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Under a Pink Sky
PRE-ORDER NOW. A MOTHER’S TRUE STORY OF LOVE, LOSS, THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS & THE FIGHT TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURES IN THE DIGITAL AGE.
On 11 February 2023, 16-year-old Brianna Ghey left home to meet her friend in a park local to her home in Warrington, Cheshire. Her mother, Esther, was relieved to see her go – a positive step after a difficult and increasingly isolated few years. What Esther didn’t know that day was that Brianna was being lured to the park where she would be tragically murdered.
There was at once an international outpouring of anguish and outrage for a young life brutally snatched away and a mother’s worst nightmare come true. Amidst global displays of support, the usually shy and private Esther began to reflect on how she could channel her own personal grief into campaigning to help others and to create a lasting legacy for her child.
This is the story of Brianna’s death, but it is also the story of her life and of a mother who had to find a way to survive without her. It is a story of transforming unimaginable tragedy into change, of the power of empathy, and a call for understanding and unity in the face of the threats our young people face in an increasingly unchecked digital world.
This is Esther’s fight for a safer, more hopeful future.
On 11 February 2023, 16-year-old Brianna Ghey left home to meet her friend in a park local to her home in Warrington, Cheshire. Her mother, Esther, was relieved to see her go – a positive step after a difficult and increasingly isolated few years. What Esther didn’t know that day was that Brianna was being lured to the park where she would be tragically murdered.
There was at once an international outpouring of anguish and outrage for a young life brutally snatched away and a mother’s worst nightmare come true. Amidst global displays of support, the usually shy and private Esther began to reflect on how she could channel her own personal grief into campaigning to help others and to create a lasting legacy for her child.
This is the story of Brianna’s death, but it is also the story of her life and of a mother who had to find a way to survive without her. It is a story of transforming unimaginable tragedy into change, of the power of empathy, and a call for understanding and unity in the face of the threats our young people face in an increasingly unchecked digital world.
This is Esther’s fight for a safer, more hopeful future.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 23, 2025
13 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 8, 2025
Under The Pink Sky was one of the most moving and emotional books I could have chosen to read this Pride Month, but it is very important.
Trans rights are human rights ✨🫶🏳️⚧️💖
Sixteen year old Brianna Ghey had her whole life in front of her, she was living her truth and shining as her authentic self. She was struggling with school and fitting in, so her mother Esther encouraged and welcomed her making friends and leaving the house. Brianna was an isolated and shy child, who was frequently kicked out school, and lived most of her life on her phone - uploaded videos on TikTok. So when she told her Mother one day that was on the bus to go and meet her friend, Scarlet, Esther was overjoyed. This joy quickly turned to sorrow as the police turned up to the Ghey family door - Brianna was found deceased in a local park. What happened to her?
It quickly became apparent that she was lured to the park, in Warrington, England, to be murdered by two people she considered to be her friends - Scarlet Jenkinson and Eddie Radcliffe.
I think this felt extra impactful because the murder took place quite near to home. It’s incredibly upsetting how a young life could be ended right before it began - as Brianna was a trans girl who had started living her truth and finding her confidence and way in the world.
Esther is very brave to be so open and honest with her emotions, you will have tears in your eyes reading this.
Trans rights are human rights ✨🫶🏳️⚧️💖
Sixteen year old Brianna Ghey had her whole life in front of her, she was living her truth and shining as her authentic self. She was struggling with school and fitting in, so her mother Esther encouraged and welcomed her making friends and leaving the house. Brianna was an isolated and shy child, who was frequently kicked out school, and lived most of her life on her phone - uploaded videos on TikTok. So when she told her Mother one day that was on the bus to go and meet her friend, Scarlet, Esther was overjoyed. This joy quickly turned to sorrow as the police turned up to the Ghey family door - Brianna was found deceased in a local park. What happened to her?
It quickly became apparent that she was lured to the park, in Warrington, England, to be murdered by two people she considered to be her friends - Scarlet Jenkinson and Eddie Radcliffe.
I think this felt extra impactful because the murder took place quite near to home. It’s incredibly upsetting how a young life could be ended right before it began - as Brianna was a trans girl who had started living her truth and finding her confidence and way in the world.
Esther is very brave to be so open and honest with her emotions, you will have tears in your eyes reading this.
August 17, 2025
The one thing that really stands out in this book, other than how badly the world failed Brianna, is the empathy of Esther Ghey. I don’t think there’s another person on this planet who has as much empathy for others as this woman. She’s an absolute inspiration & so incredibly strong. I’m genuinely in awe of her & envious of everyone who gets to be in her orbit.
Under a Pink Sky wasn’t an easy read & I had to put it down for a while to give my emotions a break — stars know how Esther & the rest of Brianna’s family deal with all of this on a daily basis — & it completely broke my heart & filled me with rage; Brianna deserved so much more from this world & I am furious over how badly she was failed. I am disgusted that teenagers are able to access such harmful content online, the type of which leads to murders like Brianna’s — if social media & the internet wasn’t what it is, Brianna would still be alive today. There’s absolutely no doubt about that.
Sometimes I doubt the effectiveness of banning smart phones &/or social media for young people; but when I was a teenager, social media was very different (although it absolutely had it’s dangers) & despite only being 29-years-old, Esther’s book makes it clear how much the internet has changed for teenagers in the years since I was one. The laws surrounding this kind of thing clearly need tightening, especially because of men like Elon Musk who excuse everything under the banner of “free speech”, & Esther & Brianna’s stories, plus those of the children who murdered Brianna (& their families too), have fully convinced me that, in order to protect future generations, we need to do more to restrict what content children & teenagers are accessing. The internet will never be clean, but we need more safeguards to keep vulnerable people as safe as possible.
Brianna would be 18-years-old now, I believe, & she should be pushing towards working in the beauty industry like she wanted to, falling in love, making silly mistakes, experiencing so many things for the first time & most importantly, just enjoying her life… but she isn’t & it breaks my fucking heart. I wish I didn’t know her name, or how incredible her mother is, because if I didn’t know anything about them it would be because Brianna didn’t have her life snatched away from her by two incredibly fucked up children.
This world is a terrifying place but people like Esther make it so much better. I cannot wait to see what else she manages to achieve in Brianna’s memory; she would be so proud of her mum 🩷
Under a Pink Sky wasn’t an easy read & I had to put it down for a while to give my emotions a break — stars know how Esther & the rest of Brianna’s family deal with all of this on a daily basis — & it completely broke my heart & filled me with rage; Brianna deserved so much more from this world & I am furious over how badly she was failed. I am disgusted that teenagers are able to access such harmful content online, the type of which leads to murders like Brianna’s — if social media & the internet wasn’t what it is, Brianna would still be alive today. There’s absolutely no doubt about that.
Sometimes I doubt the effectiveness of banning smart phones &/or social media for young people; but when I was a teenager, social media was very different (although it absolutely had it’s dangers) & despite only being 29-years-old, Esther’s book makes it clear how much the internet has changed for teenagers in the years since I was one. The laws surrounding this kind of thing clearly need tightening, especially because of men like Elon Musk who excuse everything under the banner of “free speech”, & Esther & Brianna’s stories, plus those of the children who murdered Brianna (& their families too), have fully convinced me that, in order to protect future generations, we need to do more to restrict what content children & teenagers are accessing. The internet will never be clean, but we need more safeguards to keep vulnerable people as safe as possible.
Brianna would be 18-years-old now, I believe, & she should be pushing towards working in the beauty industry like she wanted to, falling in love, making silly mistakes, experiencing so many things for the first time & most importantly, just enjoying her life… but she isn’t & it breaks my fucking heart. I wish I didn’t know her name, or how incredible her mother is, because if I didn’t know anything about them it would be because Brianna didn’t have her life snatched away from her by two incredibly fucked up children.
This world is a terrifying place but people like Esther make it so much better. I cannot wait to see what else she manages to achieve in Brianna’s memory; she would be so proud of her mum 🩷
August 3, 2025
This book should be mandatory reading for anyone in contact with children.
May 30, 2025
A heartbreaking story told beautifully and openly by the author. A story that should never have had to be told. The dangers of social media and technology are highlighted in a frightening, but necessary and truthful way.
June 6, 2025
a very emotional moving book by an extremely brave and loving mum. Well worth reading but a sad read
April 18, 2025
A beautiful tribute to the stunning, resilient, charismatic Brianna Ghey. Your story, your struggles and the joy you brought to others will forever be in my heart ❤️
This memoir explores a range of topics in lots of detail and integrity. I am in awe of the strength Esther Ghey has shown in constantly improving herself and focussing on spreading Brianna’s legacy through helping others to develop the tools to act more sensitively and mindfully. She is incredibly brave in sharing the battles and addictions she went through at a young age, and how she was able to come through the other side by working on her mindset and never giving up on herself. I want her to know personally how much I admire her and the advocacy she not only shows for her own children, but for all children and young adults, as well as parents who feel helpless and alone.
She has been able to use the tragedy she experienced to empower her to do everything in her power to make the world a better place, and even in a short amount of time, she has been a voice for the voiceless and started necessary conversations which will shape our future.
