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The Stolen Child
A missing child. A shattered family. A mother's love that knows no bounds...
1984. On board The Carousel cruise ship in the middle of the Mediterranean, two-year-old Robert vanishes from his cabin while his family sleep soundly beside him. Despite the frantic efforts of his mother Kimberly and stepfather Jason, he is never found.
2024. Lily balances a busy career as a psychotherapist with her responsibilities as a wife, mother and mediator between her divorced parents. Her older brother Robert's disappearance has cast a dark shadow over Lily's family her whole life. But when a new client, Zach, tells Lily about his shocking childhood memories of an imaginary 'other mother', Lily's belief that Robert drowned all those years ago starts to crumble. And she, Kimberly and Jason will soon have to face up to the truth of what happened on that cruise ship.
Is Zach delusional? Or has someone known all along what happened to Robert?
PRAISE FOR CARMEL HARRINGTON'S
'Warm, uplifting & important...a very VERY special book' MARIAN KEYES
'Beautifully moving and uplifting' CECELIA AHERN
'Storytelling at its best' SHEILA O'FLANAGAN
'We defy you not to say, just one more chapter!' BELFAST TELEGRAPH
'Beautifully written, emotionally intelligent & moving in the extreme' DAILY MAIL
1984. On board The Carousel cruise ship in the middle of the Mediterranean, two-year-old Robert vanishes from his cabin while his family sleep soundly beside him. Despite the frantic efforts of his mother Kimberly and stepfather Jason, he is never found.
2024. Lily balances a busy career as a psychotherapist with her responsibilities as a wife, mother and mediator between her divorced parents. Her older brother Robert's disappearance has cast a dark shadow over Lily's family her whole life. But when a new client, Zach, tells Lily about his shocking childhood memories of an imaginary 'other mother', Lily's belief that Robert drowned all those years ago starts to crumble. And she, Kimberly and Jason will soon have to face up to the truth of what happened on that cruise ship.
Is Zach delusional? Or has someone known all along what happened to Robert?
PRAISE FOR CARMEL HARRINGTON'S
'Warm, uplifting & important...a very VERY special book' MARIAN KEYES
'Beautifully moving and uplifting' CECELIA AHERN
'Storytelling at its best' SHEILA O'FLANAGAN
'We defy you not to say, just one more chapter!' BELFAST TELEGRAPH
'Beautifully written, emotionally intelligent & moving in the extreme' DAILY MAIL
400 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2025
579 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
About the author
Carmel Harrington
21 books464 followersCarmel Harrington is an International bestseller of thirteen novels. She is from Co. Wexford, where she lives with her husband, Roger, children Amelia and Nate, and their beloved rescue dog, George Bailey.
Her latest novel, The Stolen Child, was a Sunday Times best crime fiction of the year selection and was described as ‘Endlessly surprising. This complex novel requires faultless plotting, and Harrington pulls it off with consummate ease.’ Carmel’s debut was a multi-award-winning novel, and several books have been shortlisted for an Irish Book Award. She is a regular on Irish TV screens and radio and has been a guest speaker at Literary events in Ireland, UK and USA. She was also Chair of the Wexford Literary Festival for three years.
Carmel’s emotional and gripping storytelling, with relatable characters, twisting plots and evocative locations, has captured readers' hearts worldwide. Her novels, including The Lighthouse Secret, The Girl From Donegal, A Mother’s Heart, and The Moon Over Kilmore Quay, have been Irish Times, Sunday Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestsellers.
Carmel loves hearing from readers, so please feel free to connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram @HappyMrsH, or join Curl Up With Carmel Book Club, an online book club on Facebook.
Her latest novel, The Stolen Child, was a Sunday Times best crime fiction of the year selection and was described as ‘Endlessly surprising. This complex novel requires faultless plotting, and Harrington pulls it off with consummate ease.’ Carmel’s debut was a multi-award-winning novel, and several books have been shortlisted for an Irish Book Award. She is a regular on Irish TV screens and radio and has been a guest speaker at Literary events in Ireland, UK and USA. She was also Chair of the Wexford Literary Festival for three years.
Carmel’s emotional and gripping storytelling, with relatable characters, twisting plots and evocative locations, has captured readers' hearts worldwide. Her novels, including The Lighthouse Secret, The Girl From Donegal, A Mother’s Heart, and The Moon Over Kilmore Quay, have been Irish Times, Sunday Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestsellers.
Carmel loves hearing from readers, so please feel free to connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram @HappyMrsH, or join Curl Up With Carmel Book Club, an online book club on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
December 19, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Stolen Child, by Carmel Harrington, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Lily grew up knowing that her brother went missing on a family cruise, she and her family have always wondered what happened to him. This is such a heavy read, I do not know If I like it.
March 19, 2025
3.75 / 5.0
A very slow burning book that requires patience and understanding to get to the end. I found that the writing was superb and added positively to the experience but overall it was a tad too slow for me. The twist is simple/ convoluted I guess the ending for Kimberly I found slightly random and added little value to the overall plot. I would say those that are mothers, have gone through motherhood would relate to this book more. It’s a well written book but it didn’t have the spark I was expecting. The premise is interesting, but it takes a long time before the real information and plot kicks in. If you hate chapters with different time frames of different perspectives all in a unique order this book won’t be your cup of tea for sure.
The book follows Kimberly who is on a cruise with her Husband Jason and her daughter lily and son Robert. Kimberly wakes up one morning to find her son Robert is missing from his cot and never found again on the cruise. But 40 years later when Lily (who is a therapist) welcomes a new client Zach - her reveals his shocking theory that he knows what happened to Robert. Could it be true, but worst of all someone is out there responsible and would do anything in their path to stop them getting out.
The premise is good, the plot seems to draw the right attention - it just was too slow and lacked the execution I expected.
A very slow burning book that requires patience and understanding to get to the end. I found that the writing was superb and added positively to the experience but overall it was a tad too slow for me. The twist is simple/ convoluted I guess the ending for Kimberly I found slightly random and added little value to the overall plot. I would say those that are mothers, have gone through motherhood would relate to this book more. It’s a well written book but it didn’t have the spark I was expecting. The premise is interesting, but it takes a long time before the real information and plot kicks in. If you hate chapters with different time frames of different perspectives all in a unique order this book won’t be your cup of tea for sure.
The book follows Kimberly who is on a cruise with her Husband Jason and her daughter lily and son Robert. Kimberly wakes up one morning to find her son Robert is missing from his cot and never found again on the cruise. But 40 years later when Lily (who is a therapist) welcomes a new client Zach - her reveals his shocking theory that he knows what happened to Robert. Could it be true, but worst of all someone is out there responsible and would do anything in their path to stop them getting out.
The premise is good, the plot seems to draw the right attention - it just was too slow and lacked the execution I expected.
March 1, 2025
40 years ago, a child goes missing on a cruise ship. Is he dead? Or is he still alive?
“Secrets always find a way to reveal themselves”
This book is told in multiple POV, across multiple timelines and I felt it was a little confusing until I got used to who was who and what was where.
It’s a fairly sad family drama but quite thought provoking in places. Whilst I didn’t overly warm to any character in particular, Sally seemed very sweet and Lily and Zach had a heartwarming bond.
I found it believable, but it was a little slow paced and predictable for my liking.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for my advanced copy.
“Secrets always find a way to reveal themselves”
This book is told in multiple POV, across multiple timelines and I felt it was a little confusing until I got used to who was who and what was where.
It’s a fairly sad family drama but quite thought provoking in places. Whilst I didn’t overly warm to any character in particular, Sally seemed very sweet and Lily and Zach had a heartwarming bond.
I found it believable, but it was a little slow paced and predictable for my liking.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for my advanced copy.
March 9, 2025
This book has an interesting plot with a great twist! I felt like the dialogue let it down in places - it was a bit too cheesy for my liking. But I enjoyed the multiple POVs and discovering the different relationship dynamics
February 27, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳
Oooh this was excellent!
I believe Carmel Harrington is an author new to me. I don’t think I fully anticipated the journey that this title would take me on. I was expecting a bit of a police procedural, but what I got was so much more.
A story that starts out with a child stolen during a family holiday, then catapults us 40 years into the future and the aftermath of that day for little Robert’s family.
Lily, the child left behind is now a psychotherapist and when she welcomes a new client with a theory on what happened to Robert, everything is going to come spilling out.
The writing is rock solid, I had an honest to god Wtaf moment at the twist, then another.
The narration on this was first class 🎧
Storytelling at its best!
Guess what?
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Huge thanks to Headline Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Oooh this was excellent!
I believe Carmel Harrington is an author new to me. I don’t think I fully anticipated the journey that this title would take me on. I was expecting a bit of a police procedural, but what I got was so much more.
A story that starts out with a child stolen during a family holiday, then catapults us 40 years into the future and the aftermath of that day for little Robert’s family.
Lily, the child left behind is now a psychotherapist and when she welcomes a new client with a theory on what happened to Robert, everything is going to come spilling out.
The writing is rock solid, I had an honest to god Wtaf moment at the twist, then another.
The narration on this was first class 🎧
Storytelling at its best!
Guess what?
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Huge thanks to Headline Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
February 16, 2025
The Stolen Child is another unputdownable read by Carmel Harrington. This authors books are always brilliant and I honestly think this is her best one yet. Right from the prologue I was captivated by this story and what was going to happen. Brilliant characters and some omg moments. I loved it.
February 15, 2025
I received a free copy of The Stolen Child by Carmel Harrington, from their publisher and NetGalley for my honest opinion.
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time!!!
I absolutely love this book by Carmel. I was instantly drawn in from the very first chapter. I love the friendship between Elsie and Sally back in the 80’s. I thoroughly enjoyed going back to the past and then jumping to 2023. It’s a great book and the plot was fantastic.
I didn’t want the book to end. And the last few chapters was fab, it brought everything together.
Please give this book a read, and well done Carmel and thank you so much for the chance to read this
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time!!!
I absolutely love this book by Carmel. I was instantly drawn in from the very first chapter. I love the friendship between Elsie and Sally back in the 80’s. I thoroughly enjoyed going back to the past and then jumping to 2023. It’s a great book and the plot was fantastic.
I didn’t want the book to end. And the last few chapters was fab, it brought everything together.
Please give this book a read, and well done Carmel and thank you so much for the chance to read this
March 18, 2025
A missing Child, a shattered family.
This book is set over 3 timelines
1984 set aboard The Carousel, sailing the Mediterranean, a young family are enjoying their cruise together. Kimberley, her toddler Robert, new husband Jason and their baby Lily. When 1 night the unthinkable happens. They awake one morning to find Robert has vanished overnight. The ship is searched, the local police are called and despite intensive searches Robert is not found. The investigating officer believes Jason has something to do with the disappearance.
2024 Lily, now grown up balances a busy Carter with her own young family. As the 40th anniversary of Robert’s disappearance approaches her dad Jason, who has never given up his search appears on local to, with the newest facial recognition photos, showing Robert how he may look now. The ghost of Robert has haunted their family, with no answers as to what happened to him, and suspicion towards Jason, it has been a difficult time for them as a family.
1970s/1980s, we meet Sally and Elsie 2 young girls, who meet in Sunshine House orphanage.
This was a powerful and emotional read, the characters well written and relatable. I was confused as to how things would all come together but come together it did.
I just had a slight niggle with continuity. At one point during the investigation the Spanish officer tells the parents that an Amber Alert has been raised, I am fairly sure that Amber Alerts didn’t become world wide until much later in the late 90s, early 2000s.
Despite that I highly recommend this book. I listened to the audio book and the Narrator did a great job
This book is set over 3 timelines
1984 set aboard The Carousel, sailing the Mediterranean, a young family are enjoying their cruise together. Kimberley, her toddler Robert, new husband Jason and their baby Lily. When 1 night the unthinkable happens. They awake one morning to find Robert has vanished overnight. The ship is searched, the local police are called and despite intensive searches Robert is not found. The investigating officer believes Jason has something to do with the disappearance.
2024 Lily, now grown up balances a busy Carter with her own young family. As the 40th anniversary of Robert’s disappearance approaches her dad Jason, who has never given up his search appears on local to, with the newest facial recognition photos, showing Robert how he may look now. The ghost of Robert has haunted their family, with no answers as to what happened to him, and suspicion towards Jason, it has been a difficult time for them as a family.
1970s/1980s, we meet Sally and Elsie 2 young girls, who meet in Sunshine House orphanage.
This was a powerful and emotional read, the characters well written and relatable. I was confused as to how things would all come together but come together it did.
I just had a slight niggle with continuity. At one point during the investigation the Spanish officer tells the parents that an Amber Alert has been raised, I am fairly sure that Amber Alerts didn’t become world wide until much later in the late 90s, early 2000s.
Despite that I highly recommend this book. I listened to the audio book and the Narrator did a great job
August 21, 2025
What a thoroughly good read this was! I loved that the story was told through three different timelines, and moving from one to another meant that there was always something new to think about and never a dull moment.
The story begins in 1983 when Robert, a two-year-old, is taken from his parents’ cabin, on a cruise ship one night. This narrative follows the search for him, and what his parents do in the immediate aftermath. It’s a parents’ worst nightmare which l felt the author handled with empathy and compassion, while giving a realistic account of what it could be like.
The second timeline is set in the present - 2023 - and is mainly told from Lily’s POV. Lily is Robert’s younger sister and is now married with a young son herself. We find out what the family are doing 40 years after losing Robert.
The final timeline begins in 1963 as a young girl is dropped off at the Sunshine House Orphanage, and this part of the story follows her journey to adulthood. I always enjoy reading about this era as it’s the time I grew up in so it always brings back lots of memories.
I did guess where the story was going to go quite early on but that didn’t stop me enjoying it! I’d worked out the what, but not the why or how, so I lapped up each clue which was revealed and enjoyed getting to know the characters more as their secrets were unravelled.
It’s a very clever plot, spanning three generations and four countries.
I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story begins in 1983 when Robert, a two-year-old, is taken from his parents’ cabin, on a cruise ship one night. This narrative follows the search for him, and what his parents do in the immediate aftermath. It’s a parents’ worst nightmare which l felt the author handled with empathy and compassion, while giving a realistic account of what it could be like.
The second timeline is set in the present - 2023 - and is mainly told from Lily’s POV. Lily is Robert’s younger sister and is now married with a young son herself. We find out what the family are doing 40 years after losing Robert.
The final timeline begins in 1963 as a young girl is dropped off at the Sunshine House Orphanage, and this part of the story follows her journey to adulthood. I always enjoy reading about this era as it’s the time I grew up in so it always brings back lots of memories.
I did guess where the story was going to go quite early on but that didn’t stop me enjoying it! I’d worked out the what, but not the why or how, so I lapped up each clue which was revealed and enjoyed getting to know the characters more as their secrets were unravelled.
It’s a very clever plot, spanning three generations and four countries.
I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2025
TRIGGER WARNINGS MOTHERS WORST NIGHTMARE!!
It's every parent's worst nightmare. But there's no waking up from this . . .
On board a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, Kimberly wakes to discover that her two-year-old son Robert has vanished from the cabin overnight. She and her husband Jason vow to do whatever it takes to bring Robert home.
But he is never found.
Forty years later, their therapist daughter Lily welcomes a new client into her home. Zach has a shocking theory about what happened to her brother Robert years before.
If Zach is to be believed, someone out there knows what happened on that ship. And they would do anything to stop the truth getting out.
It's every parent's worst nightmare. But there's no waking up from this . . .
On board a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, Kimberly wakes to discover that her two-year-old son Robert has vanished from the cabin overnight. She and her husband Jason vow to do whatever it takes to bring Robert home.
But he is never found.
Forty years later, their therapist daughter Lily welcomes a new client into her home. Zach has a shocking theory about what happened to her brother Robert years before.
If Zach is to be believed, someone out there knows what happened on that ship. And they would do anything to stop the truth getting out.
April 20, 2025
More of a family drama book than a mystery . I wasn’t fond of any of the characters and what happened to the child was unforgivable. Elsie ( Kimberly ) had the opportunity to rectify the situation early on in my opinion . She knew where Sally lived and Elsie has people in her past that she could have reached out to. I think Jason the step dad was the stolen parent as he suffered the most in this book .
February 25, 2025
Anyone who has children cannot but identify with the horrendous nightmare of losing a child … and can put themselves into the shoes of this mother, and the distraught father who searches for forty years, and everyone affected by this tragedy. Carmel Harrington employs a few sly clues, parallel stories that might be connected – or not. Friendships, damaged souls, smothered grief, guilt and desperation, are teased out as the intrigue and truth play out unpredictably about a terrible wrong committed for the right reasons, out of love.
April 5, 2025
Brilliant
September 21, 2025
fantastic read, couldn't put it down
October 22, 2025
Great book really enjoyed it will definitely be looking for her other books
February 8, 2025
Review to come
February 21, 2025
On board a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, Kimberly wakes to discover that her two-year-old son Robert has vanished from the cabin overnight. She and her husband Jason vow to do whatever it takes to bring Robert home but he is never found. Forty years later, their therapist daughter Lily welcomes a new client into her home. Zach has a shocking theory about what happened to her brother Robert years before. If Zach is to be believed, someone out there knows what happened on that ship and they would do anything to stop the truth getting out, but secrets always find a way to reveal themselves…
This was a really enjoyable read, the dual POV timelines perfectly setting the scene for which the plot develops. There were parts where I thought I’d figured elements out but then it goes in a completely different direction, keeping you guessing & adding in twists where you don’t expect.
It’s hard to review the content without giving too much away, I really enjoyed how the author linked everything together in the concluding quarter, providing all the details on just how and why the events described prior all cleverly fit together.
It definitely makes you wonder what you would do if in the same situation and if you would have made the same decisions as some of the characters. A very nice touch was the note from the author about how this book was based on a real-life panic relating to her own son, you can really see how her thoughts and feelings from this incident has transferred into the story. Would definitely read more by this author in the future.
This was a really enjoyable read, the dual POV timelines perfectly setting the scene for which the plot develops. There were parts where I thought I’d figured elements out but then it goes in a completely different direction, keeping you guessing & adding in twists where you don’t expect.
It’s hard to review the content without giving too much away, I really enjoyed how the author linked everything together in the concluding quarter, providing all the details on just how and why the events described prior all cleverly fit together.
It definitely makes you wonder what you would do if in the same situation and if you would have made the same decisions as some of the characters. A very nice touch was the note from the author about how this book was based on a real-life panic relating to her own son, you can really see how her thoughts and feelings from this incident has transferred into the story. Would definitely read more by this author in the future.
February 25, 2025
The Stolen Child takes every parent’s worst fear - their child going missing - and creates a story that combines thriller with family drama to create a gripping and at times harrowing read.
The book is set over 3 timelines. It begins in 1983 when two year old Robert disappears from his family’s cabin on a cruise ship in the middle of the night - and despite an extensive search, he is never found. Forty years on Robert’s sister Lily, who has grown up in the shadow of her missing brother and watched it destroy her parents’ marriage, is a psychotherapist who meets a new client whose claims send the family into turmoil. The story also goes back to the 1960s and 1970s to tell the seemingly unconnected story of Sally and best friend Elsie, who grow up in an orphanage and then set out to make their way in the world.
I found myself immersed in both stories - Harrington does a great job of bringing the 60s and 70s alive as she tells the story of Sally, and the mystery of missing Robert adds a level of intrigue, as well as leaving the reader reflecting on how they themselves would have dealt with everything. It all makes for emotional and compelling reading and then Harrington cleverly brings the threads together, throwing in some unexpected revelations and a twist that may surprise you.
The book is set over 3 timelines. It begins in 1983 when two year old Robert disappears from his family’s cabin on a cruise ship in the middle of the night - and despite an extensive search, he is never found. Forty years on Robert’s sister Lily, who has grown up in the shadow of her missing brother and watched it destroy her parents’ marriage, is a psychotherapist who meets a new client whose claims send the family into turmoil. The story also goes back to the 1960s and 1970s to tell the seemingly unconnected story of Sally and best friend Elsie, who grow up in an orphanage and then set out to make their way in the world.
I found myself immersed in both stories - Harrington does a great job of bringing the 60s and 70s alive as she tells the story of Sally, and the mystery of missing Robert adds a level of intrigue, as well as leaving the reader reflecting on how they themselves would have dealt with everything. It all makes for emotional and compelling reading and then Harrington cleverly brings the threads together, throwing in some unexpected revelations and a twist that may surprise you.
February 22, 2025
Wow! What a brilliant, brilliant plot!
Kimberly Murphy is desperately searching for her son, Robert, who was abducted as a toddler, 40 years ago.
In the past, we learn of Sally and Elsie, best friends who grew up in an orphanage together, trying to find their path in life.
When Kimberly’s daughter, Lily, is approached by her American client, Zach, claiming to be her long lost brother, the Murphy family are thrown into turmoil… and hope!
I loved both stories, especially Sally’s and the character development was fabulous; I felt completely immersed into these character’s lives. I couldn’t see how the two stories would link, so I just enjoyed the ride, until they came crashing together and my jaw hit the floor!
The narration by Emer Heatley was spot on and her accents were brilliant; I especially loved the soft Scottish lilt.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Carmel Harrington and Headline for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Kimberly Murphy is desperately searching for her son, Robert, who was abducted as a toddler, 40 years ago.
In the past, we learn of Sally and Elsie, best friends who grew up in an orphanage together, trying to find their path in life.
When Kimberly’s daughter, Lily, is approached by her American client, Zach, claiming to be her long lost brother, the Murphy family are thrown into turmoil… and hope!
I loved both stories, especially Sally’s and the character development was fabulous; I felt completely immersed into these character’s lives. I couldn’t see how the two stories would link, so I just enjoyed the ride, until they came crashing together and my jaw hit the floor!
The narration by Emer Heatley was spot on and her accents were brilliant; I especially loved the soft Scottish lilt.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Carmel Harrington and Headline for an ARC in return for an honest review.
February 26, 2025
What an absolutely brilliant read this was! It had me hooked straight away. Carmel Harrington is a new to me author but I’ll certainly be looking out for more of her books.
The story is told in multiple POV by Kimberly, Sally and Lily and also in different timelines. I was completely immersed in the whole story I couldn’t put it down. I had it read in a couple of sittings.
I was intrigued to see how the storylines were going to connect from the past. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was blown away by the ending.
I highly recommend this one! I know as a parent this is my worst nightmare. But it was unputdownable!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a gifted copy.
The story is told in multiple POV by Kimberly, Sally and Lily and also in different timelines. I was completely immersed in the whole story I couldn’t put it down. I had it read in a couple of sittings.
I was intrigued to see how the storylines were going to connect from the past. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was blown away by the ending.
I highly recommend this one! I know as a parent this is my worst nightmare. But it was unputdownable!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a gifted copy.
January 4, 2025
Unfortunately, this one just wasn't very thrilling to me, I guessed what happened pretty early on, and I just lost my motivation to read it. I did finish it, but only because I wanted to see if a twist was coming.
I would say this should be marketed as a family drama rather than a thriller, so if you love family dramas or domestic noir then definitely give this one a go, but it isn't a genre I really love.
I would say this should be marketed as a family drama rather than a thriller, so if you love family dramas or domestic noir then definitely give this one a go, but it isn't a genre I really love.
March 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The plot twist when we found out that Kimberly kidnapped Zach and not Sally was amazing!
This book kept me hooked over 3 days, it was hard to put down. The story was gripping and told a brilliant tale of friendship, love, heartbreak, betrayal and deception
I knew Ian was going to be abusive from the beginning, he was too charming and it was too convenient for him to be there when Sally was vulnerable after her mother's death. I would highly recommend this book
This book kept me hooked over 3 days, it was hard to put down. The story was gripping and told a brilliant tale of friendship, love, heartbreak, betrayal and deception
I knew Ian was going to be abusive from the beginning, he was too charming and it was too convenient for him to be there when Sally was vulnerable after her mother's death. I would highly recommend this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
July, 1983. A family holiday aboard the cruise ship The Carousel turns into a nightmare when Kimberley wakes to find her husband Jason and baby daughter Lily sleeping peacefully alongside her in their cabin, but no sign of her two-year-old son Robert. When the ship docks in Barcelona, the Spanish police can offer no explanation to his disappearance.
July, 2023. Forty years have passed without news of Robert. Kimberly and Jason's marriage lies in tatters, a casualty of the tragedy and Jason's obsession with finding out what happened to their son. Lily, now a therapist, and married with her own young son, longs for answers that will bring peace to them all. When a new patient called Zach walks through her door, he has a shocking theory about what happened all those years ago, and why someone was so desperate to keep the truth a secret...
The story unfolds in three compelling timelines, swapping between Kimberley's version of events in 1983, Lily's quest for the truth in the present (with the help of Zach), and the narrative of someone called Sally from the 1960s onwards. The threads weave together, each with their own mysteries to be solved in parallel as the story plays out, and Harrington does a fabulous job keeping you guessing with nicely wrought suspense, and lashings of misdirection - not least when it comes to who Sally is, and how she relates to Robert's disappearance.
Intriguingly, given that the premise of this book lies in a crime (the abduction), so much of this story is character-led, which I very much enjoyed. Harrington writes well about the relationships between her characters, layering powerful themes about families, parenthood, unresolved trauma, and the legacy of disturbed childhoods by echoing them throughout the story. Lily's part really set me thinking about the impact of such a case on the family as a whole, particularly when there are siblings whose needs get overshadowed in the messy wake of unimaginable loss, guilt and suspicion. The relationship that develops between Lily and Zach is especially touching, and there is a sold emotional kick to the twists and turns that play out in the final part of the book because of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story comes together, pulling you into the lives of this family, and keeping you turning the pages until all the threads unravel. My first Carmel Harrington, but definitely not my last!
July, 2023. Forty years have passed without news of Robert. Kimberly and Jason's marriage lies in tatters, a casualty of the tragedy and Jason's obsession with finding out what happened to their son. Lily, now a therapist, and married with her own young son, longs for answers that will bring peace to them all. When a new patient called Zach walks through her door, he has a shocking theory about what happened all those years ago, and why someone was so desperate to keep the truth a secret...
The story unfolds in three compelling timelines, swapping between Kimberley's version of events in 1983, Lily's quest for the truth in the present (with the help of Zach), and the narrative of someone called Sally from the 1960s onwards. The threads weave together, each with their own mysteries to be solved in parallel as the story plays out, and Harrington does a fabulous job keeping you guessing with nicely wrought suspense, and lashings of misdirection - not least when it comes to who Sally is, and how she relates to Robert's disappearance.
Intriguingly, given that the premise of this book lies in a crime (the abduction), so much of this story is character-led, which I very much enjoyed. Harrington writes well about the relationships between her characters, layering powerful themes about families, parenthood, unresolved trauma, and the legacy of disturbed childhoods by echoing them throughout the story. Lily's part really set me thinking about the impact of such a case on the family as a whole, particularly when there are siblings whose needs get overshadowed in the messy wake of unimaginable loss, guilt and suspicion. The relationship that develops between Lily and Zach is especially touching, and there is a sold emotional kick to the twists and turns that play out in the final part of the book because of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story comes together, pulling you into the lives of this family, and keeping you turning the pages until all the threads unravel. My first Carmel Harrington, but definitely not my last!
