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D.I. Lottie Parker #15
Hidden Daughters
The girl shuddered violently as she hid behind the crumbling walls. Through the gloom she saw something that made her blood freeze in fear, and heard the heavy footsteps. She knew there was no way out…
When the call comes in about a lonely woman found burned to death in a deserted cottage, Detective Lottie Parker is first on the scene. Her investigation swiftly reveals the victim has no family to mourn her. As a young girl, she was abandoned by her parents and hidden away at the Sisters of Mercy Convent. Has something in her tragic past led to her murder?
Then Lottie discovers that she had a visitor just before she died. A young journalist, Imelda, had called on the vulnerable woman. Could she have something to do with her death?
Lottie’s search takes her to the abandoned convent, and as she takes in the imposing dark walls, she can only imagine how terrified the girls must have been. The old caretaker on site tells Lottie that a woman matching Imelda’s description had been there a day earlier…
But later that day, Lottie is devastated to learn that the caretaker has been scalded to death like the woman in the cottage. Imelda is the only connection between the victims, and Lottie is in a race against time to find her.
Yet when Imelda’s blood-stained jacket is found in an abandoned farm-building Lottie fears that the killer has got to the young journalist first. Desperate to find Imelda alive, and identify the deadly perpetrator, Lottie needs to find answers from the other broken women who were hidden at the convent. But can she find them before another victim is silenced forever?
A totally addictive page-turner from bestselling author Patricia Gibney. If you like Rachel McLean, Kendra Elliott and Robert Dugoni, Hidden Daughters will have you hooked.
When the call comes in about a lonely woman found burned to death in a deserted cottage, Detective Lottie Parker is first on the scene. Her investigation swiftly reveals the victim has no family to mourn her. As a young girl, she was abandoned by her parents and hidden away at the Sisters of Mercy Convent. Has something in her tragic past led to her murder?
Then Lottie discovers that she had a visitor just before she died. A young journalist, Imelda, had called on the vulnerable woman. Could she have something to do with her death?
Lottie’s search takes her to the abandoned convent, and as she takes in the imposing dark walls, she can only imagine how terrified the girls must have been. The old caretaker on site tells Lottie that a woman matching Imelda’s description had been there a day earlier…
But later that day, Lottie is devastated to learn that the caretaker has been scalded to death like the woman in the cottage. Imelda is the only connection between the victims, and Lottie is in a race against time to find her.
Yet when Imelda’s blood-stained jacket is found in an abandoned farm-building Lottie fears that the killer has got to the young journalist first. Desperate to find Imelda alive, and identify the deadly perpetrator, Lottie needs to find answers from the other broken women who were hidden at the convent. But can she find them before another victim is silenced forever?
A totally addictive page-turner from bestselling author Patricia Gibney. If you like Rachel McLean, Kendra Elliott and Robert Dugoni, Hidden Daughters will have you hooked.
464 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2025
2394 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Gibney
31 books1,352 followersMy name is Patricia Gibney and I’m from Mullingar, County Westmeath. Right in the heart of Ireland. Surrounded by lakes, Mullingar is damp and wet most of the year but when the sun shines it is a little piece of heaven on earth. I’ve lived here all my life. I’m widowed, seven years in May, but was married to Aidan since 1982. I’ve three children who keep me sane, or maybe keep the madness at bay, just a little bit! I say that because I am an artist and a writer. I started writing, for therapy, when Aidan died.
I secured an agent in January 2016 and she is fighting my corner in an effort to get my debut novel published.
Three years ago, I decided to get serious about it. I joined The Irish Writers Centre. Started doing courses. I love reading crime thrillers so it was obvious to me to start writing in the crime genre. And let me tell you, it is not easy. A crime novel needs to be tightly plotted and plotting is the bane of my life. I prefer to write straight off the top of my head. Oh, Oh. Feels good when writing but then comes the editing. I lost 20,000 words in the process. But at least I am proud to say I got it done.
I am now writing the second novel in the series, featuring Lottie Parker and a host of credible characters. They are all part of my extended family, you know the kind – people you love one minute and want to kill the next!
So join me on this journey and lets see where it leads us.
I secured an agent in January 2016 and she is fighting my corner in an effort to get my debut novel published.
Three years ago, I decided to get serious about it. I joined The Irish Writers Centre. Started doing courses. I love reading crime thrillers so it was obvious to me to start writing in the crime genre. And let me tell you, it is not easy. A crime novel needs to be tightly plotted and plotting is the bane of my life. I prefer to write straight off the top of my head. Oh, Oh. Feels good when writing but then comes the editing. I lost 20,000 words in the process. But at least I am proud to say I got it done.
I am now writing the second novel in the series, featuring Lottie Parker and a host of credible characters. They are all part of my extended family, you know the kind – people you love one minute and want to kill the next!
So join me on this journey and lets see where it leads us.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
May 26, 2025
Another fantastic read from this author this is book 15 in this series. Detective Lottie Parker and her partner Boyd go on a break to Boyd sisters' wedding.Boyd is not happy as Lottie gets involved in a murder case.Boyd sister Grace husband to be asks Lottie for help with his past he got a girl pregnant and lived in a convent he wants to know what happened to them are they alive?.the murder seems to be connected to the convent and many more victims will Lottie find a connection... a fantastic series wanted more from the ending but one of my favourite authors and series.looking forward to reading the next instalment..
May 24, 2025
#HiddenDaughters #NetGalley After reading two books that were really slow and hard going, when the advanced copy of the next Lottie Parker series dropped into my "to be read" pile, I put aside my rule of reading in order of receipt and jumped straight in!!! It did not dissappoint. Book 15 in the series and still as fresh as book 1, it can be read as a stand alone but it does help the reader to know more of the background of Lottie, Boyd and the rest of the team. Fast paced with plenty of action and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. An excellent 5 stars and cant wait for the next in this series!!!
July 3, 2025
✅My thoughts:
What a very sad and gripping story.
Lottie and Boyd have decided to go to Boyd’s sister’s wedding. Upon arriving, Lottie notices flashing police lights. As it goes…Lottie becomes fully involved in the investigation.
The dynamics of the investigating team as well as the other characters kept me fully engaged in the story. Reading the information shared about the horrors of the Magdalene Laundries was quite disturbing.
I recommend starting out with the first book in the series. There is so much backstory to all the main characters that is important to know.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
What a very sad and gripping story.
Lottie and Boyd have decided to go to Boyd’s sister’s wedding. Upon arriving, Lottie notices flashing police lights. As it goes…Lottie becomes fully involved in the investigation.
The dynamics of the investigating team as well as the other characters kept me fully engaged in the story. Reading the information shared about the horrors of the Magdalene Laundries was quite disturbing.
I recommend starting out with the first book in the series. There is so much backstory to all the main characters that is important to know.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 14, 2025
Lottie and Boyd take a much-needed break from work to attend the wedding of Boyd’s sister, Grace, in Galway. What begins as a peaceful getaway quickly turns grim when a brutally murdered body is discovered nearby. Lottie, ever the dedicated detective, offers her assistance to the local detective, much to Boyd’s frustration. He’s upset that Lottie is, once again, putting work before their relationship. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that all the victims share a troubling connection to a local convent with a dark and sordid history. Despite her intentions to stay out of it, Lottie is drawn deeper into the case.
Back in Ragmullin, Detective Kirby is holding down the fort in Lottie's absence. He’s investigating a disturbing murder that bears chilling similarities to the Galway killings. Could there be a link between the two cases? As the pieces start to fall into place, a wider, more sinister pattern begins to emerge.
Book 15 in the Lottie Parker series does not disappoint. Every time I pick up one of these books, I'm instantly transported back to the familiar world of Ragmullin and its compelling cast of characters. This installment is another gripping and addictive read, weaving a chilling storyline that shines a light on the tragic history of Ireland’s mother and baby homes. The book powerfully brings to the surface the horrors endured by women and children in these institutions. At times, it was difficult to read due to the disturbing subject matter, but the emotional weight only added to its impact. It's a haunting, thought-provoking story that will stay with me for a long time. An excellent addition to an already outstanding series.
Thanks to bookouture and Patricia Gibney for this pre-approved ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Back in Ragmullin, Detective Kirby is holding down the fort in Lottie's absence. He’s investigating a disturbing murder that bears chilling similarities to the Galway killings. Could there be a link between the two cases? As the pieces start to fall into place, a wider, more sinister pattern begins to emerge.
Book 15 in the Lottie Parker series does not disappoint. Every time I pick up one of these books, I'm instantly transported back to the familiar world of Ragmullin and its compelling cast of characters. This installment is another gripping and addictive read, weaving a chilling storyline that shines a light on the tragic history of Ireland’s mother and baby homes. The book powerfully brings to the surface the horrors endured by women and children in these institutions. At times, it was difficult to read due to the disturbing subject matter, but the emotional weight only added to its impact. It's a haunting, thought-provoking story that will stay with me for a long time. An excellent addition to an already outstanding series.
Thanks to bookouture and Patricia Gibney for this pre-approved ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
Love these books and finding out how lottie Parker is doing. Lots of twists and turns again in this one, loved it and can’t wait for the next one
August 27, 2025
I was looking forward reading this one. Had it a couple of weeks but I had other ones to finish first. Unfortunately it also dragged on as Lottie was insufferable as hell! She was so annoying and unreasonable, I wished I could have slapped her through the book ( but I don't think this would have helped at all ). The fokus was on Kirby and on another Detective and this was enjoyable!
June 30, 2025
I’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, but this one was very slow moving and tedious at times. Not my favorite.
June 27, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book...
omg i cant believe what i have just read.... its jaw droppingly good but horrific at the same time....
when the first victim is found they know its not suicide because of the burns and scald marks all over the body.... what they dont know is who the victim is
lottie is away for a week for a wedding but she gets caught up in another murder investigation one so horrific that its beyond words.... again the victim is found in the bath with severe burns and scalds
tension is high and its not helped that lottie keeps getting pulled into a murder investigation but when the groom asks lottie to find something out about his past who knew what a can of worms that would open...
this storyline is horrific to read but man can this author write a compelling storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat... i look forward to seeing what is next for lottie and her family
omg i cant believe what i have just read.... its jaw droppingly good but horrific at the same time....
when the first victim is found they know its not suicide because of the burns and scald marks all over the body.... what they dont know is who the victim is
lottie is away for a week for a wedding but she gets caught up in another murder investigation one so horrific that its beyond words.... again the victim is found in the bath with severe burns and scalds
tension is high and its not helped that lottie keeps getting pulled into a murder investigation but when the groom asks lottie to find something out about his past who knew what a can of worms that would open...
this storyline is horrific to read but man can this author write a compelling storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat... i look forward to seeing what is next for lottie and her family
June 8, 2025
Wow book 15 in the series didn’t disappoint, this was a cracking read
Lottie and Boyd are on vacation for a week for Boyd’s sister Graces wedding. There is a local murder and as the body count starts to mount Lottie can’t help herself but get involved. Boyd isn’t impressed, will their relationship weather this storm?
Really enjoyed this book, it was a change from the normal Lottie Parker book because it’s mainly set away from the usual area. With Lottie being on leave it made room to introduce a new face which I really liked. Recommend this book but also the whole series which is excellent. Well worth a read once you get sucked into the story it’s hard to put the book down.
Publication Date 25 June 2025.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Lottie and Boyd are on vacation for a week for Boyd’s sister Graces wedding. There is a local murder and as the body count starts to mount Lottie can’t help herself but get involved. Boyd isn’t impressed, will their relationship weather this storm?
Really enjoyed this book, it was a change from the normal Lottie Parker book because it’s mainly set away from the usual area. With Lottie being on leave it made room to introduce a new face which I really liked. Recommend this book but also the whole series which is excellent. Well worth a read once you get sucked into the story it’s hard to put the book down.
Publication Date 25 June 2025.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC in return for an honest review.
May 18, 2025
Hidden Daughters is Book 15 in the fantastic Lottie Parker Series and it is the best one to date. (until book 16 comes along).
Lottie and Boyd are on vacation in order to attend his sister's wedding. She has left Kirby in charge of his first solo case who is determined not to call Lottie and do it his way.
Meanwhile near Grace's a body is discovered brutally and sadistically murdered and Lottie being Lottie she offers to help the local detective.
That does not go down well with Boyd or the detective.
Both cases seem to be connected to the Sisters of Forgiveness Convent where child abuse and brutality was the order of the day.
Bodies pile up , the murders are inhumane and no one is safe.
I paced, I held my breath and I worried what would happen to Lottie.
Patricia Gibney has ramped up the tension and the pace and you wont be able to put Hidden Daughters down.
Cant wait for the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing Hidden Daughters.
Lottie and Boyd are on vacation in order to attend his sister's wedding. She has left Kirby in charge of his first solo case who is determined not to call Lottie and do it his way.
Meanwhile near Grace's a body is discovered brutally and sadistically murdered and Lottie being Lottie she offers to help the local detective.
That does not go down well with Boyd or the detective.
Both cases seem to be connected to the Sisters of Forgiveness Convent where child abuse and brutality was the order of the day.
Bodies pile up , the murders are inhumane and no one is safe.
I paced, I held my breath and I worried what would happen to Lottie.
Patricia Gibney has ramped up the tension and the pace and you wont be able to put Hidden Daughters down.
Cant wait for the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing Hidden Daughters.
July 6, 2025
Brilliant series of books, 15 of them and all a really great read. Sorry to get to the last one
July 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Another great book in the series and I enjoyed how Lottie had the manage working a case without being the lead on it.
I wish they had more cross over with Kirby though
Another great book in the series and I enjoyed how Lottie had the manage working a case without being the lead on it.
I wish they had more cross over with Kirby though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
It took me a bit longer than normal to properly get into this book, picking it up and putting it back down after a few pages. Not sure if it was the different dynamic of Lottie away for the week in Galway (it’s Graces wedding) and Kirby in charge back in Ragmullin. I wasn’t overly fussed in that to be honest, Lottie trying to insinuate herself in the murder case that of course occurs in the very place she’s staying, that was a bit predictable.
I’m not overly fussed on Boyd’s sister Grace either, obviously she’s on the spectrum, but she’s an ignorant cow too and being subjected to more of her than normal was off putting.
But as I got more into the plot I enjoyed it as always. A whole heap of people are involved in a past history at a convent for unwanted girls, some pregnant and a home for wayward, troublesome boys. Someone from the past is murdering people connected to these places and everyone seems to be connected in some way.
I’ve said in the past that Lottie and Boyd’s relationship has spoiled the plot at times and I believe they should either get married or separate for good. Lottie is hard work most of the time, but she has stood by Boyd and he has put her through a lot, not all intentional, but he’s hard work too. I feel that she needs to cut romantic ties with him and move on, he’s a waste of space and I’ve really grew to dislike him.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in return for an honest review and I look forward to the next book in the series and the dramas that will befall Detective Lottie Parker.
I’m not overly fussed on Boyd’s sister Grace either, obviously she’s on the spectrum, but she’s an ignorant cow too and being subjected to more of her than normal was off putting.
But as I got more into the plot I enjoyed it as always. A whole heap of people are involved in a past history at a convent for unwanted girls, some pregnant and a home for wayward, troublesome boys. Someone from the past is murdering people connected to these places and everyone seems to be connected in some way.
I’ve said in the past that Lottie and Boyd’s relationship has spoiled the plot at times and I believe they should either get married or separate for good. Lottie is hard work most of the time, but she has stood by Boyd and he has put her through a lot, not all intentional, but he’s hard work too. I feel that she needs to cut romantic ties with him and move on, he’s a waste of space and I’ve really grew to dislike him.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in return for an honest review and I look forward to the next book in the series and the dramas that will befall Detective Lottie Parker.
May 29, 2025
Wow really good book I was so into
Ithis gripping Detective Lottie Parker thriller, a woman is found murdered in a remote cottage, her tragic past at the Sisters of Mercy Convent raising more questions than answers. When journalist Imelda emerges as the last known visitor, Lottie’s investigation leads her into the shadows of the abandoned convent. As bodies pile up and connections tighten, Lottie must untangle the dark secrets linking the victims before the killer strikes again. Fast-paced and haunting, it’s a chilling dive into buried trauma and relentless justice.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this brilliant book
Ithis gripping Detective Lottie Parker thriller, a woman is found murdered in a remote cottage, her tragic past at the Sisters of Mercy Convent raising more questions than answers. When journalist Imelda emerges as the last known visitor, Lottie’s investigation leads her into the shadows of the abandoned convent. As bodies pile up and connections tighten, Lottie must untangle the dark secrets linking the victims before the killer strikes again. Fast-paced and haunting, it’s a chilling dive into buried trauma and relentless justice.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this brilliant book
May 20, 2025
In my opinion, there are two categories of working people. On the one hand, there's the group that works very hard, but can also thoroughly enjoy a well-deserved vacation. On the other hand, there are some who work very hard but cannot let go of their job and see time off almost as a waste.
I think it’s not hard to guess which of these groups Lottie Parker belongs to. Her partner Mark clearly holds a different opinion and believes—rightly so—that other things should sometimes take priority. Let’s hope this ends well...
The murderer is truly a ruthless person. The way the victims are killed is downright gruesome.
What I also really appreciated in this story is the original method the author chose as the killer’s modus operandi. I thought this was a brilliant move and deserves full praise.
Furthermore, there is no doubt about the quality of the story. It’s another one that’s absolutely finger-licking good, and the emotional intensity is sky-high.
Thrillers aren’t just about horrors; there’s also room for some sweet and loving moments.
If it wasn’t already clear that I thoroughly enjoyed this, thought along with it, and had to swallow a lump in my throat a few times, then let me say it now. I thought this was a fantastic book. 5 stars.
Thank you.
I think it’s not hard to guess which of these groups Lottie Parker belongs to. Her partner Mark clearly holds a different opinion and believes—rightly so—that other things should sometimes take priority. Let’s hope this ends well...
The murderer is truly a ruthless person. The way the victims are killed is downright gruesome.
What I also really appreciated in this story is the original method the author chose as the killer’s modus operandi. I thought this was a brilliant move and deserves full praise.
Furthermore, there is no doubt about the quality of the story. It’s another one that’s absolutely finger-licking good, and the emotional intensity is sky-high.
Thrillers aren’t just about horrors; there’s also room for some sweet and loving moments.
If it wasn’t already clear that I thoroughly enjoyed this, thought along with it, and had to swallow a lump in my throat a few times, then let me say it now. I thought this was a fantastic book. 5 stars.
Thank you.
August 26, 2025
It's ok. These books are getting more and more far fetched and predictable, bug my main gripe is Grace. She is thoroughly unpleasant! I don't understand why everyone panders to her and goes on about how sweet, innocent and plain speaking she is. She's rude and plain nasty. Please get rid of her.
July 2, 2025
Yes........Lottie is Back!!!!!!
Hidden Daughters by Patricia Gibney is the 15th book in the excellent Detective Lottie Parker series and I loved it, and it was another totally addictive and absolutely gripping crime thriller that will have you gripped from the beginning till the very end, especially as it has brilliant twists and turns throughout and you learn more about how complicated Lottie can be within this book, I really felt for her especially as she is a work alcoholic and she can't just switch off and have some relaxing days with Boyd!
Finally, Lottie and Boyd have taken a break to Connemara but only to attend Boyd’s sisters Grace’s wedding. Now, at Boyd's sisters farmhouse. . . Things become very tense between them all, when a call comes through about a someone found murdered locally. A lonely woman who is found burn't/scolded to death by boiled water, in a deserted holiday cottage, Like aways, Detective Lottie Parker is first on the scene.
Boyd is "Not happy" as Lottie gets involved in a murder case, especially as this was meant to be a small holiday for them etc - which they both need so badly!
Lottie can not stop herself and she start to investigate on her own and she swiftly reveals the victim has no family to mourn her. But, when the vicim was a young girl, she was abandoned by her parents and hidden away at the Sisters of Mercy Convent.
Now, has something in her tragic past led to her murder?
Lottie discovers that she had a visitor just before she died. She was a young journalist, called Imelda, and she had called on the vulnerable woman.
Could she have something to do with her death?
"I wonder?????"
Now, Lottie’s search takes her to the abandoned convent, which was closed down many years ago. This convent was dark and held many hidden horrific secrets of young girls living there working in the laundry etc. Lottie can only imagine how terrified the girls must have been back then.
Lottie finds a old caretaker who still lives on the site in his caravan, he is looking after the convent and he tells her that a woman matching Imelda’s description had been there a day earlier. . . . Asking questions about the convent.
Why was she there asking questions?
Now, Boyd sister Grace's husband approaches Lottie in private and asks her for help with his past. He has never spoken to anyone about his past, so it was a secret he had buried deep, but the murder of the woman found brings his secret to the bubbling to the surface and he has to find the answers. Lottie is the best one ask........
When he was very young in his teens, he got a girl pregnant and she lived in a convent. He was sent away and he wants to know what happened to her and if she had their baby? and most of all, are they both alive?
"WoW that is a secret to keep!"
Later that day, Lottie is devastated to be informed that the caretaker has been scalded to death, just like the woman in the cottage. Now, Imelda is the only connection between the victims, and Lottie is in a race against time to find her.
Imelda’s blood-stained jacket is found in an abandoned farm-building Lottie starts to fear that the killer has got to the young journalist first. Now, Desperate to find Imelda alive, and identify the deadly perpetrator, Lottie needs to find answers from the other broken women who were hidden at the convent.
But can she find them before another victim is silenced forever?
The clock is ticking
Lottie is being pulled into so many directions especially with what she has been asked to find out and she can't tell anyone about it. She is on her own! This has also put a big strain on her relationship with Boyd and another strain on his sister Grace with Lottie.
Is this going to break their relationship between her and Boyd?
This book was No different another 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I highly recommend this author 👀 especially as I read this book in 1 sitting!
Hidden Daughters by Patricia Gibney is the 15th book in the excellent Detective Lottie Parker series and I loved it, and it was another totally addictive and absolutely gripping crime thriller that will have you gripped from the beginning till the very end, especially as it has brilliant twists and turns throughout and you learn more about how complicated Lottie can be within this book, I really felt for her especially as she is a work alcoholic and she can't just switch off and have some relaxing days with Boyd!
Finally, Lottie and Boyd have taken a break to Connemara but only to attend Boyd’s sisters Grace’s wedding. Now, at Boyd's sisters farmhouse. . . Things become very tense between them all, when a call comes through about a someone found murdered locally. A lonely woman who is found burn't/scolded to death by boiled water, in a deserted holiday cottage, Like aways, Detective Lottie Parker is first on the scene.
Boyd is "Not happy" as Lottie gets involved in a murder case, especially as this was meant to be a small holiday for them etc - which they both need so badly!
Lottie can not stop herself and she start to investigate on her own and she swiftly reveals the victim has no family to mourn her. But, when the vicim was a young girl, she was abandoned by her parents and hidden away at the Sisters of Mercy Convent.
Now, has something in her tragic past led to her murder?
Lottie discovers that she had a visitor just before she died. She was a young journalist, called Imelda, and she had called on the vulnerable woman.
Could she have something to do with her death?
"I wonder?????"
Now, Lottie’s search takes her to the abandoned convent, which was closed down many years ago. This convent was dark and held many hidden horrific secrets of young girls living there working in the laundry etc. Lottie can only imagine how terrified the girls must have been back then.
Lottie finds a old caretaker who still lives on the site in his caravan, he is looking after the convent and he tells her that a woman matching Imelda’s description had been there a day earlier. . . . Asking questions about the convent.
Why was she there asking questions?
Now, Boyd sister Grace's husband approaches Lottie in private and asks her for help with his past. He has never spoken to anyone about his past, so it was a secret he had buried deep, but the murder of the woman found brings his secret to the bubbling to the surface and he has to find the answers. Lottie is the best one ask........
When he was very young in his teens, he got a girl pregnant and she lived in a convent. He was sent away and he wants to know what happened to her and if she had their baby? and most of all, are they both alive?
"WoW that is a secret to keep!"
Later that day, Lottie is devastated to be informed that the caretaker has been scalded to death, just like the woman in the cottage. Now, Imelda is the only connection between the victims, and Lottie is in a race against time to find her.
Imelda’s blood-stained jacket is found in an abandoned farm-building Lottie starts to fear that the killer has got to the young journalist first. Now, Desperate to find Imelda alive, and identify the deadly perpetrator, Lottie needs to find answers from the other broken women who were hidden at the convent.
But can she find them before another victim is silenced forever?
The clock is ticking
Lottie is being pulled into so many directions especially with what she has been asked to find out and she can't tell anyone about it. She is on her own! This has also put a big strain on her relationship with Boyd and another strain on his sister Grace with Lottie.
Is this going to break their relationship between her and Boyd?
This book was No different another 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I highly recommend this author 👀 especially as I read this book in 1 sitting!
June 2, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Lottie Parker is one of my favorite fictional police 🚓 detectives.
Patricia Gibney’s "Hidden Daughters" is a gripping psychological thriller that thrives on tension, layered secrets, and the unsettling truths buried beneath family histories. True to Gibney’s signature style, this novel delivers a compelling blend of mystery and emotional depth, wrapped in a police procedural that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.
"Hidden Daughters" is a story about concealment—the lies families tell, the identities obscured by circumstance, and Lottie Parker's relentless pursuit of truth. Gibney crafts a narrative that oscillates between past and present, allowing the weight of history to press against the unfolding investigation. Themes of betrayal, trauma, and justice permeate the pages, adding psychological complexity to the crime at hand.
The mystery in this novel isn’t simply a puzzle to be solved—it’s deeply intertwined with the emotional and moral dilemmas of the characters, particularly Detective Lottie Parker, whose internal conflicts add another layer of tension.
Gibney excels at character work, crafting individuals who feel lived-in and shaped by experiences beyond the immediate plot. Lottie Parker remains a formidable yet flawed detective, her struggles with past trauma making her investigative instincts both sharp and deeply personal. Her emotional vulnerability is woven seamlessly into the case, creating an interplay between professional duty and personal reckoning.
The supporting cast—both victims and suspects—are equally nuanced, each carrying motives and secrets that blur the moral lines. Gibney’s ability to humanize even the most elusive characters ensures that the reader remains emotionally invested, beyond the mechanics of solving the crime.
Gibney’s writing is taut and immersive, maintaining a steady pace while allowing space for introspection. She uses alternating perspectives to keep the reader engaged, ensuring that the mystery unfolds with a balance of suspense and revelation.
Dialogue is sharp and realistic, reinforcing the novel’s procedural authenticity without sacrificing emotional impact. Gibney’s ability to heighten tension through small, seemingly innocuous details keeps the reader on edge, ensuring that every clue—every interaction—feels significant.
"Hidden Daughters" is a masterfully woven thriller that builds a deeply atmospheric experience rooted in psychological nuance. Fans of detective fiction and psychological suspense will find much to admire in Gibney’s deft storytelling. It’s a novel that lingers—not just for its intricate plot but for the haunting echoes of its characters’ choices.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime fiction with emotional depth, character-driven mysteries, and narratives that explore the intersections of justice and personal reckoning.
Gibney's Lottie Parker is reminiscent of Prime Suspects Lynda LaPlante's Jane Tennison... and that is a HUGE compliment.
Lottie Parker is one of my favorite fictional police 🚓 detectives.
Patricia Gibney’s "Hidden Daughters" is a gripping psychological thriller that thrives on tension, layered secrets, and the unsettling truths buried beneath family histories. True to Gibney’s signature style, this novel delivers a compelling blend of mystery and emotional depth, wrapped in a police procedural that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.
"Hidden Daughters" is a story about concealment—the lies families tell, the identities obscured by circumstance, and Lottie Parker's relentless pursuit of truth. Gibney crafts a narrative that oscillates between past and present, allowing the weight of history to press against the unfolding investigation. Themes of betrayal, trauma, and justice permeate the pages, adding psychological complexity to the crime at hand.
The mystery in this novel isn’t simply a puzzle to be solved—it’s deeply intertwined with the emotional and moral dilemmas of the characters, particularly Detective Lottie Parker, whose internal conflicts add another layer of tension.
Gibney excels at character work, crafting individuals who feel lived-in and shaped by experiences beyond the immediate plot. Lottie Parker remains a formidable yet flawed detective, her struggles with past trauma making her investigative instincts both sharp and deeply personal. Her emotional vulnerability is woven seamlessly into the case, creating an interplay between professional duty and personal reckoning.
The supporting cast—both victims and suspects—are equally nuanced, each carrying motives and secrets that blur the moral lines. Gibney’s ability to humanize even the most elusive characters ensures that the reader remains emotionally invested, beyond the mechanics of solving the crime.
Gibney’s writing is taut and immersive, maintaining a steady pace while allowing space for introspection. She uses alternating perspectives to keep the reader engaged, ensuring that the mystery unfolds with a balance of suspense and revelation.
Dialogue is sharp and realistic, reinforcing the novel’s procedural authenticity without sacrificing emotional impact. Gibney’s ability to heighten tension through small, seemingly innocuous details keeps the reader on edge, ensuring that every clue—every interaction—feels significant.
"Hidden Daughters" is a masterfully woven thriller that builds a deeply atmospheric experience rooted in psychological nuance. Fans of detective fiction and psychological suspense will find much to admire in Gibney’s deft storytelling. It’s a novel that lingers—not just for its intricate plot but for the haunting echoes of its characters’ choices.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime fiction with emotional depth, character-driven mysteries, and narratives that explore the intersections of justice and personal reckoning.
Gibney's Lottie Parker is reminiscent of Prime Suspects Lynda LaPlante's Jane Tennison... and that is a HUGE compliment.
June 24, 2025
4.5 stars
Well... here we are again, and we are up to 15 in this cracking series. Obviously you know what I am about to say, albeit it you will have a lot to play catch-up with if you haven't been with this series from book one. Lottie, her family and colleagues, have all been through the wars during the previous 14 books and they have a bit of a backstory to get to grips with. All that said, the main story being told herein is self contacted so...
Lottie and Boyd have travelled to Connemara, to visit and stay with Boyd's sister Grace, and to attend her wedding to Bryan. This leaves Kirby in charge of her team back home and it is to his absolute shock and horror that a murder victim is discovered and he is assigned SIO.
Meanwhile, not to miss out, in Connemara, another body is found. Lottie gets wind of it and really can't help herself, inveigling herself into the investigation by practically insisting that local SIO Matt Mooney could really do with her help!
Meanwhile Lottie herself is asked by Bryan to investigate something from his past that he hasn't yet told Grace about. This puts the cat well and truly amongst the pigeons as well as threatening and jeopardising her own relationship.
And then, that thing that Lottie was looking into becomes a big part of the murders and, as the body count rises further, and the two cases, Ragmulllen and Connemara are linked, it becomes obvious that they need to get to grips with it all and catch the killer before more people die...
Oh Lottie... you really don't make things easy for yourself, do you? And you really can't see how your actions affect those around you. Your loved ones, family and friends. That said, it is one of the things that also makes you a great character. Something I have grown to love about you, after our somewhat shaky start. And if I can accept you, warts and all, I think Boyd should know you by now and know you aren't for changing and...well.. put on his big girl pants...
And don't get me started about his sister... if she never pops up in this series again, I'll not miss her... Although, that said, maybe there is more to get to know there...
And the story is harrowing and horrible and, as I believe, actually based on things that really did happen. The laundries and industrial schools were real, and just as depicted in this book. Oh Boy... it's a hard book to read but you can see why Lottie couldn't let things go. But all that said, she does need to switch off occasionally. She is using her workaholic tendencies as avoidance tactics. For things she really should be dealing with. She can't go on like this forever... But she wouldn't be Lottie if she changed... Although, maybe with the news she got towards the end of this book, maybe there's a new angle for the author to explore... we will have to see...
All in all, a worthy addition to what is now a very well established and respected series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Well... here we are again, and we are up to 15 in this cracking series. Obviously you know what I am about to say, albeit it you will have a lot to play catch-up with if you haven't been with this series from book one. Lottie, her family and colleagues, have all been through the wars during the previous 14 books and they have a bit of a backstory to get to grips with. All that said, the main story being told herein is self contacted so...
Lottie and Boyd have travelled to Connemara, to visit and stay with Boyd's sister Grace, and to attend her wedding to Bryan. This leaves Kirby in charge of her team back home and it is to his absolute shock and horror that a murder victim is discovered and he is assigned SIO.
Meanwhile, not to miss out, in Connemara, another body is found. Lottie gets wind of it and really can't help herself, inveigling herself into the investigation by practically insisting that local SIO Matt Mooney could really do with her help!
Meanwhile Lottie herself is asked by Bryan to investigate something from his past that he hasn't yet told Grace about. This puts the cat well and truly amongst the pigeons as well as threatening and jeopardising her own relationship.
And then, that thing that Lottie was looking into becomes a big part of the murders and, as the body count rises further, and the two cases, Ragmulllen and Connemara are linked, it becomes obvious that they need to get to grips with it all and catch the killer before more people die...
Oh Lottie... you really don't make things easy for yourself, do you? And you really can't see how your actions affect those around you. Your loved ones, family and friends. That said, it is one of the things that also makes you a great character. Something I have grown to love about you, after our somewhat shaky start. And if I can accept you, warts and all, I think Boyd should know you by now and know you aren't for changing and...well.. put on his big girl pants...
And don't get me started about his sister... if she never pops up in this series again, I'll not miss her... Although, that said, maybe there is more to get to know there...
And the story is harrowing and horrible and, as I believe, actually based on things that really did happen. The laundries and industrial schools were real, and just as depicted in this book. Oh Boy... it's a hard book to read but you can see why Lottie couldn't let things go. But all that said, she does need to switch off occasionally. She is using her workaholic tendencies as avoidance tactics. For things she really should be dealing with. She can't go on like this forever... But she wouldn't be Lottie if she changed... Although, maybe with the news she got towards the end of this book, maybe there's a new angle for the author to explore... we will have to see...
All in all, a worthy addition to what is now a very well established and respected series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 29, 2025
Patricia Gibney is back with another first-rate Lottie Parker crime thriller that readers will devour in one sitting: Hidden Daughters.
The discovery of a young woman’s incinerated body in a deserted cottage makes Lottie Parker wonder about the deceased’s family. Discovering that she was all alone in the world and that she had nobody to mourn her compels Lottie to look into the woman’s past and she finds out that as a young girl her parents had abandoned the victim and left her at the Sisters of Mercy Convent. Could the victim’s past have somehow led to her murder? When Lottie uncovers that the deceased had been visited by a young journalist called Imelda, the detective vows to do everything in her power to find the last woman who had spoken to the victim.
Knowing that the old convent holds the key to uncovering this mystery, Lottie decides to visit and on her arrival is immediately creeped out by the imposing dark walls and echoes of past terrors that reverberate all around the abandoned building. The caretaker on site reveals to Lottie that a woman matching Imelda’s description had been at the convent a day earlier. Just what was Imelda’s connection to the dead woman? Was Imelda one of the girls at the convent? And could she somehow have something to do with the murder of the young woman?
When the caretaker is murdered in the same way as the victim, Lottie realises that she needs to find Imelda – fast! However, when Imelda’s jacket is found, Lottie fears she might be too late. Can she get to her in time before the killer strikes again? Can Lottie untangle the mysteries of the past to put a stop to the murders happening in the present? Or will all the daughters of the Sisters of Mercy convent end up meeting a grisly end?
Patricia Gibney is one of the best writers of crime fiction writing today and she exceeds all of her readers’ expectations with Hidden Daughters. Brilliantly plotted, immensely readable and full of twists and turns, heart-pounding suspense and nail-biting tension, Hidden Daughters is a crime novel aficionados of the genre will thoroughly enjoy.
Lottie Parker – like its creator – is on top form and in one of the toughest cases of her career, she once again uses her skills, compassion, humanity and instincts to bring a killer to justice.
Readers looking for the crème de la crème of contemporary crime fiction need look no further than Hidden Daughters by Patricia Gibney.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The discovery of a young woman’s incinerated body in a deserted cottage makes Lottie Parker wonder about the deceased’s family. Discovering that she was all alone in the world and that she had nobody to mourn her compels Lottie to look into the woman’s past and she finds out that as a young girl her parents had abandoned the victim and left her at the Sisters of Mercy Convent. Could the victim’s past have somehow led to her murder? When Lottie uncovers that the deceased had been visited by a young journalist called Imelda, the detective vows to do everything in her power to find the last woman who had spoken to the victim.
Knowing that the old convent holds the key to uncovering this mystery, Lottie decides to visit and on her arrival is immediately creeped out by the imposing dark walls and echoes of past terrors that reverberate all around the abandoned building. The caretaker on site reveals to Lottie that a woman matching Imelda’s description had been at the convent a day earlier. Just what was Imelda’s connection to the dead woman? Was Imelda one of the girls at the convent? And could she somehow have something to do with the murder of the young woman?
When the caretaker is murdered in the same way as the victim, Lottie realises that she needs to find Imelda – fast! However, when Imelda’s jacket is found, Lottie fears she might be too late. Can she get to her in time before the killer strikes again? Can Lottie untangle the mysteries of the past to put a stop to the murders happening in the present? Or will all the daughters of the Sisters of Mercy convent end up meeting a grisly end?
Patricia Gibney is one of the best writers of crime fiction writing today and she exceeds all of her readers’ expectations with Hidden Daughters. Brilliantly plotted, immensely readable and full of twists and turns, heart-pounding suspense and nail-biting tension, Hidden Daughters is a crime novel aficionados of the genre will thoroughly enjoy.
Lottie Parker – like its creator – is on top form and in one of the toughest cases of her career, she once again uses her skills, compassion, humanity and instincts to bring a killer to justice.
Readers looking for the crème de la crème of contemporary crime fiction need look no further than Hidden Daughters by Patricia Gibney.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 25, 2025
Patricia Gibney delivers yet another phenomenal entry with Hidden Daughters, book fifteen in the D.I. Lottie Parker series. For fans of the inimitable Lottie Parker, this installment offers a refreshing change of scenery alongside the familiar, gripping suspense we've come to expect.
This time the action shifts partially, as Lottie and Boyd find themselves in picturesque Connemara for Boyd's sister Grace's wedding, leaving Kirby in charge back in Ragmullin. However, the respite is short-lived. It soon becomes apparent that a murder investigation Kirby is handling in Ragmullin has disturbing ties to a separate, unfolding murder case in Connemara. True to form, Lottie, never one to shy away from stepping on toes, finds herself inescapably drawn into the local investigation, much to the reader's delight.
My adoration for this series and the entire cast of characters Gibney has created knows no bounds; I have yet to encounter a single disappointing book, and "Hidden Daughters" is no exception. As always, the narrative is packed with twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up to the end.
However, it's important for potential readers to be aware of the profound and sensitive themes explored within. Hidden Daughters focuses very heavily on the harrowing history of abuse by the church in Ireland, particularly around the mother and baby homes. This subject matter is handled with gravity, and while vital to the story, it is undeniably dark and potentially triggering for some readers. The causes of death also felt even more disturbing than usual, contributing to an overall darker tone for the book. This heightened darkness likely stems from the deeply tragic and somber historical foundation upon which the story is built.
Despite its somber themes, this is not a book I will forget in a hurry. Gibney once again showcases her incredible talent for crafting compelling mysteries with deep emotional resonance. "Hidden Daughters is undoubtedly another 5-star read and a powerful, memorable addition to the D.I. Lottie Parker series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
This time the action shifts partially, as Lottie and Boyd find themselves in picturesque Connemara for Boyd's sister Grace's wedding, leaving Kirby in charge back in Ragmullin. However, the respite is short-lived. It soon becomes apparent that a murder investigation Kirby is handling in Ragmullin has disturbing ties to a separate, unfolding murder case in Connemara. True to form, Lottie, never one to shy away from stepping on toes, finds herself inescapably drawn into the local investigation, much to the reader's delight.
My adoration for this series and the entire cast of characters Gibney has created knows no bounds; I have yet to encounter a single disappointing book, and "Hidden Daughters" is no exception. As always, the narrative is packed with twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up to the end.
However, it's important for potential readers to be aware of the profound and sensitive themes explored within. Hidden Daughters focuses very heavily on the harrowing history of abuse by the church in Ireland, particularly around the mother and baby homes. This subject matter is handled with gravity, and while vital to the story, it is undeniably dark and potentially triggering for some readers. The causes of death also felt even more disturbing than usual, contributing to an overall darker tone for the book. This heightened darkness likely stems from the deeply tragic and somber historical foundation upon which the story is built.
Despite its somber themes, this is not a book I will forget in a hurry. Gibney once again showcases her incredible talent for crafting compelling mysteries with deep emotional resonance. "Hidden Daughters is undoubtedly another 5-star read and a powerful, memorable addition to the D.I. Lottie Parker series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
July 9, 2025
In this fifteenth novel in Patricia Gibney’s DI Lottie Parker series, Lottie and her partner DS Mark Boyd travel to Connemara for the wedding of Boyd’s sister Grace. Taking a rare holiday they will be spending a week with Grace and her fiancé, Bryan, a farmer, helping them get ready for the wedding. While she is away her team in Ragmullin are busy dealing with a murder, that of a young woman found dumped in a river scalded to death by boiling water.
Not long after Lottie and Boyd arrive at Grace and Bryan’s home, Lottie spots blue flashing lights down the hill. Being Lottie, she just can’t help herself going there to find out what’s happening and finds herself at the scene of a murder speaking with the detective in charge. Boyd warns her not to get involved in the investigation. They’re on holiday after all, but Lottie can’t resist offering to help, especially when more deaths occur, and is soon immersed in finding the murderer, even though Boyd is angry at her for ignoring him and Grace.
The murders seem to be connected to a convent where wayward girls were put to work in a laundry and treated horrifically. The police are keen to track down a missing woman who was making a documentary about the convent as well as a nearby home for delinquent boys in the hope that she might be able to provide them with a motive for the killings.
This was a complex and messy case involving a sad story of young girls being turned away by their families and sent to a convent, where they were judged immoral and treated as disposable. It’s a difficult subject in Ireland’s history and was treated sensitively by the author. I didn’t enjoy the book quite as much as the earlier ones because there were too many witnesses with information to impart to Lottie who inconveniently died before they could tell her. I also got tired of Lottie’s treatment of Boyd, her long-time partner she planned to marry. It became bit repetitive that she seemed to have no room for his feelings as she let herself become obsessed with the investigation. It remains to be seen whether their relationship can ever recover.
With thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy to read
Not long after Lottie and Boyd arrive at Grace and Bryan’s home, Lottie spots blue flashing lights down the hill. Being Lottie, she just can’t help herself going there to find out what’s happening and finds herself at the scene of a murder speaking with the detective in charge. Boyd warns her not to get involved in the investigation. They’re on holiday after all, but Lottie can’t resist offering to help, especially when more deaths occur, and is soon immersed in finding the murderer, even though Boyd is angry at her for ignoring him and Grace.
The murders seem to be connected to a convent where wayward girls were put to work in a laundry and treated horrifically. The police are keen to track down a missing woman who was making a documentary about the convent as well as a nearby home for delinquent boys in the hope that she might be able to provide them with a motive for the killings.
This was a complex and messy case involving a sad story of young girls being turned away by their families and sent to a convent, where they were judged immoral and treated as disposable. It’s a difficult subject in Ireland’s history and was treated sensitively by the author. I didn’t enjoy the book quite as much as the earlier ones because there were too many witnesses with information to impart to Lottie who inconveniently died before they could tell her. I also got tired of Lottie’s treatment of Boyd, her long-time partner she planned to marry. It became bit repetitive that she seemed to have no room for his feelings as she let herself become obsessed with the investigation. It remains to be seen whether their relationship can ever recover.
With thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy to read
June 29, 2025
Another exciting installment in this crime thriller series.
Detective Lottie Parker is off to a wedding in Connemara but soon becomes involved in a series of horrific murders there. She and Detective Sergeant Boyd are meant to attend his sister’s wedding, but it seems that Grace’s fiancé, Bryan, has a secret that might derail the nuptials.
This episode details the horrors of the Magdalene laundries in one of the most disgusting and terrible periods in the Catholic Church in Ireland. Many young women and children were sent to convents. Some abandoned by families who couldn’t care for them or didn’t want them. Others were unwed and pregnant and sent there for their sins. Too many did not make it out alive. They were abused in every way possible and those nuns and priests were never held accountable for these crimes. It was evil and unimaginable — the stories told by the survivors are difficult to hear. Imelda Conroy is in Connemara to product a radio documentary about those women who were basically locked away in a convent there in the 1970s and 80s.
But someone doesn’t want Imelda to reveal those details. Women connected to the convent are being murdered, scalded and burned in fact. Even though Lottie is out of her home area, she immediately gets herself involved in the investigation along with local policeman, Detective Sergeant Matt Mooney. Lottie irritates everyone involved in this case. She enrages Grace and gets herself kicked out of their house, and Boyd is over it so their relationship hits the rocks. But, she continues her singleminded focus despite all.
I have to say that Lottie is definitely a person with whom it would be tough to be in a relationship with. I think Boyd’s words to her ring true and I hope she pulls herself together or gets some therapy so that she doesn’t ruin a good thing with him. If family is so important to her, she really needs to spend more time with her people.
I love the series and looks forward to the next installment. The plots are always complex and interesting. The author doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC to read, review, and recommend.
Detective Lottie Parker is off to a wedding in Connemara but soon becomes involved in a series of horrific murders there. She and Detective Sergeant Boyd are meant to attend his sister’s wedding, but it seems that Grace’s fiancé, Bryan, has a secret that might derail the nuptials.
This episode details the horrors of the Magdalene laundries in one of the most disgusting and terrible periods in the Catholic Church in Ireland. Many young women and children were sent to convents. Some abandoned by families who couldn’t care for them or didn’t want them. Others were unwed and pregnant and sent there for their sins. Too many did not make it out alive. They were abused in every way possible and those nuns and priests were never held accountable for these crimes. It was evil and unimaginable — the stories told by the survivors are difficult to hear. Imelda Conroy is in Connemara to product a radio documentary about those women who were basically locked away in a convent there in the 1970s and 80s.
But someone doesn’t want Imelda to reveal those details. Women connected to the convent are being murdered, scalded and burned in fact. Even though Lottie is out of her home area, she immediately gets herself involved in the investigation along with local policeman, Detective Sergeant Matt Mooney. Lottie irritates everyone involved in this case. She enrages Grace and gets herself kicked out of their house, and Boyd is over it so their relationship hits the rocks. But, she continues her singleminded focus despite all.
I have to say that Lottie is definitely a person with whom it would be tough to be in a relationship with. I think Boyd’s words to her ring true and I hope she pulls herself together or gets some therapy so that she doesn’t ruin a good thing with him. If family is so important to her, she really needs to spend more time with her people.
I love the series and looks forward to the next installment. The plots are always complex and interesting. The author doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC to read, review, and recommend.
August 3, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
DI Lottle Parker and Mark Boyd are on a little bit of a holiday. His younger sister, Grace, is getting married in Connemara, and they're supposed to be there to help her prepare for her wedding. But Lottie finds herself( of course!) getting wrapped up in a local murder investigation. Meanwhile, back in Ragmullin, Kirby and the rest of the team are investigating the gruesome death of a local woman. It isn't too long before those cases will become connected to a horrifying piece of Irish history- the Magdalene laundries. On the home front, Lottie's daughter, Chloe, braces herself for the bit of news that she has to tell Lottie.
As usual, Patricia Gibney draws me right in. I had a feeling that this was going to be a rough one. Both the case and Lottie's personal life take heart-wrenching turns. It's an enthralling story, and though it is the 15th book in the series, it could be a standalone.
I liked the local detective Seargant Matt Mooney, who Lottie manages to drive crazy. I wouldn't be upset if he were to "pop" up in a future DI Lottie Parker case. They have the makings of a good team. I also really enjoyed Chloe's news, and I think that storyline could be interesting in future books in the series. I have mixed feelings about another aspect of the storyline. I don't like Grace Boyd, and if she were to never show up in future books, I wouldn't be unhappy. I have mentioned it several times before, but Lottie is flawed, and that's why I continue to love her. Mark Boyd? Patricia Gibney sure knows how to kill a relationship, doesn't she? Aww.... It's so frustrating, and I cannot wait for the next title.😉 Also, dear Kirby and Amy. That's all I am going to say!❤️❤️
Publication Date 25/06/25
Goodreads Review 03/08/25
#HiddenDaughters #NetGalley
DI Lottle Parker and Mark Boyd are on a little bit of a holiday. His younger sister, Grace, is getting married in Connemara, and they're supposed to be there to help her prepare for her wedding. But Lottie finds herself( of course!) getting wrapped up in a local murder investigation. Meanwhile, back in Ragmullin, Kirby and the rest of the team are investigating the gruesome death of a local woman. It isn't too long before those cases will become connected to a horrifying piece of Irish history- the Magdalene laundries. On the home front, Lottie's daughter, Chloe, braces herself for the bit of news that she has to tell Lottie.
As usual, Patricia Gibney draws me right in. I had a feeling that this was going to be a rough one. Both the case and Lottie's personal life take heart-wrenching turns. It's an enthralling story, and though it is the 15th book in the series, it could be a standalone.
I liked the local detective Seargant Matt Mooney, who Lottie manages to drive crazy. I wouldn't be upset if he were to "pop" up in a future DI Lottie Parker case. They have the makings of a good team. I also really enjoyed Chloe's news, and I think that storyline could be interesting in future books in the series. I have mixed feelings about another aspect of the storyline. I don't like Grace Boyd, and if she were to never show up in future books, I wouldn't be unhappy. I have mentioned it several times before, but Lottie is flawed, and that's why I continue to love her. Mark Boyd? Patricia Gibney sure knows how to kill a relationship, doesn't she? Aww.... It's so frustrating, and I cannot wait for the next title.😉 Also, dear Kirby and Amy. That's all I am going to say!❤️❤️
Publication Date 25/06/25
Goodreads Review 03/08/25
#HiddenDaughters #NetGalley
June 9, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect diving into Hidden Daughters, especially since it’s book 15 in the Lottie Parker series and I hadn’t read the others. But honestly? It didn’t matter. I was hooked from the first chapter. Patricia Gibney does a fantastic job of grounding you in the characters and their world, even if you’re coming in fresh.
The story kicks off with Lottie and her partner Mark Boyd heading to Connemara for his sister Grace’s wedding. A peaceful getaway that doesn’t stay peaceful for too long. When a woman’s body is discovered in a nearby holiday cottage, Lottie can’t help but get involved, despite being on leave. Boyd is less than thrilled, especially when things start to spiral and her focus is split between two murder investigations, one in Connemara, and another back home in Ragmullin that shares eerily similar details.
As the cases begin to overlap, what unfolds is a dark and deeply unsettling story linked to a local convent and the grim legacy of the laundries.
I loved how the author slowly builds tension, with twists that genuinely surprised me, and flashbacks that added even more depth to the narrative. I loved how she balances the suspense with real emotional depth, never losing sight of the humanity behind the crimes.
This was such a well plotted read, layered, atmospheric, and deeply emotional. Even with multiple threads and timelines, the story never felt confusing. It just pulled me further in.
Hidden Daughters was my first Lottie Parker novel, but it absolutely won’t be my last. I’m already adding the rest of the series to my TBR. If you love police procedurals with emotional depth and a strong, flawed heroine, then you should definitely give this one a try.
Many thanks to the author, and for access to the ARC copy via NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
July 6, 2025
Hidden Daughters is the fifteenth book in the Lottie Parker series by Patricia Gibney. This is a Police procedural crime fiction series features D.I. Lottie Parker, a Garda Síochána detective inspector who lives and works in the fictional town of Ragmullin in the Irish Midlands.
When a lonely woman is found burned to death in a remote cottage, with no family to grieve her. Detective Lottie Parker responds to the call, unaware that this case will take her into the darkest corners of the past. The victim’s life story begins in tragedy, abandoned as a child and hidden away at the infamous Sisters of Mercy Convent. Lottie quickly senses that the key to solving this murder lies buried in decades old secrets.
Her only lead is Imelda, a young journalist who visited the victim shortly before her death. When a second brutal murder occurs, a convent caretaker scalded to death in the same horrifying fashion, it becomes clear the killer is targeting those tied to the convent’s history. With Imelda now missing and only a blood-stained jacket left behind, Lottie races against time to find the young woman and stop a killer whose rage has clearly not diminished with time.
As Lottie digs deeper, she encounters broken women from the convent’s past, each carrying their own pain and secrets. Their stories are haunting, shedding light on the systemic cruelty hidden behind the convent’s walls. I did enjoy this novel and even though it is the fifteenth book in the series it can still be read as a standalone. I didn’t consider it to be as good as some of the other books in the series and would score it a 3 star rating.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When a lonely woman is found burned to death in a remote cottage, with no family to grieve her. Detective Lottie Parker responds to the call, unaware that this case will take her into the darkest corners of the past. The victim’s life story begins in tragedy, abandoned as a child and hidden away at the infamous Sisters of Mercy Convent. Lottie quickly senses that the key to solving this murder lies buried in decades old secrets.
Her only lead is Imelda, a young journalist who visited the victim shortly before her death. When a second brutal murder occurs, a convent caretaker scalded to death in the same horrifying fashion, it becomes clear the killer is targeting those tied to the convent’s history. With Imelda now missing and only a blood-stained jacket left behind, Lottie races against time to find the young woman and stop a killer whose rage has clearly not diminished with time.
As Lottie digs deeper, she encounters broken women from the convent’s past, each carrying their own pain and secrets. Their stories are haunting, shedding light on the systemic cruelty hidden behind the convent’s walls. I did enjoy this novel and even though it is the fifteenth book in the series it can still be read as a standalone. I didn’t consider it to be as good as some of the other books in the series and would score it a 3 star rating.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2025
I'm always excited to return to the world of Detective Lottie Parker: with *Hidden Daughters*, Patricia Gibney delivers another gripping and quietly emotional mystery.
The story opens with a scene that could belong in a horror novel: an abandoned convent and a woman scalded to death. It’s hard to put the book down once you're drawn into the atmosphere. The pace is steady: the tension builds gradually, and there’s always that underlying sense of something darker lurking beneath the surface, which at times genuinely creeped me out.
What I really appreciated in this one is how Lottie, despite being meant to take some time off, is as tenacious and human as ever: she refreshingly doesn’t complain about her missing holiday.
I liked how the personal and professional threads in her life continue to evolve: it makes her feel real, flawed, and relatable.
The plot explores some heavy themes, especially institutional abuse: Gibney handles them with care and restraint. There's no sensationalism—just a raw, understated emotional weight that lingers.
*Hidden Daughters* delivers an intriguing mystery, strong characters, and that familiar gritty small-town Irish atmosphere I’ve come to expect from this series. It’s not just about solving a case: it’s about reckoning with the past, piecing together broken truths, and seeking closure.
Another gripping and solid addition to the series: highly recommended if you enjoy crime fiction with both heart and bite.
Don’t read it at night if you're hoping to get some sleep: this book is addictive, and I found it hard to put down.
Many thanks to Bookouture for the digital copy: all opinions are my own.
The story opens with a scene that could belong in a horror novel: an abandoned convent and a woman scalded to death. It’s hard to put the book down once you're drawn into the atmosphere. The pace is steady: the tension builds gradually, and there’s always that underlying sense of something darker lurking beneath the surface, which at times genuinely creeped me out.
What I really appreciated in this one is how Lottie, despite being meant to take some time off, is as tenacious and human as ever: she refreshingly doesn’t complain about her missing holiday.
I liked how the personal and professional threads in her life continue to evolve: it makes her feel real, flawed, and relatable.
The plot explores some heavy themes, especially institutional abuse: Gibney handles them with care and restraint. There's no sensationalism—just a raw, understated emotional weight that lingers.
*Hidden Daughters* delivers an intriguing mystery, strong characters, and that familiar gritty small-town Irish atmosphere I’ve come to expect from this series. It’s not just about solving a case: it’s about reckoning with the past, piecing together broken truths, and seeking closure.
Another gripping and solid addition to the series: highly recommended if you enjoy crime fiction with both heart and bite.
Don’t read it at night if you're hoping to get some sleep: this book is addictive, and I found it hard to put down.
Many thanks to Bookouture for the digital copy: all opinions are my own.
August 1, 2025
Lottie and Boyd are taking a short vacation to visit his sister prior to her wedding. But Lottie soon finds herself at the centre of another murder investigation...
Hidden Daughters is the 15th book in the DI Lottie Parker series. It works as a stand alone book but Lottie's character and relationships have developed over the course of the series.
Lottie and Boyd have gone to visit his sister Grace ahead of her wedding, meeting her fiance forthe first time. But Bryan asks Lottie to investigate elements from his past to put his mind at rest. This puts her at odds with Boyd and Grace but her curious nature cannot be constrained! She then finds herself at the centre of a murder case when victims are killed after having boiling water poured on them. Meanwhile there is tension among Lottie's team back home due to past relationships and they have their own murder to solve: a woman's body in the river with signs of injury by boiling water...
There are chapters set in the past to show the unpleasant history of church abuse which is central to the plot. There are also sinister sections showing someone with an evil interest in Lottie and her investigation, wanting to keep their crimes a secret.
I was really engaged with this book but the content is quite upsetting at times. The abuses of the past are not avoided and I think this has an important message about never giving up on justice. I liked Lottie's tenacity even when it threatens her relationship, career and life!
Hidden Daughters is an engaging police procedural and crime thriller with a great sadness concerning past abuses.
Hidden Daughters is the 15th book in the DI Lottie Parker series. It works as a stand alone book but Lottie's character and relationships have developed over the course of the series.
Lottie and Boyd have gone to visit his sister Grace ahead of her wedding, meeting her fiance forthe first time. But Bryan asks Lottie to investigate elements from his past to put his mind at rest. This puts her at odds with Boyd and Grace but her curious nature cannot be constrained! She then finds herself at the centre of a murder case when victims are killed after having boiling water poured on them. Meanwhile there is tension among Lottie's team back home due to past relationships and they have their own murder to solve: a woman's body in the river with signs of injury by boiling water...
There are chapters set in the past to show the unpleasant history of church abuse which is central to the plot. There are also sinister sections showing someone with an evil interest in Lottie and her investigation, wanting to keep their crimes a secret.
I was really engaged with this book but the content is quite upsetting at times. The abuses of the past are not avoided and I think this has an important message about never giving up on justice. I liked Lottie's tenacity even when it threatens her relationship, career and life!
Hidden Daughters is an engaging police procedural and crime thriller with a great sadness concerning past abuses.
August 2, 2025
Lottie is off on her hols in this book. Well, if you can call staying with your partner's slightly frosty sister for her wedding a holiday. But as it turns out, Lottie has a welcome (for her anyway) distraction in a horrifying murder. She may not be in her jurisdiction but can you see that stopping Lottie?. But fear not, the murder capital of Ireland, Ragmullin has not been left out. Kirby is holding down the fort and dealing with an equally grisly killing that bears some striking similarities to the case that Lottie is 'helping' local police with. 'Helping' being a euphemism for totally hijacking.
I love the Lottie Parker book. I hope the author doesn't mind me saying that our heroine is a calamity wrapped in a disaster. If it can go wrong for it will and usually because she's done something utterly stupid. I relate to her. I imagine if you put a button in front of her and said don't push unless you want the worst to happen, she'd push it. As would I.
But you can't help but feel for her in this novel. She's in an awkward living situation so who can blame her for being glad for the distraction of an investigation? The problem is that it soon becomes apparent that the culprit might be closer than she thinks and put the whole reason for their breakaway in jeopardy.
The back story to this is very sad and unfortunately deeply rooted in reality. Patricia Gibney has tackled some of Ireland's more shameful history in the past and as always does so with sensitivity and does so again here. A great story very well written. If you haven't read any of these books yet, lucky you! You've got 15 top-notch mysteries to read.
I love the Lottie Parker book. I hope the author doesn't mind me saying that our heroine is a calamity wrapped in a disaster. If it can go wrong for it will and usually because she's done something utterly stupid. I relate to her. I imagine if you put a button in front of her and said don't push unless you want the worst to happen, she'd push it. As would I.
But you can't help but feel for her in this novel. She's in an awkward living situation so who can blame her for being glad for the distraction of an investigation? The problem is that it soon becomes apparent that the culprit might be closer than she thinks and put the whole reason for their breakaway in jeopardy.
The back story to this is very sad and unfortunately deeply rooted in reality. Patricia Gibney has tackled some of Ireland's more shameful history in the past and as always does so with sensitivity and does so again here. A great story very well written. If you haven't read any of these books yet, lucky you! You've got 15 top-notch mysteries to read.
June 13, 2025
Book 15 in the Detective Lottie Parker Series. I think most people are aware of the brutality of the Catholic Church in Ireland and their appalling treatment of young pregnant women, their new babies and indeed other children dumped in their ‘care’ by their families, known as the Magdalene Laundries. This book is based on one such Institution and the ramifications of the treatment and death of one particular child incarcerated within it.
Briefly, DI Lottie Parker has taken a break to attend her partner Boyd’s sister’s wedding in Connemara. However back in Ragmullin the team are dealing with the scalded and burnt body of an unidentified victim. Then Lottie is caught up in a murder near where she is staying and it appears both killings are of a similar nature and it can’t just be coincidence can it? With a local detective trying to keep his sanity as Lottie, without authority, gets involved, more murders occur and there is clearly a serial killer at large.
Lottie isn’t an easy character, she is flawed from her past and her partner, Boyd is struggling with her refusal to back down on her work. A vivid and at times graphic book with scenes which may cause distress to some but what a brilliant book. As for the perpetrators, and those in Authority who helped cover their crimes, may they all rot in h3ll. A compelling police procedural, emotional and tense this is a fantastic read.
Briefly, DI Lottie Parker has taken a break to attend her partner Boyd’s sister’s wedding in Connemara. However back in Ragmullin the team are dealing with the scalded and burnt body of an unidentified victim. Then Lottie is caught up in a murder near where she is staying and it appears both killings are of a similar nature and it can’t just be coincidence can it? With a local detective trying to keep his sanity as Lottie, without authority, gets involved, more murders occur and there is clearly a serial killer at large.
Lottie isn’t an easy character, she is flawed from her past and her partner, Boyd is struggling with her refusal to back down on her work. A vivid and at times graphic book with scenes which may cause distress to some but what a brilliant book. As for the perpetrators, and those in Authority who helped cover their crimes, may they all rot in h3ll. A compelling police procedural, emotional and tense this is a fantastic read.
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