Forgotten: A Domestic Psychological Thriller About a Missing Child and Buried Secrets

by Alison Lyle

Ten years ago, Rose vanished. Today, her mother swears she’s come home.

After a fire destroys the house where her toddler daughter disappeared, Julia and her family move into a creaking Victorian across town. To everyone else, it’s a fresh start. To Julia, it’s a sign.

Now, in a snowbound neighborhood, she swears she sees her daughter’s footprints in the snow.

Her husband says she’s unraveling. Her children are embarrassed. The neighbors call her dangerous. But Julia knows what she saw. And she’ll risk her marriage, her sanity, and her freedom to prove that Rose is still alive. Until the night the truth finally comes out, and it’s worse than anything she imagined.

Forgotten is a gripping psychological thriller about obsession, buried secrets, and the price of refusing to let go.

“A haunting, heart-in-the-throat thriller that grips from the first page and doesn’t let go. I devoured it.” –Reader Review

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2026

About the author

Alison Lyle writes psychological thrillers and domestic suspense where tension builds quietly, and twists arrive in moments that make readers stop and rethink everything. Her stories explore obsession, control, and the fragile lies people tell themselves to survive.

Originally from Chicago, Alison now lives on Achill Island, Ireland, with her husband, seven kids, too many pets, and the occasional trespassing sheep.

Reviews

[Eileen Murphy-Schmehl]

Julia and Michael are reeling after a terrible loss that opens up painful wounds.

Julia and her family move into a new house in hopes that they can start over. The house is making weird noises- what is happening?

A great thriller with an unexpected twist( trust me, you’ll be thinking about it for a long time.)

A story of loss and rebuilding, this is a must read.

I received a copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did i just read!??😱

I’m still upset by this book, emotionally confused.

This book had everything what a very good thriller needs: creepy suspense, mind blowing twists and a fast pace that keeps you turning page after page… and of course a plot that you didn’t see coming!

This one has it all!! 😎.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story started off very slow for me and the timing felt off.  We start off with a house fire and then it seems in no time, we are moved and all settled into the new home. I did feel heartbroken for the family because their daughter, Rose, was missing and Julie is really struggling mentally. Some things just seemed repetitive.

After the total loss house fire results in a move to an old Victorian house, Julie starts to feel like the answers to Rose's disappance are all around her, she just needs to put them together. She truly seems to be unraveling. She is accusing neighbors of things, ignoring her twins, sneaking around and lying to her husband.

For a book that started off slow for me, it took off somewhere in the middle and you find out that there are a lot of secrets being kept and I liked where the story took me. You start to wonder if Julie is losing her mind or if she is truly on to something. The book has a big twist which I liked. The last line of the book had me like what??

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This suspenseful thriller is full of electrifying moments and profound growth. It begins with a transformative experience and it continues to inspire the entire book. It’s fast paced and has short chapters. Julia is a truly remarkable character. That twist I didn’t see coming until it was right in front of my face.

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family, secrets and not letting go and moving on. I was hooked on the 1st page. Lots of twists.

Thank you to Book Sirens for this ARC book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Kim Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgotten: A Domestic Psychological Thriller About a Missing Child and Buried Secrets by Alison Lyle

There’s something especially unsettling about thrillers that center on the long-term aftermath of a child’s disappearance, and Forgotten leans fully into that emotional devastation. The story follows Julie and Michael as they continue to navigate life ten years after their daughter, Rose, vanished. The narrative unfolds through Julie’s perspective, pulling readers into her grief, anger, fear, and growing uncertainty about what is real and what may be shaped by trauma. The emotional tension feels grounded and believable, which made several moments hit harder than I expected. I do recommend checking the content warnings beforehand, as some themes may be difficult for sensitive readers.

Once the story settles into its rhythm, the pacing picks up and becomes genuinely difficult to step away from. I found myself increasingly invested in Julie’s unraveling thoughts and the shifting sense of truth surrounding Rose’s disappearance. The psychological elements are where the novel truly shines, and the major plot twist completely caught me off guard in the best way. It’s the kind of reveal that makes you mentally retrace earlier chapters to see what you might have missed.

That said, the opening felt slightly rushed, particularly given how emotionally significant the initial disappearance is to the entire story. I found myself wishing for a little more time spent building that foundation before transitioning fully into the present timeline. While Rose’s backstory is revealed gradually throughout the novel, it occasionally feels fragmented rather than fully explored. The ending fits the tone of the story, but it may leave readers — myself included — wanting just a bit more closure.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

This was a gripping, emotionally driven thriller that delivers strong psychological tension and a genuinely surprising twist. I ultimately landed at 3.5 stars due to the rushed beginning and an ending that felt slightly underdeveloped in terms of resolution. Readers who enjoy character-focused thrillers that explore grief, trauma, and unreliable narration will likely find this a compelling and memorable read.

I received an advanced reader copy from BookSirens and am providing this review voluntarily.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family who have been struck by not one but two separate tragedies, a daughter-missing for over a decade, then a fire destroying their family home and only link left to Rose. Maybe the fire was a blessing in disguise, a fresh start for them all in a new house in a different part of town. Until one day Julia notices small footprints in the snow and she believes with her whole heart that it is Rose coming back to her. Everyone puts it down to a grieving mother who can't cope with the loss but Julia knows that something is not right and the truth she unveils is darker then even she could of imagined!

This book will have you hooked from the start giving you more questions then answers just to drag you deeper into the story.

What really happened to Rose on that fateful day ?

Is Julia loosing her mind or the neighbours really hiding some dark secret ?

In terms of writing typically too much repetition is not well liked but in this book the use of repetition was essential for showing just how deep in the rabbit hole Julia went trying to prove Rose was still alive. It helped emphasis the constant battle of trying to be their for her husband and other children while being sucked back into her trauma spiral of loosing Rose and trying to prove she is still alive even while everyone around her thinks she is delusional.

The story itself was very well planned only never quite giving you the right clues to solve the mystery of what happened too Rose and if it has anything to do with the creepy house next door.

The way this book shows how much a lose like this can tear a family apart most people tend to think a trauma like this means you should be able to lean on your other half but sadly that isn't typically the case. You will usually find that they blame each other or don't approve of how the other choosing to grieve, holding on to the past vs moving on to quickly, even though their is never a right and wrong answer to how someone should process an event like this.

If you love movies such as prisoners or books like the housemaid and we were liars i would 100% recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had higher expectations for this one. Unfortunately, I was questioning the logic almost immediately.

It starts with a family coming home from Christmas shopping to find their house on fire. Then by Christmas they are already moved into a new home that is fully decorated. The timeline just did not make sense. Insurance approval, payout, buying a new house, closing even with immediate occupancy, moving, buying all new furniture, and having everything decorated with a tree up would take way longer than that. I almost stopped reading right there.

What kept me going was the uncertainty of the mother. I never knew if she was actually living her life or stuck in some kind of long-term delusion. Some of her behavior was so extreme that I honestly wondered if she was hospitalized for the entire story. The twist came completely out of nowhere and I truly did not expect it. I love a twist like that. It also made me feel deeply for the mother of the missing child after years and years of manipulation.

The ending was not what I expected. It was kind of good but also frustrating. The last sentence really bothered me. Why was she there? Was someone arrested? Did she know the truth the whole time and was just waiting for a confession? So many things were left unanswered.

I would not really recommend this book, but I also do not feel like reading it was a waste of time. I am not even sure I would call it a thriller. It has crime and suspense, but it felt much more like suspense mixed with family drama. There are maybe one or two chapters that actually feel like crime with death and violence. Most of the story focuses on a mother searching for her missing child.

Thank you to the BookSirens for the ARC.

[Ruth May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten is one of those rare novels that tackles difficult subject matter with honesty, nuance, and a deep sense of humanity. Alison Lyle doesn’t shy away from challenging themes, yet she handles them with such authenticity that the story never feels sensationalised, just real, raw, and deeply affecting.

Julia, in particular, is a standout. I found myself connecting with her almost immediately. Her struggles feel lived‑in rather than constructed, and following her emotional journey is both heartbreaking and empowering. Lyle writes her with such clarity and compassion that it’s impossible not to root for her.

The pacing deserves its own praise. The first half lays careful groundwork, but the second half takes off at a breakneck speed. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Lyle pulled the rug out from under me, in the best possible way. The twists aren’t there for shock value; they feel earned, and they elevate the narrative rather than distract from it.

The writing throughout is sharp, confident, and immersive. It’s the kind of book you think about even when you’re not reading it.

A quick note on trigger warnings: I’m usually wary of them, but in this case, I think they’re warranted. The themes are heavy, and readers should know that going in. That said, I wouldn’t let it deter you. The story is worth it, beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant, and ultimately a fantastic read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tragedy forces a family into a new home, uncovering the emotional strain still prominent ten years after their toddler went missing from their driveway. Dad still battles his grief in silence, but Mom still hopes for her daughter’s return. Shortly after they move in, Mom sees signs that her daughter has returned to them. Everyone else calls her crazy, but her intuition tells her to keep searching.

This book immediately pulled me in with their tragic story. The mother’s anguish over her loss and the hope she holds onto are heartbreaking in the beginning, but slowly turn into an obsession and motivate her to make choices and take actions that further isolate her from her family and her community. She is neighborhood “crazy lady.” Even the readers will question whether or not the signs are real or mom’s imagination. This builds slowly at first, but gains momentum into a dramatic climax that left me reeling.

The book starts strong, but then it shifts into a slow build, but it started to feel a little too drawn out. It helped show the FMC’s decline, but it felt heavy and I can see some readers losing interest. That would be a shame, because once it picks up, it does not slow down until the end. The book did rely more on coincidence than I normally like.

This is a book you won’t see coming until it runs you over. Hang in through the slow parts. It’s 💯 worth it.

I received a free advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Veronica]

ARC REVIEW

Julia’s toddler daughter, Rose, disappeared without a trace a decade ago. No body. No answers. Just a loss that never stopped echoing.

After a fire destroys the home where Rose vanished, Julia and her family relocate to an old Victorian house across town. Everyone else sees it as a chance to move forward. Julia sees something else entirely.

Then the snow falls… and she’s certain she spots tiny footprints outside.

From that moment on, the tension never lets up. Is this a mother’s intuition refusing to be silenced — or is her grief finally consuming her? Her husband believes she’s falling apart. Her children pull away. The neighbours whisper. But Julia is determined to prove she isn’t imagining it… no matter the cost.

What I loved most about this book was how it blurs the line between hope and obsession. It keeps you constantly questioning what’s real. The wintry, isolated setting makes everything feel colder, heavier, and more suffocating as the story unfolds.

And when the truth finally surfaces? It’s not what you expect — and it hits hard.

If you’re into slow-burning psychological suspense with emotional weight and a creeping sense of unease, this is one to add to your TBR.

Thanks @booksirens and Alison Lyle for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.

[Savannah Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you To BookSirens and the Author for an eARC of this book!
This book had a lot going on at times but I really enjoyed it. The first half was a little slow, but the second half really had me engaged.

This book follows Julia, a grieving mother who's child went missing years ago and she never got that closure. She sees and hears Rose in everything that she does and is desperate to find her and hopeful that she will. This desperation causes tension with her husband, other children and people in the community. Everyone sees a woman completely stricken with grief and and going mad. When a fire destroys their home, the family moves to a historical home. Julia starts hearing things in the house that can't be explained. Something is strange about her neighbors. When it is revealed that the homes are connected by a basement storm shelter, she is convinced that her neighbors have something to do with what happened to Rose. Have they been hiding her all these years? When you are reading this, it's hard to tell if Julia is truly going mad with grief or if there is actually something more sinister going on.

I rate this one a solid 3.75/5 Stars! I think you should give this book a try! I will be reading more from the Author!

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, emotional thriller with twists.

The author writes rich, vivid, visceral descriptions which immerse the reader in plot and main character. We are shown how a mother deep into grief for her toddler daughter who was abducted ten years previously, is still searching and yearning for signs of her missing child. We witness the effect this has had on her relationships with her husband and twin ten-year-olds. We also discover the ways others have reacted and treated our distressed mother over time. Action from the beginning with a home on fire forcing a move of this nuclear family to an older property in a different neighbourhood. Far from this being the anticipated fresh start, the grieving mother looks for more signs which will lead her to her missing daughter. There are several twists as secrets and lies are revealed with a dramatic underground climax. It's a compelling read and well-paced. It really drew me in and I was attached to the main character. I liked the twist in the epilogue leaving the reader to make their own inferences about next events.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story opens with the narrator and her family arriving home to see their house burning. While this itself was a tragic event, she is convinced that she sees her daughter, who has been missing for ten years. The story, written in first person, was challenging to follow, as the narrator’s mental state varies in lucidity. This caused uncertainty about what she believed was a trail to her missing daughter, but also feared may lead her to be institutionalized again for relapsing into the mental state the original loss of her daughter caused.
The story developed slowly. The narrator often admitted to struggling with reality, and recognized, at times, her obsessive behavior. Three characters, her husband, a clinical psychologist, and a police detective, attempted to anchor her to sanity. The action finally moved from mental to real world danger, with two plot twists in the last fifty pages. While I am glad I finished this story, between the first person perspective, and a plot twist, I was mentally tired at the conclusion.
I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.

Author Alison Lyle's Forgotten is an addictive, heartbreaking story that plunges parents' Julia and Michael into absolute hell as they and their children lose their home to a fire... ten years after their oldest daughter, Rose vanished into thin air when she was two years old. After enduring so much emotional and mental torture do to their vanished daughter, Julia sees within their ruined home; possibly Rose could be alive- and begins the distorted mother's obsession to find the truth, and hopefully her daughter. Even after the family has come to a new home; Julia's mental well being spirals dangerously to new low that for her husband scars him as never before and fights to protect his family and then wife hey loves from all consuming darkness that's eating away at everyone's sanity. The harrowing truth of what happened to Rose unearths a hard kept destructive secret and even sheds light onto something far more sinister happening within the neighborhood that no one could have imagined.


Highly recommended.

[The Chapter Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgotten by Alison Lyle was an okay read for me—solid, but not one that fully clicked. Julia and Michael seem to have impossibly bad luck: first, their toddler daughter Rose vanishes, and ten years later, their home is destroyed in a house fire. After moving into a new house just blocks from their old neighborhood, Julia begins to unravel once again.

Lyle does an excellent job portraying a mother’s grief and the way unresolved trauma can resurface years later—those emotional moments felt very real. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with either Julia or Michael, and the overall story felt unrealistic and oddly timed, which pulled me out of it more than once.

The ending was definitely unexpected, but instead of feeling satisfying, it left me more disappointed than impressed. An interesting premise with strong emotional intent, but it didn’t quite come together for me.

Huge thanks to BookSirens for the free advance review copy of this book! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shmuggz Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fear sharpens. Fear guides.”

Alison Lyle delivers another sensory journey of chaos in her latest installment, “Forgotten.” A mother staggers along the line of reality and psychosis, wrangling and channeling grief, loss, and hidden secrets. A husband seemingly holding it all together, navigating through her world, trying not to lose himself in the midst. A family torn apart yet brought together by motivational madness and constant fear, this book will have you questioning everything over and over again.

“They don’t understand that the only way out is through it.”

Alison possesses an amazing ability to create electric sensory vibes, claustrophobic feelings, and even the weather sticks to your skin. Her use of language adds such vivid colors of raw emotion that propel the story forward. She spoon-feeds her classic plot twists, slamming you into a wall at 90mph. The world she so carefully built is dropped out underneath you, leaving you breathless.

I highly recommend this read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eva Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten by Alison Lyle is a gut-wrenching, electrifying domestic thriller that explores the agony of a missing child and the toxic weight of buried secrets. This story is a masterclass in suspense, keeping the reader in a constant state of overthinking and second-guessing. The chapters are short and punchy, creating a breakneck pace that makes it nearly impossible to put down.

Julia is a profoundly well-drawn character; the author does an incredible job of portraying her raw grief and "never-ending hope" while simultaneously making the reader question her reliability. It is a heartbreaking narrative that tackles sensitive subject matter with genuine humanity and nuance. And then there is the ending—a twist like a "slap in the face" that is as devastating as it is unexpected. It is a chilling, emotional rollercoaster that stays with you long after the final page. It earns 5 emotional stars.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts with a fire in the home. Julia is upset at the thought of her home burning and her family moving because she is sure that her daughter, who was kidnapped when she was 3 will come back. They move to a new home, a new neighborhood and Juia tries to adjust but something is suspicious at the neighbor's house.

I keep reading trying to figure out if the daughter is still alive and what really happened to her. Then I was wondering what was going on in the house next door. The husband's reveal was shocking but I just didn't care for this storyline. From "imprisonment" to a mother's love, and relationship between Julia and her husband I just couldn't resonate.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca Kaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Forgotten by Alison Lyle is a moody, character-driven literary mystery that explores memory, buried truth, and the emotional cost of silence. With introspective prose and a slow-burn structure, the novel peels back layers of the past through intimate psychological detail rather than plot spectacle. Lyle delivers a reflective, atmosphere-rich narrative anchored by complex relationships and steady emotional tension.

A thoughtful, atmospheric read that explores how memory and truth shape identity. Best suited for readers who enjoy psychological and emotional depth over speed and spectacle. If you like quiet tension, reflective themes, and character-driven mystery, this book is for you!!

[Maja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do honestly have mixed feelings about this one, and I really was not sure how to rate the book. On one hand, it was a really solid thriller full of just the right level of suspense, the story was moving along in a fast pace, and the short chapters were just right for me. And I did also really, really feel for Julie and wished so hard things would turn for her, and her world would finally look brighter again. Also, bonus points for the old Victorian mansion.

One the other hand, the timeline of all the things happening just felt…. off and made no sense to me. I did push through, but was left with a lot of questions still in the end. So, 3 stars from me for this one.

[Melissa Ajmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tense psychological thriller that builds unease through isolation, buried secrets, and steadily escalating stakes. I found the pacing effective, allowing tension to grow organically as past and present begin to collide. The wintry setting adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere, reinforcing the sense that danger is closing in. A solid choice for readers who enjoy character-driven suspense with a slow-burn edge.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pheadra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story starts off with a terrible fire that dessimates a family home. In the process, the young daughter(Rose) goes missing. We then jump to the family in their new home across town where mother Julia insists she has seen Rose's footprints in the snow. Everyone is skeptical and starts doubting Julia's sanity.
I wouldn't call this a psychological thriller as much as a domestic thriller in which secrets come to the fore intermingled with heartache and betrayal. 3 and a half stars

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten by Alison Lyle is a gripping domestic psychological thriller that pulled me in right from the beginning. The suspense builds steadily, with twists and emotional tension that kept me guessing the entire way through. The characters feel realistic, and the atmosphere is intense and unsettling in the best way. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers filled with secrets, deception, and unexpected turns, this is a must-read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Julia’s two year old is kidnapped while she’s in the hospital with her preemie twins she shuts down. After a stint in a mental facility she comes back to her family and she tries to forget Rose.
But after a tragic fire burns their house down she spirals again and begins hearing things in their new home.
Is it Rose? Is it her imagination? Or is it more than that?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Booksprout for the free ARC!
This was a very good novel, very psychologically stimulating, and very interesting storyline. I have read all of Alison Lyle’s books and she’s such a great read. I believe this is my favorite novel that she’s written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a crazy ride! I couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t which is why I enjoyed this so much. I literally was questioning every character. I had so much fun with it. I definitely recommend if you want a quick, enjoyable thriller where you don’t have to think too much.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this book. The story felt illogical from the start, and the plot kept stretching believability in a way that pulled me out of it. The ending was unexpected, but not in a satisfying way, and it left me more frustrated than intrigued. Overall, this is a generous 2 stars for me. I'm not sure if I will read something else from this author.

[TJ Turns Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just average for me. It started off very slow as others have mentioned and it did pick up slightly in the middle but it didn’t save it for me. The twist was OK but overall I don’t know if I’d recommend this to somebody. Three stars. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Garnet Castle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like the story was all over the place. I had to reread a few pages just to understand the story. I did, however, enjoy the one small twist that I wasn’t expecting. I had to push myself to finish reading the book. I also felt the ending could have come together better.