February 22, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this dual timeline audiobook of The Stolen Child. It's a psychological thriller / drama that I actually could envisage on the tv it was very much brought to life, and I was completely immersed from beginning to end.
When the characters are first introduced to us we meet a mum and dad with 2 young children on a cruise when mum Kimberly goes to bed with her baby daughter Lily and her son Robert is asleep in the next room her husband Jason is along at the bar having a couple of drinks however when the couple wake in the morning their whole world has changed as Robert is nowhere to be found.
Investigators board the ship do a thorough sweep before the family depart in Spain, where they continue to look for their son.
We then have the other timeline, which is from a grown-up version of Lilly, who is now helping others in her career due to their family experience. When she meets her client Zac, her dad hasn't given up hope that Robert is still alive somewhere and has been making age reconstruction images to try and find his son, which Zac has seen. Zac comes to Lilly with an incredible story of how he had an imaginary mum, not a friend, and questions if these are memories rather than a normal behaviour of childhood development in play.
This is where the various twists and turns come in to the book and things really begin to get extremely interesting we are also sumbermeged back in time to the lif of kimberley before she met her husband so actually this audiobook is really 3 different timelines that we experience throughout which thankfully wasn't too difficult to follow and flowed relatively well which is a credit to the author as this can be difficult to do with such fluidity without confusing the reader/listener.
The narration of this audiobook by Emer Heatley was very well done as all characters really felt came to life and were easily disnguishable throughout the entire audiobook. It was a pleasure to listen, and the accents were also well done, making it overall a pleasure.
With thanks to Netgalley & Headline Audio for this ARC in return for an open, honest review. Best wishes for publication on 27th February 2025 📚
When the characters are first introduced to us we meet a mum and dad with 2 young children on a cruise when mum Kimberly goes to bed with her baby daughter Lily and her son Robert is asleep in the next room her husband Jason is along at the bar having a couple of drinks however when the couple wake in the morning their whole world has changed as Robert is nowhere to be found.
Investigators board the ship do a thorough sweep before the family depart in Spain, where they continue to look for their son.
We then have the other timeline, which is from a grown-up version of Lilly, who is now helping others in her career due to their family experience. When she meets her client Zac, her dad hasn't given up hope that Robert is still alive somewhere and has been making age reconstruction images to try and find his son, which Zac has seen. Zac comes to Lilly with an incredible story of how he had an imaginary mum, not a friend, and questions if these are memories rather than a normal behaviour of childhood development in play.
This is where the various twists and turns come in to the book and things really begin to get extremely interesting we are also sumbermeged back in time to the lif of kimberley before she met her husband so actually this audiobook is really 3 different timelines that we experience throughout which thankfully wasn't too difficult to follow and flowed relatively well which is a credit to the author as this can be difficult to do with such fluidity without confusing the reader/listener.
The narration of this audiobook by Emer Heatley was very well done as all characters really felt came to life and were easily disnguishable throughout the entire audiobook. It was a pleasure to listen, and the accents were also well done, making it overall a pleasure.
With thanks to Netgalley & Headline Audio for this ARC in return for an open, honest review. Best wishes for publication on 27th February 2025 📚
March 10, 2025
#netgalley
It’s 1983, and aboard The Carousel cruise ship, just off the vibrant shores of Barcelona, Kimberly awakens to a nightmare: her two-year-old son, Robert, has disappeared without a trace. While his sister, Lily, sleeps peacefully in her crib, darkness looms over Kimberly as the shocking reality sets in.
Enter a gripping tale billed as “a tense and emotional family drama brimming with secrets, an abducted child, and a mother’s desperate quest for the truth.” And oh my days, the web of lies is thick—who can really be trusted in this harrowing journey?
As frantic searches unfold with the crew and Spanish police scouring every corner of the ship, hope begins to dwindle. Robert’s family, haunted by his absence, fights to stay afloat emotionally.
Despite his family disembarking the ship in Barcelona and waiting for any news, none comes, and the family has to eventually return home to Dublin.
Understandably, this event leaves a palpable trauma hanging over the family unit, torn between focusing all hope on getting Robert to return to them and simply surviving everyday life.
Years later, a stranger appears, claiming to be Robert. The past resurfaces in a whirlwind of emotions, unravelling bonds and testing the very fabric of their relationships.
With the narrative skillfully woven across three key timelines and told from multiple captivating perspectives, each short and snappy chapter pulls you deeper into the mystery of Robert’s disappearance, the backstory and of course, the turmoil that follows.
Although I figured out the big plot twist fairly early on, I still found The Stolen Child to be a tense, twisty read. It’ll be a perfect companion for those lazy days lounging by the pool—you won’t want to put it down!
Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy via NetGalley. As always, this is an honest review. The Stolen Child is available now.
It’s 1983, and aboard The Carousel cruise ship, just off the vibrant shores of Barcelona, Kimberly awakens to a nightmare: her two-year-old son, Robert, has disappeared without a trace. While his sister, Lily, sleeps peacefully in her crib, darkness looms over Kimberly as the shocking reality sets in.
Enter a gripping tale billed as “a tense and emotional family drama brimming with secrets, an abducted child, and a mother’s desperate quest for the truth.” And oh my days, the web of lies is thick—who can really be trusted in this harrowing journey?
As frantic searches unfold with the crew and Spanish police scouring every corner of the ship, hope begins to dwindle. Robert’s family, haunted by his absence, fights to stay afloat emotionally.
Despite his family disembarking the ship in Barcelona and waiting for any news, none comes, and the family has to eventually return home to Dublin.
Understandably, this event leaves a palpable trauma hanging over the family unit, torn between focusing all hope on getting Robert to return to them and simply surviving everyday life.
Years later, a stranger appears, claiming to be Robert. The past resurfaces in a whirlwind of emotions, unravelling bonds and testing the very fabric of their relationships.
With the narrative skillfully woven across three key timelines and told from multiple captivating perspectives, each short and snappy chapter pulls you deeper into the mystery of Robert’s disappearance, the backstory and of course, the turmoil that follows.
Although I figured out the big plot twist fairly early on, I still found The Stolen Child to be a tense, twisty read. It’ll be a perfect companion for those lazy days lounging by the pool—you won’t want to put it down!
Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy via NetGalley. As always, this is an honest review. The Stolen Child is available now.
November 11, 2025
I somehow flew through this book and also hated it at times. I liked the easy, quick writing. It was a good, fun popcorn thriller or domestic suspense in that sense, but the so-called twist was so obvious to me from the very beginning. There were no surprises at all, and I don't understand the high Goodreads rating. But I'm clearly an outlier.
I picked this book up in London because it sounded like a fun thriller with a strong premise. In 1984, on a cruise ship off the coast of Spain, a two-year-old boy, Robert, vanishes from his bed in the middle of the night while his parents are sleeping. There are no clues. Fast-forward 40 years to 2024, when we meet Robert's baby sister, Lily, who was too young to remember anything but has lived in the shadow of Robert her entire life. Her parents divorced, her mom threw herself into her career, and her dad (Robert's stepdad, Lily's dad) became consumed with finding his son, following every lead, and helping other grieving parents of missing children.
Lily is a psychotherapist and a new client, Zach, seeks her out to share strange memories of his childhood. Could he be her long-lost, kidnapped brother?
The book also flashes back to the 1970s when we meet Sally and Elsie, two preteens who become best friends growing up in an English orphanage. I found this the most interesting part of the book, though we don't know what these girls, later women, have to do with Lily and Zach's story.
See? — Interesting premise. But the book just didn't live up to it for me, and when the big "reveal" finally happens, I saw it coming from miles away. I only finished the book to see if I was right and to see how the author wrapped everything up. But again, I'm clearly an outlier here, so if you enjoy popcorn thrillers and domestic suspense, maybe try this for yourself.
I picked this book up in London because it sounded like a fun thriller with a strong premise. In 1984, on a cruise ship off the coast of Spain, a two-year-old boy, Robert, vanishes from his bed in the middle of the night while his parents are sleeping. There are no clues. Fast-forward 40 years to 2024, when we meet Robert's baby sister, Lily, who was too young to remember anything but has lived in the shadow of Robert her entire life. Her parents divorced, her mom threw herself into her career, and her dad (Robert's stepdad, Lily's dad) became consumed with finding his son, following every lead, and helping other grieving parents of missing children.
Lily is a psychotherapist and a new client, Zach, seeks her out to share strange memories of his childhood. Could he be her long-lost, kidnapped brother?
The book also flashes back to the 1970s when we meet Sally and Elsie, two preteens who become best friends growing up in an English orphanage. I found this the most interesting part of the book, though we don't know what these girls, later women, have to do with Lily and Zach's story.
See? — Interesting premise. But the book just didn't live up to it for me, and when the big "reveal" finally happens, I saw it coming from miles away. I only finished the book to see if I was right and to see how the author wrapped everything up. But again, I'm clearly an outlier here, so if you enjoy popcorn thrillers and domestic suspense, maybe try this for yourself.
March 27, 2025
The Stolen Child is a suspenseful and emotionally charged thriller that centers around the abduction of a toddler on a cruise ship, an event that shakes the lives of everyone involved. The novel unfolds across multiple perspectives and timelines, skillfully revealing the psychological toll the incident takes on the characters, while gradually unraveling the mystery of what really happened to the child.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Through various points of view, we witness the impact of the tragedy on all involved, all of whom are vividly brought to life. Each character’s experience is unique, but all are deeply affected by the sense of loss and unanswered questions, making for a rich, layered reading experience. The alternating timelines add an intriguing layer of complexity, slowly revealing key details while maintaining an atmosphere of suspense throughout.
While I was able to anticipate the ending relatively early on, the predictability did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. Instead, the appeal lies in how Harrington crafts the story—showing not just the outcome, but the twists and turns that lead to it. The emotional and psychological depth of the characters, combined with the chilling nature of the crime, keeps readers engaged, wondering how it all unfolds.
In sum, The Stolen Child is a gripping read that offers more than just a mystery. It’s an exploration of grief, guilt, and the complexities of human relationships, wrapped in a well-paced, thought-provoking narrative. Though the ending may be anticipated by some, it is still a journey worth taking for the compelling characters and the intricacies of how the truth is revealed.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Through various points of view, we witness the impact of the tragedy on all involved, all of whom are vividly brought to life. Each character’s experience is unique, but all are deeply affected by the sense of loss and unanswered questions, making for a rich, layered reading experience. The alternating timelines add an intriguing layer of complexity, slowly revealing key details while maintaining an atmosphere of suspense throughout.
While I was able to anticipate the ending relatively early on, the predictability did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. Instead, the appeal lies in how Harrington crafts the story—showing not just the outcome, but the twists and turns that lead to it. The emotional and psychological depth of the characters, combined with the chilling nature of the crime, keeps readers engaged, wondering how it all unfolds.
In sum, The Stolen Child is a gripping read that offers more than just a mystery. It’s an exploration of grief, guilt, and the complexities of human relationships, wrapped in a well-paced, thought-provoking narrative. Though the ending may be anticipated by some, it is still a journey worth taking for the compelling characters and the intricacies of how the truth is revealed.
January 1, 2026
I loved this book and read it pretty much in one sitting. It centers on a toddler going missing on a cruise ship and follows 3 different protagonists from before and after that incident. Some chapters focus on Kimberly in the aftermath of her son Robert’s disappearance; you also get chapters from the POV of Kimberly’s daughter, Lily, some 40 years later when yet another person has come forward to say they think they are Robert, and from Sally’s POV, ranging from various timeframes prior to the disappearance, though the reader doesn’t initially know how Sally fits into the current story.
The 3 timeframes make for a fast-paced read, as I was invested in each one and just kept reading so I could see what happened next in each of them. The author captured the grief and anger these characters experienced very well, as well as the unique dynamics between them. There were some great twists throughout, and while the author laid breadcrumbs for some, others were big surprises (though the kind that make total sense when all was said and done). It ended up being a touching story with very real characters who made decisions that altered the lives of those around them for various reasons that made sense, even if you didn’t agree with them. The end of the book tied up all the loose ends very well and worked with the rest of the story.
Overall, I couldn’t put this one down and feel like the characters will stick with me even as I move to the next book. Don’t read this unless you have time to finish it- you’ll want to!! Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The 3 timeframes make for a fast-paced read, as I was invested in each one and just kept reading so I could see what happened next in each of them. The author captured the grief and anger these characters experienced very well, as well as the unique dynamics between them. There were some great twists throughout, and while the author laid breadcrumbs for some, others were big surprises (though the kind that make total sense when all was said and done). It ended up being a touching story with very real characters who made decisions that altered the lives of those around them for various reasons that made sense, even if you didn’t agree with them. The end of the book tied up all the loose ends very well and worked with the rest of the story.
Overall, I couldn’t put this one down and feel like the characters will stick with me even as I move to the next book. Don’t read this unless you have time to finish it- you’ll want to!! Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2025
Kimberly and Jason are enjoying a family holiday on a cruise ship with their two children, baby Lily and two year old Robert. One morning Kimberly wakes to discover that Robert has disappeared from their cabin. The cruise ship is locked down while an intensive search for Robert takes place. However the child is not found and he's believed to have fallen overboard.. Jason, Robert's stepfather is under suspicion of harming Robert and spends the next 40 years frantically searching for the boy. Fast forward 40 years, and Lily is now a successful psychotherapist when a new client Zach comes to see her explaining that he's seen one of her father's interviews about her missing brother and sees a resemblance to himself in the photos of Robert.
Interspersed with the story of Robert's disappearance we hear from two young girls who are both living in an orphanage in Ireland in the 1960's. Five year old Sally is taken under the wing of Elsie who is a few years older and they remain the best of friends until Elsie leaves the orphanage when she turns 18. Once Sally also leaves they get back in touch and resume their friendship.
Told from three POV and three timelines, this is an enjoyable story although a little implausible at times. I did have an inkling what the twist at the end was going to be but wasn't completely right!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading an ARC of this book.
Interspersed with the story of Robert's disappearance we hear from two young girls who are both living in an orphanage in Ireland in the 1960's. Five year old Sally is taken under the wing of Elsie who is a few years older and they remain the best of friends until Elsie leaves the orphanage when she turns 18. Once Sally also leaves they get back in touch and resume their friendship.
Told from three POV and three timelines, this is an enjoyable story although a little implausible at times. I did have an inkling what the twist at the end was going to be but wasn't completely right!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading an ARC of this book.
February 15, 2025
Wow!
Wow-wee!
OMG!
Unputdownable!
Shocking!
Brilliant!
Amazing!
... no still can't come up with cohereent thoughts....
Addictive!
Carmel Harrington's best book!
Unpredictable!
Couldn't Get Enough!
All of these are my initial reactions on finishing this simply wonderful book.
There are multiple time lines in this story, each more compelling than the next and although you kind of know as a reader they are all connected, the exact details totally shocked me.
There is so much going on, and so much depth to all the characters, it makes for totally compelling reading.
I literally read this in two sittings, with my thoughts on the characters and just what would happen, when I wasn't reading. It's everything that I would have wanted from a book from this author, and a whole lot more besides.
And it starts on a cruise ship, which always attracts me.
It will also leave you pondering what you might do in similar situations to well most of the cast to be honest, as there are some rather juicy decisions made all over the place.
Clear your schedule, curl up and prepare for a wonderful ride, as you read this *insert all the superlatives here* book!
Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Wow-wee!
OMG!
Unputdownable!
Shocking!
Brilliant!
Amazing!
... no still can't come up with cohereent thoughts....
Addictive!
Carmel Harrington's best book!
Unpredictable!
Couldn't Get Enough!
All of these are my initial reactions on finishing this simply wonderful book.
There are multiple time lines in this story, each more compelling than the next and although you kind of know as a reader they are all connected, the exact details totally shocked me.
There is so much going on, and so much depth to all the characters, it makes for totally compelling reading.
I literally read this in two sittings, with my thoughts on the characters and just what would happen, when I wasn't reading. It's everything that I would have wanted from a book from this author, and a whole lot more besides.
And it starts on a cruise ship, which always attracts me.
It will also leave you pondering what you might do in similar situations to well most of the cast to be honest, as there are some rather juicy decisions made all over the place.
Clear your schedule, curl up and prepare for a wonderful ride, as you read this *insert all the superlatives here* book!
Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
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