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Lucy Kendall #1
All Good Deeds
She's no killer. She's just taking out the trash.
Don’t call Lucy Kendall a serial killer. She’s fighting for the innocent, and she’ll do whatever it takes to bring justice.
When a child disappears, Lucy quickly discovers the link to a predator she’s faced before–a man the state of Pennsylvania decided to turn loose on the streets. Determined to find the little girl and put a criminal behind bars for good, Lucy forces her way onto the case.
As the search for the kidnapped child pulls Lucy into a web of evil beyond her darkest imagination, she’ll have to face her own dark truths to save the little girl–and herself.
Don’t call Lucy Kendall a serial killer. She’s fighting for the innocent, and she’ll do whatever it takes to bring justice.
When a child disappears, Lucy quickly discovers the link to a predator she’s faced before–a man the state of Pennsylvania decided to turn loose on the streets. Determined to find the little girl and put a criminal behind bars for good, Lucy forces her way onto the case.
As the search for the kidnapped child pulls Lucy into a web of evil beyond her darkest imagination, she’ll have to face her own dark truths to save the little girl–and herself.
310 pages, ebook
First published September 10, 2014
8449 people are currently reading
7785 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Green
45 books1,236 followersStacy Green is the author of the Lucy Kendall thriller series and the Delta Crossroads mystery trilogy. ALL GOOD DEEDS (Lucy Kendall #1) won a bronze medal for mystery and thriller at the 2015 IPPY Awards. TIN GOD (Delta Crossroads #1) was runner-up for best mystery/thriller at the 2013 Kindle Book Awards.
Stacy has a love of thrillers and crime fiction, and she is always looking for the next dark and twisted novel to enjoy. She started her career in journalism before becoming a stay at home mother and rediscovering her love of writing. She lives in Iowa with her husband and daughter and their three spoiled fur babies.
She is currently working on a new crime fiction series and is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo, Helin and Fountain Literary Management for literary and dramatic rights.
Website: stacygreenauthor.com
Facebook www.Facebook.com/StacyGreenAuthor
Twitter: @StacyGreen26
Stacy has a love of thrillers and crime fiction, and she is always looking for the next dark and twisted novel to enjoy. She started her career in journalism before becoming a stay at home mother and rediscovering her love of writing. She lives in Iowa with her husband and daughter and their three spoiled fur babies.
She is currently working on a new crime fiction series and is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo, Helin and Fountain Literary Management for literary and dramatic rights.
Website: stacygreenauthor.com
Facebook www.Facebook.com/StacyGreenAuthor
Twitter: @StacyGreen26
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 910 reviews
January 30, 2023
The Girl in the Pink Shoes by Stacy Green
Narrated by Amelia Sciandra
Private Investigator Lucy Kendall is a strange one. She has great empathy for victims but Lucy is also a very dangerous woman. After losing her fifteen year old sister when Lucy was eleven and losing that sister due to abuse that was not acknowledged by their mother, adult Lucy became a caseworker for Child Protection Services. But in the end it was too much for her. Too many abusers getting away with what they had done, only to do it again. So now Lucy is a private investigator with a few assistants who knowingly or unknowingly help her with her very own form of justice.
This story has the potential to upset since it is about abuse and the victims are kids. I have no idea of how plausible some of the events in the story are (especially when it comes to the police work side of things) and it seems that there are a mountain of coincidences. I have to ponder that mountain some more but I do know I enjoyed the story very much. I didn't like Lucy when the story began but as I saw more of her past and knew what motivated her, I couldn't help warming up to her, somewhat. Laws and rules seem to mean little to her and she's probably never going to stop this thing she does that is very, very unlawful, but I grew to like Lucy and her tiny band of helpers, which will grow by the story's end.
The narration is low key, which I prefer compared to overacting. Just like the story, the narrating grew on me, too, and I hope the future books have the same narrator. There are future books, Lucy and company have more work to do.
Publication: January 30, 2023
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Amelia Sciandra
Private Investigator Lucy Kendall is a strange one. She has great empathy for victims but Lucy is also a very dangerous woman. After losing her fifteen year old sister when Lucy was eleven and losing that sister due to abuse that was not acknowledged by their mother, adult Lucy became a caseworker for Child Protection Services. But in the end it was too much for her. Too many abusers getting away with what they had done, only to do it again. So now Lucy is a private investigator with a few assistants who knowingly or unknowingly help her with her very own form of justice.
This story has the potential to upset since it is about abuse and the victims are kids. I have no idea of how plausible some of the events in the story are (especially when it comes to the police work side of things) and it seems that there are a mountain of coincidences. I have to ponder that mountain some more but I do know I enjoyed the story very much. I didn't like Lucy when the story began but as I saw more of her past and knew what motivated her, I couldn't help warming up to her, somewhat. Laws and rules seem to mean little to her and she's probably never going to stop this thing she does that is very, very unlawful, but I grew to like Lucy and her tiny band of helpers, which will grow by the story's end.
The narration is low key, which I prefer compared to overacting. Just like the story, the narrating grew on me, too, and I hope the future books have the same narrator. There are future books, Lucy and company have more work to do.
Publication: January 30, 2023
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.
January 30, 2023
When the law and the justice system fail the innocents, Lucy is determined to "take out the trash" herself.
This book hooks me in from the very first page. A very strong start to a series!
Eight year old Kailey Richardson has gone missing and PI Lucy Kendall thinks she knows who the predator is. A decade ago when Lucy was with Philadelphia Child Protective Services, she was unable to prevent a tragedy that involved then a young predator. The man is back on the street. The past has come back to haunt her yet again.
A compelling, dark, and gritty story that's filled with intrigue and suspense. Might not be for everyone with the subject of child abuse, pedophilia, and sex trafficking. I plan to continue reading this series, although at first, it feels like another missing person, but Lucy, Todd - detective, and Chris Hale - paramedic make a good story. I hope they are recurring characters.
An excellent audiobook narration by Amelia Sciandra. This title was previously released as "All Good Deeds."
Thank you Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for my ALC.
Release date Jan 30, 2023.
This book hooks me in from the very first page. A very strong start to a series!
Eight year old Kailey Richardson has gone missing and PI Lucy Kendall thinks she knows who the predator is. A decade ago when Lucy was with Philadelphia Child Protective Services, she was unable to prevent a tragedy that involved then a young predator. The man is back on the street. The past has come back to haunt her yet again.
A compelling, dark, and gritty story that's filled with intrigue and suspense. Might not be for everyone with the subject of child abuse, pedophilia, and sex trafficking. I plan to continue reading this series, although at first, it feels like another missing person, but Lucy, Todd - detective, and Chris Hale - paramedic make a good story. I hope they are recurring characters.
An excellent audiobook narration by Amelia Sciandra. This title was previously released as "All Good Deeds."
Thank you Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for my ALC.
Release date Jan 30, 2023.
January 5, 2023
The Girl in the Pink Shoes (previously titled All Good Deeds) is a gripping, page turner that I devoured in one day! The opening scene along with the mystery of what happened to Kailey, made for a riveting page turner which did not disappoint!
Every parent’s worst nightmare.
Eight-year-old Kailey Richardson left school but never made it home. Somewhere between the time school was dismissed and her home, Kailey was taken. Her mother is beyond worried and devastated.
Private Investigator Lucy Kendall, a former CPS case worker, saw fliers about Kailey and knew that she had to help. She is willing to do whatever it takes to bring the girl home. Lucy is an interesting character in that she wants to catch criminals but has not problem dolling out her own form of justice. Plus, she believes she knows who took Kailey, a convicted sex offender she was once assigned when he was a child.
This is the first book in the Lucy Kendall series, and it blew me away. It deals with a tough subject - child abuse/child sexual abuse. This hits close to home as Lucy's sister was abused and later committed suicide.
This book also has an interesting cast of characters leaving readers to wonder about their guilt as the suspect list grows. This was a captivating mystery which kept me guessing and doing my own detective work. Who took Kailey and why? Stacy Green kept me on my toes with lots of twists and reveals. Just when I thought I had things figured out, she pulled the rug out from under my feet.
I enjoyed the pacing of this book and plowed through it. I enjoy Green's writing and her cast of characters. I was lucky enough to have both the book and audiobook. I enjoyed the narration and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Gripping, well written and shocking!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Every parent’s worst nightmare.
Eight-year-old Kailey Richardson left school but never made it home. Somewhere between the time school was dismissed and her home, Kailey was taken. Her mother is beyond worried and devastated.
Private Investigator Lucy Kendall, a former CPS case worker, saw fliers about Kailey and knew that she had to help. She is willing to do whatever it takes to bring the girl home. Lucy is an interesting character in that she wants to catch criminals but has not problem dolling out her own form of justice. Plus, she believes she knows who took Kailey, a convicted sex offender she was once assigned when he was a child.
This is the first book in the Lucy Kendall series, and it blew me away. It deals with a tough subject - child abuse/child sexual abuse. This hits close to home as Lucy's sister was abused and later committed suicide.
This book also has an interesting cast of characters leaving readers to wonder about their guilt as the suspect list grows. This was a captivating mystery which kept me guessing and doing my own detective work. Who took Kailey and why? Stacy Green kept me on my toes with lots of twists and reveals. Just when I thought I had things figured out, she pulled the rug out from under my feet.
I enjoyed the pacing of this book and plowed through it. I enjoy Green's writing and her cast of characters. I was lucky enough to have both the book and audiobook. I enjoyed the narration and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Gripping, well written and shocking!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
May 8, 2023
Free on Amazon for a limited time. (Just checked and still free on 5/8/23)
4⭐
Book 1 in the Lucy Kendall series and a re~release from 2014.
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, Private Investigator, crime, police procedural, kidnapping, heavy topics ~ pedophilia, molestation, child abuse, suicide
Lucy is a bad-ass vigilante private investigator on the case of missing 8 year old, Kailey. She's already mad that the sex offender across the street has been released from prison. He must know where sweet Kailey is, right?
As a mom, and a human being with a heart, I hate to read kidnapping stories, but I am always drawn to them and this one is no exception. Did Lucy do some questionable things? Sure did, but I was kept engaged throughout and really invested in the story.
This was a great introduction to a new series. I am hoping Todd and/or Chris will be involved in the coming books.
Narrated by Amelia Sciandra for 9 hours and 30 minutes. She did a fine job.
*Thanks to Stacy Green, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
4⭐
Book 1 in the Lucy Kendall series and a re~release from 2014.
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, Private Investigator, crime, police procedural, kidnapping, heavy topics ~ pedophilia, molestation, child abuse, suicide
Lucy is a bad-ass vigilante private investigator on the case of missing 8 year old, Kailey. She's already mad that the sex offender across the street has been released from prison. He must know where sweet Kailey is, right?
As a mom, and a human being with a heart, I hate to read kidnapping stories, but I am always drawn to them and this one is no exception. Did Lucy do some questionable things? Sure did, but I was kept engaged throughout and really invested in the story.
This was a great introduction to a new series. I am hoping Todd and/or Chris will be involved in the coming books.
Narrated by Amelia Sciandra for 9 hours and 30 minutes. She did a fine job.
*Thanks to Stacy Green, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 25, 2021
2.5 stars
This is the first book in the 'Lucy Kendall' private detective series.
Lucy Kendall was a caseworker for Child Protection Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for ten years before she gave up the job, infuriated by all the child abuse she observed, and the failure to jail the perps.
Lucy is now a private detective - and secret avenger - who tracks down and kills men who sexually abuse kids, usually by throwing cyanide on them.
To Lucy, this is akin to 'taking out the trash' and doesn't prick her conscience at all.
Lucy's obsession with child abuse stems, in part, from past events. Lucy's big sister Lily committed suicide at fifteen, after years of sexual abuse by her mother's boyfriend. Afterwards, when the abuser tried to touch Lucy, she took a baseball bat to his head and put him in the hospital.
Later, when Lucy was a newby social worker, she got a case involving an 11-year-old boy named Justin Beckett.
Justin was clearly troubled, but wouldn't speak to her, and Lucy didn't get him removed from the home. Two weeks later Justin molested and killed a 10-year-old girl, which resulted in his incarceration in a youth psychiatric facility. Lucy blames herself for the tragedy, and still feels guilty about it.
It's now ten years down the road, and Justin has been released from the mental institution with NO REQUIREMENT to register as a child molester. All this enrages Lucy, who vows to keep an eye on the young man.
Meanwhile, a paramedic named Chris Hale approaches Lucy in a restaurant.
Chris says he's been following Lucy and knows about her 'hobby.' Moreover, the paramedic says he's ALSO a sociopath and murderer, that he admires Lucy's work, and that he'd like to talk shop. Lucy's offended about being called a sociopath - and doubts Chris's bona fides. (This theme - of who is and isn't a sociopath - is threaded thru the whole book, and gets old fast.)
Lucy and Chris form an uneasy alliance when a nine-year-old girl named Kailey Richardson disappears.
Lucy thinks Justin abducted the little girl, and doesn't trust the police to find her because the lead detective is Justin's half-brother Todd Beckett, who doesn't think his sibling is guilty.
(In real life, wouldn't Todd be taken off the investigation?) In any case, Lucy decides SHE has to find Kailey, and proceeds to develop and follow leads, question people, and so on.....sometimes assisted by Chris.
Lucy keeps Detective Todd Beckett appraised of her activities and discoveries, so you can't call her one of those P.I's who foolishly blows off the cops - but the whole plot is VERY UNREALISTIC (IMO).
As events unfold, all manner of secrets come to light and Lucy continues to go about her 'garbage disposal' business. This illegal activity is aided by Lucy's two helpers: a computer hacker named Kelly - whose abuse as a child made her agoraphobic;
and a chemist called Conner - who provides cyanide.
Some other characters are lowlifes who have a bad history with children, but none of it is too graphic, in case that's a concern.
There are hints of romance in the book, since Chris and Lucy seem to be on the same wavelength. Something more might develop in future books.....if Lucy stays out of prison. Ha ha ha
Though I found the book mildly entertaining, there are too many plot points that stretch credulity, and I won't be reading future books in the series. I should point out, though, that many readers enjoyed this book and wrote glowing reviews. So if the premise sounds interesting, you might want to give it a shot.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
April 6, 2017
4.5 of 5 stars
This book is different. And. I. Liked. It. I liked it a lot.
Ms. Stacy Green has hit a home run with All Good Deeds. This book involves child abuse and a protagonist who is, shall we say, a bit deranged. If that description is putting you off, don’t let it. The child crimes are not terribly graphic, and the protagonist is, at least to me, highly likeable. Though there are multiple murders in this book, I would categorize All Good Deeds as more psychological suspense than anything. The suspense revolves around not only whether or not a missing child can be found in time, but also the challenges each of the major characters faces in terms of who the other main cast members really are and if they can be trusted. This is really good stuff due to Ms. Green’s first-rate knack for character development, which is essential to a good psychological thriller. No less than three characters are highly-developed in this novel. Every one of them is terribly flawed, but every one of them is worth rooting for. When I cheer for the cast members, I really get immersed, and this novel captivated me.
Ms. Green also did an excellent job researching police procedure, computer hacking, and murder methods (you’ll know what I mean when you read the book). She also did a terrific job investigating how pedophiles, sociopaths and victims of child abuse think and act; this played a major role in why I admire this book so much.
There is just a whiff of romance in All Good Deeds. Nothing to offend even the most anti-romance reader.
The pace of the book was perfect for psychological suspense. It wasn’t frantic, but steadily moved along, keeping my interest alive throughout.
In summary, though at first glance, one may lean towards rejecting this read because of the subject matter and the major flaws of multiple cast members, including the protagonist, I highly recommend this novel to all fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers. You won’t be sorry! I plan to read not only the next book in the Lucy Kendall series, but also Ms. Green’s other novels as well. I am so happy to have discovered this author.
This book is different. And. I. Liked. It. I liked it a lot.
Ms. Stacy Green has hit a home run with All Good Deeds. This book involves child abuse and a protagonist who is, shall we say, a bit deranged. If that description is putting you off, don’t let it. The child crimes are not terribly graphic, and the protagonist is, at least to me, highly likeable. Though there are multiple murders in this book, I would categorize All Good Deeds as more psychological suspense than anything. The suspense revolves around not only whether or not a missing child can be found in time, but also the challenges each of the major characters faces in terms of who the other main cast members really are and if they can be trusted. This is really good stuff due to Ms. Green’s first-rate knack for character development, which is essential to a good psychological thriller. No less than three characters are highly-developed in this novel. Every one of them is terribly flawed, but every one of them is worth rooting for. When I cheer for the cast members, I really get immersed, and this novel captivated me.
Ms. Green also did an excellent job researching police procedure, computer hacking, and murder methods (you’ll know what I mean when you read the book). She also did a terrific job investigating how pedophiles, sociopaths and victims of child abuse think and act; this played a major role in why I admire this book so much.
There is just a whiff of romance in All Good Deeds. Nothing to offend even the most anti-romance reader.
The pace of the book was perfect for psychological suspense. It wasn’t frantic, but steadily moved along, keeping my interest alive throughout.
In summary, though at first glance, one may lean towards rejecting this read because of the subject matter and the major flaws of multiple cast members, including the protagonist, I highly recommend this novel to all fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers. You won’t be sorry! I plan to read not only the next book in the Lucy Kendall series, but also Ms. Green’s other novels as well. I am so happy to have discovered this author.
August 1, 2022
I knew I was in for a reading ride after reading the first sentence.
I'm not a killer.
Lucy Kendall is a former Child Protective Services (CPS) social worker who's now a private investigator. Disillusioned by the abysmal record for protecting children from abusers, she decides to mete out her own system of justice. It gets complicated when a stranger steps into her private world offering help and a child is abducted in the midst of a suspected abuser she's been tracking.
Be prepared to feel uncomfortable and off balance for this entire story. Lucy is pretty complicated with dark edges and a convoluted belief system when it comes to right and wrong. Her world is turned upside down when some of her truisms begin to crumble. There were quite a few twists and turns and frankly, I wasn't always certain who could be trusted.
Lucy will test your sense of justice and push up against what you consider acceptable parameters. She's a unique character and I wasn't certain until the end whether I liked or loathed her. It's a thought provoking story that I found fascinating. The case was tough, as is any story dealing with child abuse, and it was handled sensitively but realistically. The next book in the series can't be released fast enough.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
I'm not a killer.
Lucy Kendall is a former Child Protective Services (CPS) social worker who's now a private investigator. Disillusioned by the abysmal record for protecting children from abusers, she decides to mete out her own system of justice. It gets complicated when a stranger steps into her private world offering help and a child is abducted in the midst of a suspected abuser she's been tracking.
Be prepared to feel uncomfortable and off balance for this entire story. Lucy is pretty complicated with dark edges and a convoluted belief system when it comes to right and wrong. Her world is turned upside down when some of her truisms begin to crumble. There were quite a few twists and turns and frankly, I wasn't always certain who could be trusted.
Lucy will test your sense of justice and push up against what you consider acceptable parameters. She's a unique character and I wasn't certain until the end whether I liked or loathed her. It's a thought provoking story that I found fascinating. The case was tough, as is any story dealing with child abuse, and it was handled sensitively but realistically. The next book in the series can't be released fast enough.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
October 3, 2023
"The Girl in the Pink Shoes" is a heart-pounding crime novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the very first page, the story grips you with the unimaginable nightmare of a mother whose daughter goes missing. The author, through powerful and emotive storytelling, takes you on a journey filled with twists and turns that will leave you breathless.
Private Investigator Lucy Kendall, haunted by her own tragic past, becomes determined to find eight-year-old Kailey Richardson. As Lucy delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and suspects, including Kailey's mother Jenna, whose behavior raises questions. The suspense builds as Lucy's own demons resurface, adding an additional layer of complexity to the story.
The pacing of the book is excellent, keeping you engaged and eager to uncover the truth. The author's ability to create vivid and relatable characters adds depth to the narrative. You become emotionally invested in Lucy's mission to find Kailey, feeling her desperation and determination.
"The Girl in the Pink Shoes" is a gripping crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its unpredictable plot, well-developed characters, and a haunting atmosphere, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. Prepare to lose sleep as you turn the pages late into the night, unable to put it down.
Private Investigator Lucy Kendall, haunted by her own tragic past, becomes determined to find eight-year-old Kailey Richardson. As Lucy delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and suspects, including Kailey's mother Jenna, whose behavior raises questions. The suspense builds as Lucy's own demons resurface, adding an additional layer of complexity to the story.
The pacing of the book is excellent, keeping you engaged and eager to uncover the truth. The author's ability to create vivid and relatable characters adds depth to the narrative. You become emotionally invested in Lucy's mission to find Kailey, feeling her desperation and determination.
"The Girl in the Pink Shoes" is a gripping crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its unpredictable plot, well-developed characters, and a haunting atmosphere, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. Prepare to lose sleep as you turn the pages late into the night, unable to put it down.
July 5, 2015
I devoured this. Kindle app or no kindle app (I hate e-reading). I loved this book! Fast paced, non stop from woe to go. Well written ~ perfect. This is what you want your reading to be. Gritty, edge of your seat.
Lucy, or Luce (my second protagonist in a row mind you, with this name), does the wrong thing, with the right motive. Gunning for the greater good. Nice to see Luce have one cuddle with Chris I have to say. Nothing like a tiny little twinkle of a smidgen of romance. There was nothing close to a thing I didn't like here.
Thank you Anne Chaconas from badass Marketing for introducing me to a new author of the best genre!
Bring on the next two, this reader can't wait. Yeah!
I'm off to source the hard copy now. For me that's the sign of a great book.
Lucy, or Luce (my second protagonist in a row mind you, with this name), does the wrong thing, with the right motive. Gunning for the greater good. Nice to see Luce have one cuddle with Chris I have to say. Nothing like a tiny little twinkle of a smidgen of romance. There was nothing close to a thing I didn't like here.
Thank you Anne Chaconas from badass Marketing for introducing me to a new author of the best genre!
Bring on the next two, this reader can't wait. Yeah!
I'm off to source the hard copy now. For me that's the sign of a great book.
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May 30, 2025
"The Girl in the Pink Shoes" aka "All Good Deeds"
2.5 Stars - “It was just OK”
Note: When I finished the book, I gave it a rating of 2.5-Stars, rounded up to 3.0-Stars. During the process of writing my review, I determined in retrospect that rounding up was too generous and I have now rounded down to 2.0-Stars. (06:00 pm, 21/02/2023)
Comments from my 'Reading Activity':
February 13, 2023 @ 35.0% Audiobook:
"Hmm... interesting so far."
February 15, 2023 @ 66.0% Audiobook:
"I'm still not convinced that this book deserves it's high-rating popularity."
February 20, 2023 @ 99.0% Audiobook:
"A barely credible story, further marred by an unprofessional narration. A quite disappointing production that did not live up to its hype."
If you wish to know some details of the story, read the blurb. My comments will focus on what did or didn’t impress me, particularly in the context of it being an audiobook.
The implausible plot arc seemed to be all over place, and this was aggravated by the first person dialogue of the MC (Lucy). The on-going justification of her actions contributed to the discomfort I began feeling early in the book. I understood her motivation, which was fairly obvious, and I didn’t need the introspective rhetoric to convince me any further.
Being an Aussie, the narrator’s sometimes odd-sounding pronunciation of various ‘O’ words was rather distracting, however Prof Google was able to advise me that this was most likely an example of the “Philly Accent” and I had better learn to live with it, which I did.
For me, the main problem with the narration was the lack of vocal characterisations. It was very difficult to discern a difference between the monotonous, almost gabbling, first person narrative and the MC’s own dialogue, and/or the dialogue of the other main characters.
2.5 Stars - “It was just OK”
Note: When I finished the book, I gave it a rating of 2.5-Stars, rounded up to 3.0-Stars. During the process of writing my review, I determined in retrospect that rounding up was too generous and I have now rounded down to 2.0-Stars. (06:00 pm, 21/02/2023)
Comments from my 'Reading Activity':
February 13, 2023 @ 35.0% Audiobook:
"Hmm... interesting so far."
February 15, 2023 @ 66.0% Audiobook:
"I'm still not convinced that this book deserves it's high-rating popularity."
February 20, 2023 @ 99.0% Audiobook:
"A barely credible story, further marred by an unprofessional narration. A quite disappointing production that did not live up to its hype."
If you wish to know some details of the story, read the blurb. My comments will focus on what did or didn’t impress me, particularly in the context of it being an audiobook.
The implausible plot arc seemed to be all over place, and this was aggravated by the first person dialogue of the MC (Lucy). The on-going justification of her actions contributed to the discomfort I began feeling early in the book. I understood her motivation, which was fairly obvious, and I didn’t need the introspective rhetoric to convince me any further.
Being an Aussie, the narrator’s sometimes odd-sounding pronunciation of various ‘O’ words was rather distracting, however Prof Google was able to advise me that this was most likely an example of the “Philly Accent” and I had better learn to live with it, which I did.
For me, the main problem with the narration was the lack of vocal characterisations. It was very difficult to discern a difference between the monotonous, almost gabbling, first person narrative and the MC’s own dialogue, and/or the dialogue of the other main characters.
February 8, 2023
Private Investigator Lucy Kendall had seen it all! Working in Child Protective Services after a harrowing life growing up with a manipulative mother, then the years when she went off the rails meant she was cynical about the courts and the justice system doing their best in the protection of children. But was Lucy’s own method of justice the right one?
When a young sex offender was let out of prison, Lucy was beside herself with rage. Then eight year old Kailey Richardson went missing and Lucy was sure she knew who the perpetrator was. But the lead cop in the investigation was intent on stopping Lucy in her search for Kailey; she couldn’t work out his reasoning – was he trying to protect a known predator?
As tensions and suspicions heightened, the dangers grew deeper, darker – would they find Kailey alive? And who would suffer in the twisted and bizarre search? As the past collided with the present, Lucy had to dig deeper into her dwindling psych to survive – but would she? Could she?
All Good Deeds is the first in the Lucy Kendall series, and as usual author Stacy Green doesn’t disappoint. An excellent psychological thriller with enough twists and turns to keep you riveted to your seat and frantically turning the pages; I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this one highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
When a young sex offender was let out of prison, Lucy was beside herself with rage. Then eight year old Kailey Richardson went missing and Lucy was sure she knew who the perpetrator was. But the lead cop in the investigation was intent on stopping Lucy in her search for Kailey; she couldn’t work out his reasoning – was he trying to protect a known predator?
As tensions and suspicions heightened, the dangers grew deeper, darker – would they find Kailey alive? And who would suffer in the twisted and bizarre search? As the past collided with the present, Lucy had to dig deeper into her dwindling psych to survive – but would she? Could she?
All Good Deeds is the first in the Lucy Kendall series, and as usual author Stacy Green doesn’t disappoint. An excellent psychological thriller with enough twists and turns to keep you riveted to your seat and frantically turning the pages; I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this one highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
August 25, 2023
As a man and father, it is very uncomfortable to read this kind of novel. I have never lived the experience myself, but I know women who lived this experience, causing me to weep as I listened to their real-life horrific stories. When I became a stepfather, I took that responsibility seriously. To think that there are men who would not hold that trust as sacred, is very disconcerting, but I'm not naïve.
In All Good Deeds, Stacy Green's narrator is a former caseworker for the state of Pennsylvania turned Private Investigator, named Lucy Kendall. Through her former line of work, she had seen enough pedophiles game the judicial system to recognize that sometimes justice only occurs at the insistence of those willing to require it. Lucy is a serial killer. Not a spoiler. She tells us this in the first paragraph of the novel.
When a child disappears in the neighborhood of a former child sex offender, Lucy becomes blinded with the desire not just to find the abductor but cause enough physical pain to obstruct her feelings of inadequacy about the cases and personal histories that haunt her. Trigger Warnings: Child Endangerment, Molestation, Rape, and Immolation. For me it was a tough read, and I read hardcore horror stuff without flinching. This horror was real; I flinched at these horrors, and wept like a little girl.
In All Good Deeds, Stacy Green's narrator is a former caseworker for the state of Pennsylvania turned Private Investigator, named Lucy Kendall. Through her former line of work, she had seen enough pedophiles game the judicial system to recognize that sometimes justice only occurs at the insistence of those willing to require it. Lucy is a serial killer. Not a spoiler. She tells us this in the first paragraph of the novel.
When a child disappears in the neighborhood of a former child sex offender, Lucy becomes blinded with the desire not just to find the abductor but cause enough physical pain to obstruct her feelings of inadequacy about the cases and personal histories that haunt her. Trigger Warnings: Child Endangerment, Molestation, Rape, and Immolation. For me it was a tough read, and I read hardcore horror stuff without flinching. This horror was real; I flinched at these horrors, and wept like a little girl.
January 16, 2023
When I saw the description I was hooked. I’m all about anti-heroes and was totally on board with the main character Lucy’s extracurricular activities (aka murdering pedophiles). Maybe it’s because I am a social worker but so much else in this book didn’t work for me. I thought there were a lot of holes in the plot that stretched my ability to suspend belief. Lucy was a burnt out social worker and after an 11 year old boy, Justin, on her caseload molested and murdered a 10 year old girl she’s changed. When he is released 10 years later without having to register she is upset and quits to be a private investigator. While I can understand her concerns an 11 year old boy molesting a 10 year old girl does not mean he’ll be a pedophile. She was very stuck on the fact that pedophiles can’t be cured (which is totally true, although with children sometimes treatment can intervene if it’s early enough) that she ignored the fact that it wasn’t a guarantee he would be a pedophile. When a young girl goes missing Lucy is determined to investigate and prove that Justin did it since he lives across the street. No matter how much the evidence seemed to suggest it wasn’t Justin Lucy was determined it must be. I’d think we were moving past the early obvious red herring and the next page she would be back at proving it’s him. It slowed the book way down and left me easily distracted. I did think there were a couple of interesting bits regarding a mysterious man Lucy meets during her extracurricular activities and his character has some potential I think. Lucy was a bit self-centered and despite good intentions in need of quite a bit of therapy. She also was a bit too slow on the uptake for me, I like my amateur sleuth/narrator to catch on to at least some of the clues. The narrator did a good job, I liked the way she brought the characters to life, even when I didn’t love the characters themselves. This is book one of four and they are all being re=released this year. Overall I gave it 2,5 stars rounded up for having the serial killer be female since that never happens.
March 24, 2015
Listen up, Iowa bashers! Stacy Green, the author of All Good Deeds, was born in Indiana and raised in Iowa, and this psychological thriller is not your ma-and-pa home on the farm, “aw shucks,” feel-good story. No, indeed. This author has written a dark, disturbing psychological thriller in which the good guy – a woman in this case – has the best possible motivation for what she does, but what she does…As I said, it is unsettling, to say the least.
Lucy Kendall, a thirty-three-year-old former child protection worker-turned private investigator, is playing Russian roulette with her career and her life. “Lucy Kendall doesn't believe she's a serial killer. She simply eradicates the worst of society and brings justice to the innocent–the children she failed to protect during her decade in Child Protective Services.” Perhaps “vigilante” would be a better word. Intellectually, at least, she knows that it is only a matter of time before she gets caught, but in the meantime, she wants to eliminate as much “scum” as she can before the deaths look suspicious.
Lucy carries a lot of guilt. As a rookie CPS worker, she felt that she failed to act on her instincts when a young boy was being abused. Soon after, he was arrested and convicted for rape and murder of a classmate. Now, against Lucy’s strong objections, he is out of prison, his sexual abuse record purged. We also learn of a family tragedy that profoundly affects Lucy.
When we first meet Lucy, however, she is about to dump cyanide on a pedophile in a restaurant, but when she comes out of the restroom with her “cocktail”, he has disappeared, so her plans are flushed. She learns that she has been discovered by Chris, a self-proclaimed sociopath, who has an agenda of his own. Then a young girl, Kailey Richardson, goes missing, and the two become an unlikely team as they work frantically, sometimes with, sometimes against the police, to find the missing girl.
There are a frightening number of suspects in this book, many potential abductors who have a history of child abuse. Todd, the police detective in charge of Kailey’s disappearance is also the stepbrother of Justin, the recently released child murderer from Lucy’s, who happens to live across the street from the missing girl. That makes Lucy’s insertion of herself into the case even more tense. Without any spoilers, I will just say that there are several instances of paths crossing and sort of that “six degrees of separation” thing that actually happens in real life. Is it too much coincidence that so much evil comes together in Lucy’s world? I’m not sure. But it makes for a very engrossing story that I read from start to finish in less than a day.
And while Lucy is certainly doing something unethical, illegal, and immoral, Ms. Green still manages to make her a likable character. She has a deeply rooted passion for the victims of child sexual abuse, those whom the system has failed. As the book progresses, Lucy begins to develop some self-awareness about her actions and starts to evaluate her mission. Will she change her ways in future adventures?
The other characters are flawed as well – we don’t learn much about her techie assistant, Kelly, other than that she seems to be agoraphobic, kind, and sympathetic to Lucy’s cause. It took me a while to figure out Chris. Lucy didn’t trust him, and neither did I. But I like the way Ms. Green slowly brought out his character. Justin went from being a label to being a real person.
The plot was complex with so many possibilities and turns. Intermingled with the search for Kailey were sad stories about the past lives of Lucy, Chris, Justin, and others. So much pain, so much mistrust, so much failure by the legal and child protection systems, by families who are supposed to care…
For those who might shy away from this book because of its content, don’t. There are no graphic sex scenes, no foul language. All Good Deeds does not follow the typical protocols for having a law-abiding protagonist. I wonder – is there something wrong about liking that? Because I liked this book a lot.
Lucy Kendall, a thirty-three-year-old former child protection worker-turned private investigator, is playing Russian roulette with her career and her life. “Lucy Kendall doesn't believe she's a serial killer. She simply eradicates the worst of society and brings justice to the innocent–the children she failed to protect during her decade in Child Protective Services.” Perhaps “vigilante” would be a better word. Intellectually, at least, she knows that it is only a matter of time before she gets caught, but in the meantime, she wants to eliminate as much “scum” as she can before the deaths look suspicious.
Lucy carries a lot of guilt. As a rookie CPS worker, she felt that she failed to act on her instincts when a young boy was being abused. Soon after, he was arrested and convicted for rape and murder of a classmate. Now, against Lucy’s strong objections, he is out of prison, his sexual abuse record purged. We also learn of a family tragedy that profoundly affects Lucy.
When we first meet Lucy, however, she is about to dump cyanide on a pedophile in a restaurant, but when she comes out of the restroom with her “cocktail”, he has disappeared, so her plans are flushed. She learns that she has been discovered by Chris, a self-proclaimed sociopath, who has an agenda of his own. Then a young girl, Kailey Richardson, goes missing, and the two become an unlikely team as they work frantically, sometimes with, sometimes against the police, to find the missing girl.
There are a frightening number of suspects in this book, many potential abductors who have a history of child abuse. Todd, the police detective in charge of Kailey’s disappearance is also the stepbrother of Justin, the recently released child murderer from Lucy’s, who happens to live across the street from the missing girl. That makes Lucy’s insertion of herself into the case even more tense. Without any spoilers, I will just say that there are several instances of paths crossing and sort of that “six degrees of separation” thing that actually happens in real life. Is it too much coincidence that so much evil comes together in Lucy’s world? I’m not sure. But it makes for a very engrossing story that I read from start to finish in less than a day.
And while Lucy is certainly doing something unethical, illegal, and immoral, Ms. Green still manages to make her a likable character. She has a deeply rooted passion for the victims of child sexual abuse, those whom the system has failed. As the book progresses, Lucy begins to develop some self-awareness about her actions and starts to evaluate her mission. Will she change her ways in future adventures?
The other characters are flawed as well – we don’t learn much about her techie assistant, Kelly, other than that she seems to be agoraphobic, kind, and sympathetic to Lucy’s cause. It took me a while to figure out Chris. Lucy didn’t trust him, and neither did I. But I like the way Ms. Green slowly brought out his character. Justin went from being a label to being a real person.
The plot was complex with so many possibilities and turns. Intermingled with the search for Kailey were sad stories about the past lives of Lucy, Chris, Justin, and others. So much pain, so much mistrust, so much failure by the legal and child protection systems, by families who are supposed to care…
For those who might shy away from this book because of its content, don’t. There are no graphic sex scenes, no foul language. All Good Deeds does not follow the typical protocols for having a law-abiding protagonist. I wonder – is there something wrong about liking that? Because I liked this book a lot.
January 20, 2023
I have just listened to the Audio version of The Girl In The Pink Shoes by Author Stacy Green, Narrated by Amelia Sciandra..
This is a Psychological Thriller with the very difficult topic of child abuse and abduction.
It is a gripping storyline, that is a page turner. It kept my attention from start to finish.
An eight-year-old girl – Kailey Richardson goes missing while walking home from school. She walks home regularly with some slightly older girls.
Luck Kendal is the main character and has a desire for revenge for offenders of this magnitude, as Lucy’s own sister was abused as young girl, who has taken her own life.
A difficult and challenging read however very well written, and one that will keep you guessing.
This is the first book in the Lucy Kendall series.
I will be picking up the next in this series.
#netgalley #TheGirlInthePinkShoes
Thank you to Netgalley, The Author, Narrator and Bookouture Audio for my advanced copy to listen to and review.
This is a Psychological Thriller with the very difficult topic of child abuse and abduction.
It is a gripping storyline, that is a page turner. It kept my attention from start to finish.
An eight-year-old girl – Kailey Richardson goes missing while walking home from school. She walks home regularly with some slightly older girls.
Luck Kendal is the main character and has a desire for revenge for offenders of this magnitude, as Lucy’s own sister was abused as young girl, who has taken her own life.
A difficult and challenging read however very well written, and one that will keep you guessing.
This is the first book in the Lucy Kendall series.
I will be picking up the next in this series.
#netgalley #TheGirlInthePinkShoes
Thank you to Netgalley, The Author, Narrator and Bookouture Audio for my advanced copy to listen to and review.
June 22, 2016
Wow Stacy Green is one accomplished author who writes a believable story with great characterisation i loved this book & was a real page turner this book had everything you could want in a crime thriller with a bit of a psychological edge.
Lucy Kendall a former child protection officer now a PI looks into the disappearance of Kailey Richardson still reeling over her sisters suicide years earlier Lucy puts her heart & soul into finding Kailey her mother Jenna is frantic & does not know where she could be.
Detective Todd Beckett comes into help what he finds is a web of lies deceit & a step brother he never knew, lucy is horrified when a sex offender is released from prison she will stop at nothing to get the perp & i mean nothing.
We see in later chapters that Lucy's sister Lily was abused by her father & lucy struggling to come to terms with Lily's death i found lucy a very strong character & also very vulnerable as well.
5 stars will be reading more of this fabulous series.
Lucy Kendall a former child protection officer now a PI looks into the disappearance of Kailey Richardson still reeling over her sisters suicide years earlier Lucy puts her heart & soul into finding Kailey her mother Jenna is frantic & does not know where she could be.
Detective Todd Beckett comes into help what he finds is a web of lies deceit & a step brother he never knew, lucy is horrified when a sex offender is released from prison she will stop at nothing to get the perp & i mean nothing.
We see in later chapters that Lucy's sister Lily was abused by her father & lucy struggling to come to terms with Lily's death i found lucy a very strong character & also very vulnerable as well.
5 stars will be reading more of this fabulous series.
April 13, 2016
I just had a quick glance at the reviews for this book and I am afraid I am at odds with them! I am reaching to even give it three stars. Okay so the story was good, there was lots of action and a satisfactory conclusion. But the main character Is that acceptable really? And the sheer stupidity of most of her actions. Really? I know it is fiction but some of this bordered on the ridiculous. Still if you are able to ignore all that the book is readable and entertaining. I will not need to read the sequels though:)
January 30, 2023
Happy Pub Day!
Lucy Kendall, is a CPS worker turned private Investigator. She lost her sister because of child abuse and now Lucy is determined to protect and save as many kids as possible. This pushes her to become a vigilante. During such a mission, she is approached by a man, wanting to work with her. While Lucy tries to figure out Chris Hale, eight year old Kailey Richardson goes missing and Lucy vows to find the little girl.
Stacey Green has written such a dark and delicate plot with nuance and sensitivity. Lucy's anguish and anger is understandable. It's not just the victim's life but also those of the family members that gets derailed. The author vividly captures the raw emotions, vulnerability and helplessness of those impacted by such crimes.
The large suspect pool and the truths that keep tumbling out every few pages, made it a fast paced thriller. The author kept the suspense surrounding the disappearance of the little girl, without giving away much. Lucy's trepidation is heightened with having to deal with the guilt of not doing more for Justin, having someone following her and someone threatening her with the truth. All this, makes it an intense plot. I liked Stacey's lucid writing.
The characters are complex and layered. This novel deeply ponders the concept of the abused becoming the abuser and that, it is a possibility but not a norm. Justin's truth was heartbreaking to read. With many twists and turns, this book was unpredictable and unputdownable. The book ends with a cliff hanger, a potential relationship for Lucy and more criminals on the loose. I am sure the next book in the series, will have more answers.
Overall, The Girl in the Pink Shoes is a taut and emotional roller coaster of a thriller. It is a hauntingly compelling read that I highly recommend.
Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse
Thank you @netgalley and @Bookouture for this advance audiobook.
Lucy Kendall, is a CPS worker turned private Investigator. She lost her sister because of child abuse and now Lucy is determined to protect and save as many kids as possible. This pushes her to become a vigilante. During such a mission, she is approached by a man, wanting to work with her. While Lucy tries to figure out Chris Hale, eight year old Kailey Richardson goes missing and Lucy vows to find the little girl.
Stacey Green has written such a dark and delicate plot with nuance and sensitivity. Lucy's anguish and anger is understandable. It's not just the victim's life but also those of the family members that gets derailed. The author vividly captures the raw emotions, vulnerability and helplessness of those impacted by such crimes.
The large suspect pool and the truths that keep tumbling out every few pages, made it a fast paced thriller. The author kept the suspense surrounding the disappearance of the little girl, without giving away much. Lucy's trepidation is heightened with having to deal with the guilt of not doing more for Justin, having someone following her and someone threatening her with the truth. All this, makes it an intense plot. I liked Stacey's lucid writing.
The characters are complex and layered. This novel deeply ponders the concept of the abused becoming the abuser and that, it is a possibility but not a norm. Justin's truth was heartbreaking to read. With many twists and turns, this book was unpredictable and unputdownable. The book ends with a cliff hanger, a potential relationship for Lucy and more criminals on the loose. I am sure the next book in the series, will have more answers.
Overall, The Girl in the Pink Shoes is a taut and emotional roller coaster of a thriller. It is a hauntingly compelling read that I highly recommend.
Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse
Thank you @netgalley and @Bookouture for this advance audiobook.
February 23, 2017
Lucy Kendall is an ex-CPS agent turned private detective. In Lucy's lifetime she has experienced just enough atrocities against children to put her over the edge, so when a child goes missing in her childhood neighborhood, she is on the case whether the police want her there or not. When past wounds are opened and circumstances spiral out of control, old truths are brought to light. This was a good start to a series, had good characters and a fast paced storyline. Even though parts were disturbing there was enough excitement to keep me interested from the first page to the last. Joy Nash's voice was a good fit for the main character.
January 3, 2015
4 1/2*! I really enjoyed All Good Deeds by Stacy Green.
Demoralised by the CPS' inability to protect children at risk, Lucy Kendall has quit her job as a Social Worker for CPS, obtained her PI Licence and, as a sideline, begins meting out her own brand of justice to paedophiles.
Then another child goes missing. When Lucy discovers that a boy she feels she and the system failed to protect some years earlier may be responsible, she launches a one woman offensive against him in an effort to find the girl before it is too late.
Only someone has discovered exactly what Lucy is doing. Is he an ally or a threat? And why is no-one quite who they seem to be?
The twist and turns in this plot are quite breathtaking! An excellent read, so good in fact that I am off to download See Them Run, the second Lucy Kendall book, because I just have to know....
Demoralised by the CPS' inability to protect children at risk, Lucy Kendall has quit her job as a Social Worker for CPS, obtained her PI Licence and, as a sideline, begins meting out her own brand of justice to paedophiles.
Then another child goes missing. When Lucy discovers that a boy she feels she and the system failed to protect some years earlier may be responsible, she launches a one woman offensive against him in an effort to find the girl before it is too late.
Only someone has discovered exactly what Lucy is doing. Is he an ally or a threat? And why is no-one quite who they seem to be?
The twist and turns in this plot are quite breathtaking! An excellent read, so good in fact that I am off to download See Them Run, the second Lucy Kendall book, because I just have to know....
January 7, 2023
4.5 ⭐ This is the first book in the new Lucy Kendall crime thriller series. I'm happy I read this one. I was hooked from page one. I will definitely be interested in continuing with the series. It was surprising and suspenseful. I love these kinds of books.
Lucy Kendall used to be a CPD social worker but now works as a private investigator. She is the kind of PI that knows that justice doesn't always prevail and she has definitely seen so many horrific things happen to children to make her the person she is today. Now she takes things into her own hands to get revenge on the evil men by killing them. It's not easy on her though. She still feels guilt. So when she hears about a young girl named Kailey who went missing right from the school yard, she is insistent on finding this girl, and the person who took her. Throughout the story, you get plenty of characters to keep you guessing who could be the guilty one. As the story progresses, she realizes that she thinks the suspect could be someone she knew, in her past.
This was a page turner!!! Be aware that there are triggers such as child abuse and mentions of suicide. I want to check out this author's other books (Nikki Hunt series) now. It got great reviews! But I say if you like crime thrillers, check this one out!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Lucy Kendall used to be a CPD social worker but now works as a private investigator. She is the kind of PI that knows that justice doesn't always prevail and she has definitely seen so many horrific things happen to children to make her the person she is today. Now she takes things into her own hands to get revenge on the evil men by killing them. It's not easy on her though. She still feels guilt. So when she hears about a young girl named Kailey who went missing right from the school yard, she is insistent on finding this girl, and the person who took her. Throughout the story, you get plenty of characters to keep you guessing who could be the guilty one. As the story progresses, she realizes that she thinks the suspect could be someone she knew, in her past.
This was a page turner!!! Be aware that there are triggers such as child abuse and mentions of suicide. I want to check out this author's other books (Nikki Hunt series) now. It got great reviews! But I say if you like crime thrillers, check this one out!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2015
Wow! What a page turner!
Stacy Green's "All Good Deeds" is an amazing psychological thriller.
An ex-Child Protective Services worker, Lucy Kendall, found that the victims never received justice. Now a private investigator, Lucy delivers her own kind of justice. She refers to it as "taking the garbage out".
Very well written with well developed characters Ms. Green gives us a powerfully intriguing story.
I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.
Stacy Green's "All Good Deeds" is an amazing psychological thriller.
An ex-Child Protective Services worker, Lucy Kendall, found that the victims never received justice. Now a private investigator, Lucy delivers her own kind of justice. She refers to it as "taking the garbage out".
Very well written with well developed characters Ms. Green gives us a powerfully intriguing story.
I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.
May 7, 2017
This was a new author for me. The book itself was full of suspenseful twists and turns. Personally, I just love a vigilante and Lucy Kendall is a different sort. Want to read the next 3 books in this series.
Shout out to my friend Christine for recommending this to me. Good choice!!
Shout out to my friend Christine for recommending this to me. Good choice!!
April 10, 2016
Excellent book, I loved it. I am definitely going to read more of Stacy Green. (Review coming)
February 8, 2023
All Good Deeds is the first book in the Lucy Kendall series by best-selling American author, Stacy Green. Lucy Kendall is a CPS social worker turned private investigator with a sideline in exterminating paedophiles. Her personal history gives her more reason than most to pursue them, and she is ably assisted with IT by Kelly, a survivor of one of these creatures.
Always working alone, with her vial of cyanide she’s very efficient, and she is in a fast-food outlet, observing her latest target, Slimy Steve, as he selects his next victim, when she is approached by paramedic, Chris Hale. Chris tells her he knows what she’s doing, and he feels they should team up. Lucy is understandably wary.
Since her first kill, eighteen months earlier, Lucy has acted as judge, jury and executioner for four xxx but she sees herself as taking out the trash rather than being a serial killer.
When nine-year-old Kailey Richardson goes missing soon after, Lucy is dismayed to learn that she lived opposite a recently-released sex-offender. Justin Beckett was incarcerated for ten years for the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl when he was eleven. Lucy was his CPS case worker at the time, and still feels responsible that she didn’t see any signals to this potential behaviour.
But Justin’s older half-brother, Todd is the Philadelphia PD detective in charge of Kailey’s case, and he is convinced that his brother is innocent, and irritated, when Lucy offers her PI services to Jenna Richardson, that she is so fixated on his brother, even as there are other suspects on the radar.
Lucy’s firm hold on her conviction that former child-abuse victims are likely to follow in their abuser’s footsteps is a bit over the top, quite arrogant in fact, and doesn’t endear her to the reader when a more even-handed approach would be expected. Putting herself unnecessarily in danger? Overdone! And the hint of romance while a child is missing? Hmmm.
The premise is a bit Dexter-like, the execution is not: there’s no humour, no warm fuzzy anywhere in this tale. All the characters have had dysfunctional childhoods leading to them being psychologically damaged. This is an action-packed thriller that could do with better editing: numerous continuity issues, the plot is quite convoluted, feeling rather contrived and requiring the reader to don their heavy-duty disbelief suspenders. Here’s hoping the next three are better…
Always working alone, with her vial of cyanide she’s very efficient, and she is in a fast-food outlet, observing her latest target, Slimy Steve, as he selects his next victim, when she is approached by paramedic, Chris Hale. Chris tells her he knows what she’s doing, and he feels they should team up. Lucy is understandably wary.
Since her first kill, eighteen months earlier, Lucy has acted as judge, jury and executioner for four xxx but she sees herself as taking out the trash rather than being a serial killer.
When nine-year-old Kailey Richardson goes missing soon after, Lucy is dismayed to learn that she lived opposite a recently-released sex-offender. Justin Beckett was incarcerated for ten years for the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl when he was eleven. Lucy was his CPS case worker at the time, and still feels responsible that she didn’t see any signals to this potential behaviour.
But Justin’s older half-brother, Todd is the Philadelphia PD detective in charge of Kailey’s case, and he is convinced that his brother is innocent, and irritated, when Lucy offers her PI services to Jenna Richardson, that she is so fixated on his brother, even as there are other suspects on the radar.
Lucy’s firm hold on her conviction that former child-abuse victims are likely to follow in their abuser’s footsteps is a bit over the top, quite arrogant in fact, and doesn’t endear her to the reader when a more even-handed approach would be expected. Putting herself unnecessarily in danger? Overdone! And the hint of romance while a child is missing? Hmmm.
The premise is a bit Dexter-like, the execution is not: there’s no humour, no warm fuzzy anywhere in this tale. All the characters have had dysfunctional childhoods leading to them being psychologically damaged. This is an action-packed thriller that could do with better editing: numerous continuity issues, the plot is quite convoluted, feeling rather contrived and requiring the reader to don their heavy-duty disbelief suspenders. Here’s hoping the next three are better…
January 25, 2023
The Girl in the Pink Shoes is book #1 that looks to be the first in a new series. Lucy is a private investigator unlike any other I have ever read about. There are many disturbing “actions” in this book which makes this very dark and twisty but I found myself glued to the pages.
Triggers - physical and mental abuse, rape among young, very young girls explained in detail throughout the book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.
Triggers - physical and mental abuse, rape among young, very young girls explained in detail throughout the book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2015
Why won't Goodreads let me give this a zero? I hated this book. The writing is so bad I question if the author even knows how words work. All of the characters are one-dimensional exposition-shouting machines, and the preposterous plot twists are deep in McGuffin territory. The only slightly positive comment I can muster about it is that it eventually ends.
January 8, 2023
The Girl in the Pink Shoes is a re-release of a 2014 book featuring main character Lucy Kendall. That said, I wonder if almost 10 years ago my feelings about the plot would have been different. Today, after the world we have occupied since 2016 (at least in the United States), I am exhausted by vigilante agendas, I am done with violence, and although I am definitely #TeamWomanPower, I could not appreciate the actions or choices made by Kendall. That, sadly, affected my enjoyment of the material.
In a nutshell, Kendall is an ex social worker, and current private investigator full of her own violent baggage who now eliminates people she believes to be pedophiles. On the whole who wouldn't want to live in a world without pedophiles, but should citizen activists be judge, jury and executioner?
I have read many other reviews on the book and I am in the minority on this, so do give it a read if you aren't bothered by the premise.
This was an audio version and the narrator did an excellent job. Author Stacy Green can write, and strong female characters are surely better than weak ones, but I probably would not read book 2 in this series.
Thank you to Bookouture for allowing me to listen in advance of the 1/30/23 release.
In a nutshell, Kendall is an ex social worker, and current private investigator full of her own violent baggage who now eliminates people she believes to be pedophiles. On the whole who wouldn't want to live in a world without pedophiles, but should citizen activists be judge, jury and executioner?
I have read many other reviews on the book and I am in the minority on this, so do give it a read if you aren't bothered by the premise.
This was an audio version and the narrator did an excellent job. Author Stacy Green can write, and strong female characters are surely better than weak ones, but I probably would not read book 2 in this series.
Thank you to Bookouture for allowing me to listen in advance of the 1/30/23 release.
March 15, 2023
Trigger warnings: child abuse, child pornography, suicide. This content is hard to read about!!
Enjoyed this one; finished it in a few hours because I couldn’t wait for the resolution. Twisty plot, and I was fascinated by Lucy Kendall and her drive for justice on her own terms!!
There are 3 more Lucy Kendall novels, but they are out of print and hard to find on used sites. Also not available from my public library.
Enjoyed this one; finished it in a few hours because I couldn’t wait for the resolution. Twisty plot, and I was fascinated by Lucy Kendall and her drive for justice on her own terms!!
There are 3 more Lucy Kendall novels, but they are out of print and hard to find on used sites. Also not available from my public library.
September 15, 2014
WOW. What can I say about this book?? Stacy Green has started a new series that is darker than she normally writes, but she has hit the nail on the head! It took me awhile to write this review after I finished the book (that I received free for my honest review) because this book was a complicated book that touches you to the core and I didn't know how to express myself about the book. Ms Green's writing of a tough subject is so good, it will take your breath away. Lucy Kendall is an ex Child Protective Service employee that has gone into the private detective business after she got too involved in a case that didn't turn out as expected. Lucy has decided to take justice into her own hands of child predators that the system lets go. A child is taken, a predator involved in Lucy's past, his brother a cop, and a man who knows Lucy's secret - they will all keep you turning the page until you get to the end! There are numerous twists and turns to this story and every time you turn around, another one comes at you! I was totally shocked at the end. And wanting more of Lucy! It's been a few days since I read the book, and I still can't do a review justice and this. Please, do yourself a favor and read this book for yourself. You will not be sorry.
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