I truly think everyone can take something away from this book and I really hope others consumed by the darkness of social media like Brianna will eventually feel safer and Esther’s hard work will blossom and her wishes will be fulfilled 🩷🫶🏻🩷🫶🏻
This memoir explores a range of topics in lots of detail and integrity. I am in awe of the strength Esther Ghey has shown in constantly improving herself and focussing on spreading Brianna’s legacy through helping others to develop the tools to act more sensitively and mindfully. She is incredibly brave in sharing the battles and addictions she went through at a young age, and how she was able to come through the other side by working on her mindset and never giving up on herself. I want her to know personally how much I admire her and the advocacy she not only shows for her own children, but for all children and young adults, as well as parents who feel helpless and alone.
She has been able to use the tragedy she experienced to empower her to do everything in her power to make the world a better place, and even in a short amount of time, she has been a voice for the voiceless and started necessary conversations which will shape our future.
I truly think everyone can take something away from this book and I really hope others consumed by the darkness of social media like Brianna will eventually feel safer and Esther’s hard work will blossom and her wishes will be fulfilled 🩷🫶🏻🩷🫶🏻
August 23, 2025
Don't judge a book by its cover. Or maybe do? The artwork and text make this seem like a classic memoir of a mother's struggle with the grief of a murdered child and her path to forgiveness, and certainly that's here - and it's devastating.
But it's also a wise reflection on motherhood and generational trauma, a blistering indictment of social media companies, and a call to arms. There is work to do.
If tragedy-focused memoirs aren't your usual cup of tea, I implore you to read this book regardless. I implore everyone to, especially in the UK. The Online Safety Act and its implementations are a brave beginning in a world surrending everything to tech oligarchs, but our fight to reclaim children from being sacrificed to the attention economy is only just getting started.
Copied, with much irony, from another social media reading app (Fable) - but one that is young enough to hopefully do things differently.
But it's also a wise reflection on motherhood and generational trauma, a blistering indictment of social media companies, and a call to arms. There is work to do.
If tragedy-focused memoirs aren't your usual cup of tea, I implore you to read this book regardless. I implore everyone to, especially in the UK. The Online Safety Act and its implementations are a brave beginning in a world surrending everything to tech oligarchs, but our fight to reclaim children from being sacrificed to the attention economy is only just getting started.
Copied, with much irony, from another social media reading app (Fable) - but one that is young enough to hopefully do things differently.
December 17, 2025
Reading Esther Ghey’s Under a Pink Sky is of course a difficult read. Brianna’s death became national news, sadly fueled by transphobic haters and fascination with child killers, but despite the dreadful circumstances which Brainna died, her mother is actively trying to do something about it. Esther wants to focus on the issues Brianna faced when she was alive, and she rightly believes that her phone use massively contributed towards her death.
I’ve read a few books recently which confront the dangers of the internet, the algorithms and hate spewing content which is pushed at preteens. The lack of responsibility Meta and similar companies take when their platforms are presenting misogynistic, homophobic, harmful, racist and violent content towards impressionable, vulnerable kids who unsurprisingly spend easily 9 hours a day glued to this trauma bonding device is insane.
I had my own issues with the internet when I was a teenager – who didn’t? We’re so accustomed to it, we shrug off its harm. But being able to get onto the dark web when you’re 14 to watch live murder rooms is a lot. I remember the fights I’d have about my internet use and content, and it shouldn’t be down to parents or schools to control something they know nothing about. It’s not as simple as learning about the tech and putting parental controls on the device when the whole online world is stacked against you, willing to let kids die for the sake of likes, advertisement and money.
Australia might be onto something, banning children from using social media until they’re 16. Although I’m not sure how this is being policed, and I am concerned that new sites with even less safety controls will become teens app of choice, this is definitely something which should happen globally. If Zuckerberg, Musk etc are sticking to their lie that it’s too difficult to police the sites and remove negative contact, then it shouldn’t be a place where under 18s are allowed.
My heart goes out to Esther and her family; her story is well composed and presented. I feel like the timeline worked well and she expressed fairly without judgement the negative effects the phone addiction had on her child. The only bit I didn’t like was reading all the mindfulness propaganda. Although that I agree with her that most problems can be solved with a glass of water and going outside, I felt like it was a bit overdone. Despite this, a very informative read.
I’ve read a few books recently which confront the dangers of the internet, the algorithms and hate spewing content which is pushed at preteens. The lack of responsibility Meta and similar companies take when their platforms are presenting misogynistic, homophobic, harmful, racist and violent content towards impressionable, vulnerable kids who unsurprisingly spend easily 9 hours a day glued to this trauma bonding device is insane.
I had my own issues with the internet when I was a teenager – who didn’t? We’re so accustomed to it, we shrug off its harm. But being able to get onto the dark web when you’re 14 to watch live murder rooms is a lot. I remember the fights I’d have about my internet use and content, and it shouldn’t be down to parents or schools to control something they know nothing about. It’s not as simple as learning about the tech and putting parental controls on the device when the whole online world is stacked against you, willing to let kids die for the sake of likes, advertisement and money.
Australia might be onto something, banning children from using social media until they’re 16. Although I’m not sure how this is being policed, and I am concerned that new sites with even less safety controls will become teens app of choice, this is definitely something which should happen globally. If Zuckerberg, Musk etc are sticking to their lie that it’s too difficult to police the sites and remove negative contact, then it shouldn’t be a place where under 18s are allowed.
My heart goes out to Esther and her family; her story is well composed and presented. I feel like the timeline worked well and she expressed fairly without judgement the negative effects the phone addiction had on her child. The only bit I didn’t like was reading all the mindfulness propaganda. Although that I agree with her that most problems can be solved with a glass of water and going outside, I felt like it was a bit overdone. Despite this, a very informative read.
April 27, 2025
Esther Ghey (2025) UNDER A PINK SKY
London. Michael Joseph
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
The sleeve reads, "A MOTHER’S TRUE STORY OF LOVE, LOSS, THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS & THE FIGHT TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURES IN THE DIGITAL AGE. On 11 February 2023, 16-year-old Brianna Ghey left home to meet her friend in a park local to her home in Warrington, Cheshire. Her mother, Esther, was relieved to see her go – a positive step after a difficult and increasingly isolated few years. What Esther didn’t know that day was that Brianna was being lured to the park where she would be tragically murdered. There was at once an international outpouring of anguish and outrage for a young life brutally snatched away and a mother’s worst nightmare come true. Amidst global displays of support, the usually shy and private Esther began to reflect on how she could channel her own personal grief into campaigning to help others and to create a lasting legacy for her child. This is the story of Brianna’s death, but it is also the story of her life and of a mother who had to find a way to survive without her. It is a story of transforming unimaginable tragedy into change, of the power of empathy, and a call for understanding and unity in the face of the threats our young people face in an increasingly unchecked digital world. This is Esther’s fight for a safer, more hopeful future."
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There have been few books that have made me sob whilst I read them. This one is one of those books. As a gay man you can't not brace for impact when there's another story of violence and hate towards someone in the LGBTQ+. It doesn't just feel personal, it is personal. I think Esther Ghey is truthfully iconic. Brianna should still be here. This book really does let you in on who Brianna was. And her mum and family, the grace they give and practice. Peace & Mind UK is an awesome vehicle for change and I recommend donating if you can. I recommend this book to the world!
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#EstherGhey #UnderAPinkSky #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads
London. Michael Joseph
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
The sleeve reads, "A MOTHER’S TRUE STORY OF LOVE, LOSS, THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS & THE FIGHT TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURES IN THE DIGITAL AGE. On 11 February 2023, 16-year-old Brianna Ghey left home to meet her friend in a park local to her home in Warrington, Cheshire. Her mother, Esther, was relieved to see her go – a positive step after a difficult and increasingly isolated few years. What Esther didn’t know that day was that Brianna was being lured to the park where she would be tragically murdered. There was at once an international outpouring of anguish and outrage for a young life brutally snatched away and a mother’s worst nightmare come true. Amidst global displays of support, the usually shy and private Esther began to reflect on how she could channel her own personal grief into campaigning to help others and to create a lasting legacy for her child. This is the story of Brianna’s death, but it is also the story of her life and of a mother who had to find a way to survive without her. It is a story of transforming unimaginable tragedy into change, of the power of empathy, and a call for understanding and unity in the face of the threats our young people face in an increasingly unchecked digital world. This is Esther’s fight for a safer, more hopeful future."
=====
There have been few books that have made me sob whilst I read them. This one is one of those books. As a gay man you can't not brace for impact when there's another story of violence and hate towards someone in the LGBTQ+. It doesn't just feel personal, it is personal. I think Esther Ghey is truthfully iconic. Brianna should still be here. This book really does let you in on who Brianna was. And her mum and family, the grace they give and practice. Peace & Mind UK is an awesome vehicle for change and I recommend donating if you can. I recommend this book to the world!
=====
#EstherGhey #UnderAPinkSky #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads
June 2, 2025
A difficult but interesting read from the Mother of Brianna Ghey who was murdered as a teenager in Warrington.
I knew most of the story from the news it received, and I've also since watched a documentary, but the documentary was not as detailed as the book, in terms of struggles the family went through with Brianna's behaviour and actions before her death.
It was a really interesting read, and inspiring to think of the work that Esther is doing now to promote mental health issues at a young age and the fundraising she has done already to raise awareness.
It was a very well written and put together story in what must have been a very difficult time for the family.
I knew most of the story from the news it received, and I've also since watched a documentary, but the documentary was not as detailed as the book, in terms of struggles the family went through with Brianna's behaviour and actions before her death.
It was a really interesting read, and inspiring to think of the work that Esther is doing now to promote mental health issues at a young age and the fundraising she has done already to raise awareness.
It was a very well written and put together story in what must have been a very difficult time for the family.
July 14, 2025
ARC Received through Coundon Library Book Club Coventry.
Under a Pink Sky is a beautiful, deeply moving book. Esther Ghey writes with honesty and grace, sharing her story of loss and healing in a way that feels both personal and universal.
I know people who have been through similar experiences, and this book resonated deeply. It doesn’t shy away from pain, but it also offers hope, peace, and a sense of purpose. Esther’s strength, compassion, and mindfulness shine through on every page.
I highly recommend this to anyone who has experienced loss, supported someone through mental illness, or wants to better understand the power of love and resilience.
Under a Pink Sky is a beautiful, deeply moving book. Esther Ghey writes with honesty and grace, sharing her story of loss and healing in a way that feels both personal and universal.
I know people who have been through similar experiences, and this book resonated deeply. It doesn’t shy away from pain, but it also offers hope, peace, and a sense of purpose. Esther’s strength, compassion, and mindfulness shine through on every page.
I highly recommend this to anyone who has experienced loss, supported someone through mental illness, or wants to better understand the power of love and resilience.
March 29, 2025
The first book I’ve ever read where in my head I could hear the author Esther’s voice.
I cried lots, laughed and was in awe of Esther’s character in being able to reach out to Emma Jenkinson as in fact 11 February 2023 3 mothers lost their children.
This book is warts and all, and some of the details are hard hitting and heartbreaking.
Obsession is dangerous, and sometimes the danger to us is hiding in plain sight amongst people we class as friends.
I cried lots, laughed and was in awe of Esther’s character in being able to reach out to Emma Jenkinson as in fact 11 February 2023 3 mothers lost their children.
This book is warts and all, and some of the details are hard hitting and heartbreaking.
Obsession is dangerous, and sometimes the danger to us is hiding in plain sight amongst people we class as friends.
May 20, 2025
Every parent should read this book to understand the serious dangers of giving teenagers access to smartphones. My heart broke for Esther and for what she has experienced, but I have taken some key lessons away, and I'm grateful for that.
August 22, 2025
I respect the courage it must have taken Esther Ghey to write this book with such honesty. And I salute her for the empathy she has shown others and the courage (in the face of governmental & big social media company indifference) to gather the strength to fight for a safer world.
March 25, 2025
🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵
Heartbreaking. What a remarkable woman.
Heartbreaking. What a remarkable woman.
April 7, 2025
Heartbreak drips from the pages of this book, as does Esther’s empathy, compassion, and honesty. It scares me for the future for my children.
April 16, 2025
Audiobook
April 17, 2025
An honest and vulnerable account as well as a call to action for increased protection for children and young adults with regards to their access to phones and social media.
April 22, 2025
heartwarming story of a mother's loss and the small improvements made around mental health since her daughter's passing.
June 9, 2025
Harrowing at times and moving. A book which has so many important things to say particularly about the dangers of the digital world for young people.
June 12, 2025
What an amazing woman Esther is 💓 rip Brianna xx
October 14, 2025
Interesting story but I got bored and didn’t finish
December 14, 2025
Amazingly candid aware and wise. So proud of both of you. Alas world not set up for free spirits which makes things 1000x harder to navigate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 21, 2025I don't feel comfortable rating this book.
July 9, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but it has not affected my review.
We all saw the media reports on what happened. What we didn't see is why. This book, written by the mother of Brianna, looks into the easy access teenagers have to negative social media and the affect it has on many lives. it is heartbreaking, truthful, frightening but also hopeful. Read it, especially if you have children.
We all saw the media reports on what happened. What we didn't see is why. This book, written by the mother of Brianna, looks into the easy access teenagers have to negative social media and the affect it has on many lives. it is heartbreaking, truthful, frightening but also hopeful. Read it, especially if you have children.
November 30, 2025
Heartbreaking in so many ways. Esther Ghey has done her beautiful daughter, Brianna, proud with this moving book of her life.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews