The Child Who Came Back

by Lucy Lawrie

A mother would always know her own child... wouldn't she?

'I'm terribly sorry to turn up like this. I'm afraid this is going to sound totally mad.'

The woman standing on the doorstep is a total stranger. So is her little boy, with his jiggly feet and his intense, treacle-brown eyes.

Teresa assumes they're cold callers. But then they mention Maisie – her beloved daughter who vanished eight years ago.

The boy says he used to live in Teresa's house 'before he died'. His eyes, his words, his mannerisms, are so like Maisie's that she can hardly bear it. And he was born on the day she went missing.

Teresa doesn't believe in past lives. So these people must be playing a cruel trick. But what do they want from her? Can she dare to hope they might hold the key to Maisie's disappearance?

If she turns them away, she'll never know. But if she lets them into her life, she might not survive what they're planning.

Escape into this gripping and emotional psychological thriller, with heart-stopping twists and characters you will never forget.

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2025

About the author

I grew up in Edinburgh in a house overflowing with books, and I spent most of my childhood either reading or scribbling in mysterious notebooks.

After studying English literature at university, I returned to Edinburgh and worked as a commercial lawyer for several years, specialising in employment and pensions law. But it was motherhood that propelled me into writing, generating ideas that I wanted to explore through stories. I started writing my first novel, just to see what would happen, and then found it impossible to stop.
It took me a few years to work out what I was doing, but Tiny Acts of Love, the very same novel that I started as a new mum, has now been published! I'm now writing my second novel, when permitted by my two small daughters.

Reviews

[Sandra Wainwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book gripping from start to finish.

[Heather Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, I couldn’t put it down

[Georgia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: The Child Who Came Back by Lucy Lawrie
Rating: ★★★★★
I am still catching my breath after finishing this! I picked up The Child Who Came Back expecting a standard thriller, but what I got was an incredibly eerie, emotional, and heart-pounding journey that I couldn't put down.
The story centers on a mother’s worst nightmare: her daughter, Maisie, has been missing for years. But then, a young boy named George shows up, and he knows things—impossible things—about Maisie's life and her home. The way Lucy Lawrie writes George is so unsettling yet heartbreaking; you really feel the conflict of wanting to believe him while fearing what his "memories" actually mean.
As the layers started to peel back, the tension regarding Mark became almost unbearable. He is such a chillingly effective villain—the kind that makes your skin crawl because his influence feels so suffocating. Every time I thought I had the mystery of Maisie's disappearance figured out, the plot took another sharp turn.
This isn't just a "missing child" story; it's a brilliant exploration of grief and the terrifying lengths people will go to for control. If you want a psychological thriller that actually delivers on the suspense and leaves you thinking about the ending long after you close the book, this is it. Five stars, hands down!

[Betty Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ALWAYS with this Author, she did not disappoint. This book had everything, and I LOVED it. There was love, loss, redemption, family drama, and intrigue. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the gasp worthy, shocking reveal. The setting was very atmospheric, and it really added to the overall story. A DEFINITE must read for anyone who is a fan of psychological suspense. Lucy Lawrie knocked it out of the park with this one.

[Kayla H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got finished with this book and this was a first read from me by the author. Some parts in the beginning were a little slow for me but by about 1/3 of the way read, I was hooked and kept trying to find time in my schedule to continue reading. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another twist happened sending your thoughts in the complete opposite direction. Loved how the book ended on a happier note. Overall a good read.

[Lauren Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. The story had me gripped from the start and I was looking forward to where it would take me. I wasn’t disappointed at all. The characters were so well written and I loved the ending. Some really sad and heartbreaking moments but some lovely moments too. Highly recommend this book and anything written by Lucy.

[Yve Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a real page turner, I was gripped right from page one. Highly improbable storyline to be fair, but sure we dont want to be reading about real stuff, like people doing the dishes, do we? Great characters, good plot, twists and turns aplenty, what more could you ask for? This author is new to me but on the strength of this book i have already downloaded another of hers. 4 stars.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favourite book so far.

The multiple POV's build tension and suspension. I felt so many feelings reading this book. Helplessness and devastation. I was wishing to have a happy end - the story was gut-wrenching. I even had tears in my eyes ( which never happens with a book ). George is a great kid and I liked his part in this story.

[Dawn Exley · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I bought this e-book just in case I needed a back up book for the last day of my recent holiday. Oh my I really got into this book and couldn’t put it down. I read the majority on the 6hr plane journey home. I was so enthralled with the story, excellently written. Will definitely check out other reads by this author … thank you Lucy for a great read!

[Lins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mothers worst nightmare when her child is missing

Excellent storyline and it keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Maisie goes away to stay with a friend, but doesn’t come home. Her mother desperately searches for her, to no avail, but then George turns up and he knows far more about Maisie and her old home than he should.

[Susan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book (I have enjoyed all of Lucy’s books) I got so angry at so many parts of it as the character was so evil. The writing was fantastic and so many twists and turns. Keep up the good work Lucy.

[Mandy Innes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in only one day. This book had me gripped from the start, it was very well written with some great twists and turns. I will definitely read more by this author

[victoria robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

This was an amazing book kept me on the edge of my seat during the entire book. Im normally a romantasy but do occasionally likeo a good mystery. I hope to read more from this author.

[Anne Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

This book, I couldn't put it down, I read deep into the night and all day. What an amazing book thank you

[Saz*Bobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very start. Great characters and a fantastic story. This book had me reading late into the night, 'just one more chapter.' Great twists and turns. Well written 👏

[Cathy Gilroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good, keeps you hooked 😊

[SARAH MAINWARING · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word....WOW!
This book has been on my shelf for ages. I decided to read it and couldn't put it down. Definitely up there with one of the best I've read this year.

[Tracey Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, couldn’t put it down 😁

[Natalie Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Kept me guessing and the storyline was fast paced! No massive cliff hanger but wrapped up lovely after a few surprises!!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

bit silly

[Catspas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning book. I was gripped from the start and the storyline kept me guessing. One of the best books I have read. Would highly recommend ☺️

[Karen Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent book

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book from start to finish!

[gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

what can I say, brilliant

Such a page turner, best book I’ve read in ages, could not put it down and best of all , it wasn’t predictable!! 10/10

[Joan mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

lots of surprises.

Very good book. I had a difficult time with some of the British terms, but other than that, I loved the story. It was surprising all the way through.

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read.

[Susan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Very unpredictable but hopeful ending. One you can't put down. You won't know all the details until it's all done!

[Mrs Caroline Susan Plummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing story,many twists