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Little Lost Doe
One winter morning, a woman walks away from her family without a word, and nothing is ever the same again.
In the years that follow, her absence weaves itself into the lives of those she left behind, shaping choices they do not fully understand and leaving wounds that refuse to close. Her eldest daughter, now grown, is adrift in a world that feels both familiar and foreign, stumbling through the ruins of a childhood that never had the chance to heal.
Told with quiet intensity and emotional precision, Little Lost Doe is a haunting exploration of abandonment, memory, and the invisible threads that tie us to the people we lose. It is a story about the questions that go unanswered, the ache of not knowing, and the fragile hope that somewhere, somehow, there is still a way forward.
In the years that follow, her absence weaves itself into the lives of those she left behind, shaping choices they do not fully understand and leaving wounds that refuse to close. Her eldest daughter, now grown, is adrift in a world that feels both familiar and foreign, stumbling through the ruins of a childhood that never had the chance to heal.
Told with quiet intensity and emotional precision, Little Lost Doe is a haunting exploration of abandonment, memory, and the invisible threads that tie us to the people we lose. It is a story about the questions that go unanswered, the ache of not knowing, and the fragile hope that somewhere, somehow, there is still a way forward.
- GenresFiction
326 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2025
About the author
Jessica Bell
3 books32 followersJess was born in London, UK, in 1989, and grew up in Cheshire. She now lives in South Wales with her husband and children.
She has been writing since childhood, from stories scribbled in crayon to two self-published poetry books that are both unfindable and unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. No matter how hard anyone looks, they will never track them down (although Jess might one day release a few of the less cringe-worthy poems one day)
Her writing has always leaned towards the darker side of emotion, drawing vivid and honest feelings from her own experiences growing up.
Jess is currently studying for two Open University degrees: English Literature with Creative Writing, and Law. She is due to graduate in 2026. She has 8 diplomas in various subjects from Tudor History to Educational Psychology.
When she is not writing, Jess enjoys board games, murder podcasts, punch needling, and DIY projects, which she admits she is bad at but unstoppable in trying. She and her husband Simon have been married for two years and are saving for their honeymoon to Mexico. They hope to welcome a dog into their family once they move to a bigger house.
Her debut novel, Some Girls Drown, was published in 2025.
She has been writing since childhood, from stories scribbled in crayon to two self-published poetry books that are both unfindable and unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. No matter how hard anyone looks, they will never track them down (although Jess might one day release a few of the less cringe-worthy poems one day)
Her writing has always leaned towards the darker side of emotion, drawing vivid and honest feelings from her own experiences growing up.
Jess is currently studying for two Open University degrees: English Literature with Creative Writing, and Law. She is due to graduate in 2026. She has 8 diplomas in various subjects from Tudor History to Educational Psychology.
When she is not writing, Jess enjoys board games, murder podcasts, punch needling, and DIY projects, which she admits she is bad at but unstoppable in trying. She and her husband Simon have been married for two years and are saving for their honeymoon to Mexico. They hope to welcome a dog into their family once they move to a bigger house.
Her debut novel, Some Girls Drown, was published in 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 9, 2026
Little Lost Doe by Jessica Bell completely pulled me into its world from the very first pages. The writing was so immersive and easy to read that I lost track of time while reading. The characters felt incredibly real, and I became so invested in them that it felt like I was standing right beside them, watching every event unfold.
This story is genuinely terrifying in the best possible way. The tension builds so naturally that I found myself unable to stop turning pages, needing to know what would happen next. The atmosphere, suspense, and emotional depth all came together to create an unforgettable reading experience.
What impressed me most was how vividly the author brought everything to life. Not every book can make you feel as though you're actually inside the story, but Little Lost Doe did exactly that. It's one of those rare books that stays in your mind long after you've finished the final chapter.
My only complaint is that I wish it were part of a series because I wasn't ready to leave this world or these characters behind. I would happily read several more books set in this universe.
Jessica Bell deserves far more attention for this book. Her storytelling talent is incredible, and honestly, this is the kind of novel that should go viral among readers who love suspenseful, gripping, and emotionally engaging stories. If you're looking for a book that will completely absorb your imagination and keep you hooked until the very end, Little Lost Doe is one I highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This story is genuinely terrifying in the best possible way. The tension builds so naturally that I found myself unable to stop turning pages, needing to know what would happen next. The atmosphere, suspense, and emotional depth all came together to create an unforgettable reading experience.
What impressed me most was how vividly the author brought everything to life. Not every book can make you feel as though you're actually inside the story, but Little Lost Doe did exactly that. It's one of those rare books that stays in your mind long after you've finished the final chapter.
My only complaint is that I wish it were part of a series because I wasn't ready to leave this world or these characters behind. I would happily read several more books set in this universe.
Jessica Bell deserves far more attention for this book. Her storytelling talent is incredible, and honestly, this is the kind of novel that should go viral among readers who love suspenseful, gripping, and emotionally engaging stories. If you're looking for a book that will completely absorb your imagination and keep you hooked until the very end, Little Lost Doe is one I highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 5, 2026
Little Lost Doe is not an easy read as the story dives into some incredibly dark and difficult topics. At times, it was had to keep reading because of how heavy it felt, but I could not put it down. This was such an unsettling and unfortunately realistic read.
Thank you Goodreads and Jessica Bell for the e-ARC.
Thank you Goodreads and Jessica Bell for the e-ARC.
June 3, 2026
Utterly heartbreaking. Pure raw emotion. I despised half the people in this book for good reason and therefore could not stop thinking about them. This book was violent, emotional, rage-inducing and in all a pure emotional rollercoaster. One of the hardest books to read but so undeniably worth it. Cannot wait for the next book.
December 11, 2025
One of the most disturbing novels I have read.
September 21, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive and ARC for this book. This book altered my brain chemistry, I read the whole story in a day, staying up far too late because I just had to know what happened next. This story will break you but in the best ways. Once again, Jess proves she can right flawed characters but make you fall in love with them.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews