more impactful.
Lucia was a standout character for me. She was unhinged in the best way, and her scenes, especially alongside Phoebe, brought energy and excitement as they investigated the unsettling events in the town.
By the end, I had a lot of unanswered questions. Many of which were tied up in the epilogue. While it was nice to get closure, it would’ve been more satisfying to see the main plot threads wrapped up within the chapters themselves, with the epilogue used just to tie up a few final loose ends.
The character backgrounds were strong enough to make connections with the reader, and if you’re someone who enjoys short, bingeable thrillers, this one is worth checking out.
May 26, 2025
Phoebe is a mother who desperately misses her son who has been missing for 3 years. He suddenly just didn't come home when he was 10. Now, he walks home 3 years later a new kid at 13 with an attitude and a secret. Duncan, Charlie's father, now has a new chance to have a relationship with his son. A small town that has been wondering what happened all those years ago, but Charlie isn't talking. Just when you think this family can heal, a kid that Charlie went to school with goes missing. The hunt for the truth becomes Phoebe's responsibility, and she won't stop until she knows what happened to Charlie. Maybe, she can also find out what's really going on in her small town.
The premise of the story is what captures your attention in this thriller. I have read another of this author's books and enjoyed MY Mother-In-Law Must Die. This one was a good read, but I had some difficulty with some of the dialogue. The name calling in some spots was a bit much, but not enough to stop me from reading. The ending did provide a twist I didn't see coming, so kudos to the author for stumping me. I would recommend this story for a fun read that was more of a mystery than a thriller to me. Thanks to the author for the arc. I look forward to the next one to see what great story this author gives us readers.
The premise of the story is what captures your attention in this thriller. I have read another of this author's books and enjoyed MY Mother-In-Law Must Die. This one was a good read, but I had some difficulty with some of the dialogue. The name calling in some spots was a bit much, but not enough to stop me from reading. The ending did provide a twist I didn't see coming, so kudos to the author for stumping me. I would recommend this story for a fun read that was more of a mystery than a thriller to me. Thanks to the author for the arc. I look forward to the next one to see what great story this author gives us readers.
August 9, 2025
The Night They Took My Son by Spencer Guerrero is a gripping psychological thriller that thrives on the complexity of its characters as much as on the mystery at its core. The novel begins with the abduction of young Charlie, an act that serves as the catalyst for unraveling the tangled emotional lives of everyone connected to him. Rather than simple heroes and villains, we meet people whose stories and relationships are as messy as the events unfolding around them.
As the search for Charlie’s friend in the current day progresses, Guerrero peels back these layers with precision. We see how past traumas, fractured loyalties, and long-suppressed truths influence every decision, every outburst, and every moment of silence. The interplay between personal history and present crisis creates a sense that Charlie’s disappearance for three years is only one thread in a far larger tapestry of secrets and emotional entanglements. In this way, the book operates on two levels: the urgent hunt for a missing girl and the slower, more painful excavation of who these people really are when stripped of pretenses.
By the conclusion, we are left with answers to some questions but not all—most notably, Charlie’s own voice remains unheard. The rich characterization, tense narrative, and steady build of escalating questions make this novel feel ripe for adaptation to a limited series.
As the search for Charlie’s friend in the current day progresses, Guerrero peels back these layers with precision. We see how past traumas, fractured loyalties, and long-suppressed truths influence every decision, every outburst, and every moment of silence. The interplay between personal history and present crisis creates a sense that Charlie’s disappearance for three years is only one thread in a far larger tapestry of secrets and emotional entanglements. In this way, the book operates on two levels: the urgent hunt for a missing girl and the slower, more painful excavation of who these people really are when stripped of pretenses.
By the conclusion, we are left with answers to some questions but not all—most notably, Charlie’s own voice remains unheard. The rich characterization, tense narrative, and steady build of escalating questions make this novel feel ripe for adaptation to a limited series.
August 23, 2025
Spencer Guerrero’s ‘The Night They Took My Son’ is a riveting conclusion to a series of dark, intricately woven family mysteries. The novel immerses you in a world shaped by heartbreak, secrecy, and the devastating aftershocks of a crime that tears through a family, with the realities of addiction adding urgency and depth to the already charged narrative.
From the very first chapter, the suspense is palpable and relentless. Guerrero doesn’t hesitate to place readers squarely amid every parent’s worst nightmare—a child’s disappearance. The rawness of the fear and anguish permeates the pages, drawing you in with a visceral immediacy that is both gripping and at times overwhelming.
The characters stand out for their humanity—their desperation, hope, and resilience are painted in vivid detail. There are moments when you feel compelled to reach into the story, to comfort or spur them on, to somehow tip the scales toward justice. The dynamic in which one child returns while another vanishes as if to replace them adds a painfully complex emotional layer. The reader aches alongside the parents, longing to help them find answers and closure.
The ending is undeniably shocking - a true twist that leaves you on the edge of a cliff, grappling with disbelief and wanting more. Yet, the abruptness of the conclusion may leave some readers wishing for a little more resolution or reflection after such an emotional journey.
All in all, if you crave thrillers that deliver both emotional resonance and sharp, unexpected turns, ‘The Night They Took My Son’ will not disappoint. It’s a gripping, emotionally charged read that lingers long after the last page.
From the very first chapter, the suspense is palpable and relentless. Guerrero doesn’t hesitate to place readers squarely amid every parent’s worst nightmare—a child’s disappearance. The rawness of the fear and anguish permeates the pages, drawing you in with a visceral immediacy that is both gripping and at times overwhelming.
The characters stand out for their humanity—their desperation, hope, and resilience are painted in vivid detail. There are moments when you feel compelled to reach into the story, to comfort or spur them on, to somehow tip the scales toward justice. The dynamic in which one child returns while another vanishes as if to replace them adds a painfully complex emotional layer. The reader aches alongside the parents, longing to help them find answers and closure.
The ending is undeniably shocking - a true twist that leaves you on the edge of a cliff, grappling with disbelief and wanting more. Yet, the abruptness of the conclusion may leave some readers wishing for a little more resolution or reflection after such an emotional journey.
All in all, if you crave thrillers that deliver both emotional resonance and sharp, unexpected turns, ‘The Night They Took My Son’ will not disappoint. It’s a gripping, emotionally charged read that lingers long after the last page.
May 27, 2025
I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I just had this feeling in my gut all along that this was the person taking the kids.
This was a great psychological thriller. After Charlie disappears one night after having a disagreement with is mother, he returns. It's been 3 years. Now that he's back, he's not saying much about what happened, where he was, who took him. But another mystery has begun. Because upon Charlie's return, another young girl, Kaya, in the community has gone missing. Was it a trade off? That's what Charlie's mom, Phoebe, and Kaya's mom, Lucia is determined to find out. Phoebe wants answers. She wants to know who took her son, why, and what they did to him. And she's hoping that the search for these answers will lead them straight to Kaya. I love Spencers' books, however, I have to say that this one sort of lost me a little. The journey Phoebe and Lucia go through while looking for answers lost my attention here and there. And not that it wasn't interesting, but I think Lucia's firecracker like personality is what did it for me. She was like a loose cannon and you just knew, no matter what they were walking into, Lucia was going to make it into a bad situation. Aside from that, the plot itself is pretty captivating and I still very much enjoyed the story.
This was a great psychological thriller. After Charlie disappears one night after having a disagreement with is mother, he returns. It's been 3 years. Now that he's back, he's not saying much about what happened, where he was, who took him. But another mystery has begun. Because upon Charlie's return, another young girl, Kaya, in the community has gone missing. Was it a trade off? That's what Charlie's mom, Phoebe, and Kaya's mom, Lucia is determined to find out. Phoebe wants answers. She wants to know who took her son, why, and what they did to him. And she's hoping that the search for these answers will lead them straight to Kaya. I love Spencers' books, however, I have to say that this one sort of lost me a little. The journey Phoebe and Lucia go through while looking for answers lost my attention here and there. And not that it wasn't interesting, but I think Lucia's firecracker like personality is what did it for me. She was like a loose cannon and you just knew, no matter what they were walking into, Lucia was going to make it into a bad situation. Aside from that, the plot itself is pretty captivating and I still very much enjoyed the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews