They Have My Baby

by Ruby Speechley

‘A chilling page-turner…Gripping and twisty, I was hooked until the last page.’ Sophie Flynn, author of All My Lies They’re in your house.

They want your life.

And now, they have your baby.

To the world, I’m @HappyWife. Online, people only see my picture-perfect home, my handsome husband, Nick, and my beautiful baby, Thomas.

They don’t see the real Gemma Adams. They don’t see my past, the dark secrets I’m hiding in my marriage. They don’t see the fear I live in every single day.

But I know someone is watching me. And now, they’ve taken Thomas.

I just don’t know why.

But I’m going to stop at nothing to get my baby back.

Even if it destroys everything I’ve got to find him.

A compelling thriller, packed with suspense - fans of K.L. Slater and Lisa Jewell won't be able to put it down.

Praise for The Face at the Window:

'Tense and heartbreaking, this emotional thriller really got under my skin.' Barbara Copperthwaite, author of The Girl in the Missing Poster

‘Races towards an explosive ending. A compelling and engrossing read!’ Jane Isaac, author of One Good Lie

'An emotional rollercoaster of a thriller with twists and turns that kept me hooked from page one.' Karen Coles, author of The Asylum

‘Chilling,twisty, emotional and compulsive, this is psychological thriller writing at its best!’ A.A. Chaudhuri, author of She's Mine

‘Loved this book!! The twists just kept coming’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review

‘A great page turner, brilliantly addictive with great characters and I just loved every page.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review

‘Wow - just wow…took a plot twist that I wasn't expecting.’ Reader Review

‘Kept me turning the pages late into the night…The ending was satisfying and unexpected.’ Reader Review

‘A great read with loads of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end.’ Reader Review

‘This book was incredible!...It was so hard to put down…Would definitely recommend.’ Reader Review

‘Packed full of suspense, nail-biting angst and drama, this is one you definitely don't want to miss!’ Reader Review

‘Wow!...This book definitely gave me chills!’ Reader Review

‘This is so addictive writing. Definitely recommend it.’ ‘A great page turner, brilliantly addictive with great characters and I just loved every page.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review

‘This was a very good page turner… it’s full of twists and turns throughout, the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat.’ Reader Review

‘Read in one sitting! Dark, frightening and twisty story that you won't be able to put down’ Reader Review

Genres: Thriller

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2026

About the author

Ruby Speechley is a psychological thriller writer. Her debut novel, Someone Else’s Baby, was published by Hera Books on 25 July 2019.

You can contact her on Twitter: @rubyspeechley, Facebook: ‘Ruby Speechley Author’ or via her website: rubyspeechley.com

Reviews

[Lady MacDeath 🌒🌕🌘 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty two year old Gemma is married to the handsome and controlling, older man Nick. Twenty year old Scarlett is having an affair with the much older, wickedly handsome Cole. “Both” men are absolute dirtbags. One day while out at the grocery store with her new baby, five day old Thomas, Gemma is struggling with the crying baby, and one of her employees Rosie, who happens to be in the store, offers to take care of Thomas, while Gemma continues with her shopping. But when Gemma goes to meet Rosie at the agreed meeting point, she finds Rosie and Thomas aren’t there…

This is my second book which I have read from Ruby Speechley, and I really enjoyed it. Full of twists and turns, and a lot of raised eyebrow moments. I knew what was going on, quite early in the book, but the ending was definitely unexpected, which I never saw coming. Recommend to all who love a psychological thriller.

4 ⭐️

Thanks to Ruby Speechley, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

Available: 14 May 2026

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

*They Have My Baby* was such a gripping, fast-paced read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Told from both Scarlett and Gemma’s perspectives, the dual POV added so much depth to the story and really allowed me to connect with each character’s emotions and motivations.

At its core, the story revolves around a complicated love triangle, but it goes much deeper than that—there’s betrayal, secrets, and a strong thread of revenge against a man who absolutely deserves it. I loved how the tension built throughout the book, and just when I thought I had things figured out, there were twists that kept me turning the pages.

Scarlett and Gemma were both compelling in their own ways, and watching how their stories intertwined was incredibly satisfying. The pacing was spot on, making it an easy but intense read that I couldn’t put down.

Overall, I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something dramatic, addictive, and full of twists. Definitely a 4.5 star read!

[c.kingreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️.

I CRIED SO MUCH. I felt so bad what happened to Scarlett and Gemma! I hate Gemma’s husband. He is the WORST WORST. The fact in the real life it’s very common this type of situation. In many scenes, Scarlett got me on my nerves. I was like girl, HATE THE MAN. YOU CAN HATE HIM JSJSJS

I never expected that plot twist. LIKE WHAT AAAAAA.

I enjoy this book so much. I like the author’s writing style. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 star from me.This was an absolutely captivating read from beginning to end. The pacing was wonderfully executed, maintaining a swift momentum that ensured my attention never wavered. I was hooked and thoroughly engrossed with the narrative throughout the entire book.

The core storyline was fantastic, brimming with intrigue, and I particularly enjoyed the rich layer of mystery woven around the male protagonist. This element added considerable depth and kept me guessing with every turning page. The character development was nuanced, and the plot offered a refreshing and exciting escape.

I would enthusiastically recommend this book to my friends, family, and anyone seeking a thrilling and well-crafted story.

Thank you, #NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this compelling novel in exchange for my honest review.

My rating for this title is a very solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Have My Baby is one of those thrillers that slips under your skin from the very first page. What looks, on the surface, like a glossy, curated life — the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect little family — begins to crack almost immediately, and Gemma Adams’ world unravels with a kind of quiet, relentless dread that feels all too believable.

Gemma is such a compelling narrator precisely because she’s not the woman her online persona suggests. Behind the @HappyWife façade is someone carrying fear, guilt, and a past she’s spent years trying to outrun. That tension between the life she presents and the life she actually lives gives the story a sharp emotional edge. When her baby, Thomas, is taken, the panic feels raw and intimate, not just a plot twist but the collapse of everything she’s been holding together with trembling hands.

The novel plays beautifully with the idea of being watched — by strangers, by loved ones, by the ghosts of your own choices. Every character around Gemma seems to hold a piece of the puzzle, and the sense of mistrust builds with each chapter. The atmosphere is taut, almost claustrophobic at times, as if the walls of her perfect home are inching closer with every revelation.

What I enjoyed most is how the story balances pace with emotion. The twists come quickly, but they’re anchored in Gemma’s desperation, her fierce love for her child, and the secrets she’s terrified will surface. It’s a thriller that understands the power of vulnerability, and how easily it can be exploited.

Dark, addictive, and quietly heartbreaking, They Have My Baby is a gripping exploration of fear, identity, and the dangerous illusions we build to survive. Fans of K.L. Slater and Lisa Jewell will feel right at home in its shadows.

With thanks to Ruby Speechley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, which I finished in less than a day. It centers on 2 protagonists: Gemma, who is living what looks like the perfect life with her husband and brand-new baby; and Scarlett, a young girl who is infatuated with the older man she has been dating. The story starts with Gemma's baby being taken by someone she thought was a friend, and then flips back and forth between the current time and both Gemma's and Scarlett's backstories leading up to the incident.

While it's pretty easy to figure out how these 2 storylines converge, I still found it interesting to read about all of the things that led up to the big moment. Gemma is a likable character who I definitely felt for the more I read about the events that have gotten her to her current situation. Scarlett, on the other hand, is insufferable, though I do believe she actually experienced growth as the story continued, and sometimes that is all you can ask for. Scarlett's friend Amy was somehow more likable than Scarlett even though she was kind of a horrible person too. Nick, Gemma's husband, is the worst of them all. and it was easy to root against him. The story took a unique view on the "stole my child" situation, as the characters made decisions on what they were sure other characters were going to do, and when they DIDN"T do those things, the whole plot became a lot more stressful and complicated than it could have been. I appreciated that vibe. The ending of the book was satisfying and worked well with the rest of the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and thought it was a unique take on a common story in this genre. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Have My Baby by Ruby Speechley is a tense and emotionally charged psychological thriller that taps into one of the most terrifying fears imaginable. From the very first chapter, the story creates a strong sense of panic and desperation that made it difficult to put down.

The emotional stakes are incredibly high throughout the book, and Speechley does a great job capturing the fear, confusion, and helplessness of the situation. The main character’s determination and emotional unraveling felt believable, which made it easy to become invested in her journey. I appreciated that the story focused not only on the mystery itself, but also on the psychological toll it takes.

The pacing is fast and addictive, with short chapters and constant tension that keep the story moving. There are several twists woven throughout, some more predictable than others, but they still kept me engaged and eager to see how everything would unfold.

One of the strongest aspects of the novel is the atmosphere of uncertainty. Nearly every interaction feels loaded with suspicion, and the story does a good job making you question who can actually be trusted. That growing paranoia added a lot to the suspense.

While some plot points required a bit of suspension of disbelief, the emotional intensity and steady momentum made it easy to stay caught up in the story. It’s definitely one of those thrillers that prioritizes tension and entertainment over complete realism.

Overall, They Have My Baby is a gripping and dramatic psychological thriller filled with secrets, fear, and emotional twists. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy fast-paced domestic suspense with high emotional stakes and plenty of tension.

[Susan Belman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this is being marketed as a thriller, but I’d definitely call it a psychological thriller too because the emotional unraveling and manipulation are what really drive this story!

Ruby Speechly does a good job capturing the fear and desperation of a mother already hanging by a thread before things become even more horrifying. On the surface, Gemma looks like she has the perfect life online as @HappyWife … handsome husband, beautiful baby, picture-perfect home. Reality? Not so much. And then her baby is taken.

Honestly, the emotional side of this story hit harder than the mystery at times. Watching Gemma realize the people around her may not be who she thought they were was heartbreaking and stressful in the best thriller way. There were a few twists I suspected early on, but a couple genuinely caught me off guard. I stayed completely invested because I *needed* answers, the backstories, the secrets in her marriage, the motivations behind everything. But more than anything, I needed her to get her baby back. The betrayals in this book felt especially brutal because of how vulnerable and isolated Gemma already was. That emotional tension kept the story moving just as much as the suspense did.

Overall, this was a tense, emotional, fast-paced psychological thriller with enough twists and paranoia to keep me hooked the entire time. Definitely worth picking up if you like domestic thrillers where nobody feels fully trustworthy and the stakes feel painfully personal.

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one really said “you think you know what’s happening?” and then flipped the whole table like a reality TV finale.

Thank you to Ruby Speechley, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the ARC of They Have My Baby—because wow, this book did not follow the script I had neatly laid out in my head. Every time I thought I had it pinned down, it slipped away like a plot twist on roller skates.

Let’s talk characters. Gemma? I was on her side. Stressed, messy, trying to hold it together—I get it. Scarlett? Now listen… I did not expect to like her, but here we are. She had layers, and I’m a sucker for a character who makes me change my mind mid-read.

The story itself is… different. Not your typical thriller formula, not your predictable “aha” moments. It zigged when I was ready for a zag, and while that kept things interesting, it didn’t always wow me. The twist was there, just not the kind that knocks you off your chair—more like a polite shove.

🌶️ Sass level takeaway: She’s not the loud, dramatic thriller screaming for attention—she’s the quieter one in the corner who still manages to stir the pot just enough to keep things spicy.

⭐ Final Verdict: 3.5 stars. A solid, slightly offbeat thriller that plays its own game. Not mind-blowing, but definitely not boring either. Worth the read if you like your twists a little less predictable and your characters a little complicated.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Speechley’s They Have My Baby is a tense and emotional psychological thriller that completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. The story taps into every parent’s worst nightmare and builds the suspense brilliantly with secrets, manipulation, and shocking twists along the way.

Gemma’s fear and desperation felt incredibly real, especially as the cracks in her seemingly perfect life begin to show. The multiple POVs and timelines kept the tension high, and I loved how every chapter revealed another layer of deception. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist appeared.

The emotional side of the story was just as gripping as the mystery itself. The relationships were messy, intense, and at times heartbreaking, and there were definitely characters I loved to hate. Nick in particular was infuriating in the best possible way. I also really enjoyed the contrast between the perfect image shown online and the much darker reality behind closed doors.

Fast-paced, addictive, and full of drama, this was one of those thrillers where I kept saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was at the end. The final twists completely caught me off guard and left me thinking about the story long after I finished.

A gripping, emotional thriller packed with tension, secrets, and twists. Perfect for fans of domestic psychological suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ruby Speechley, and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can highly recommend They Have My Baby (Kindle Edition) a fast paced, exciting thriller by Ruby Speechly


Gemma Adams is married to Nick and they have a baby son Thomas. They appear to portray the happy couple to outsiders, but once indoors, the idyllic image is shattered like splintered glass, revealing secrets from both Gemma and Nick.

Someone is watching and waiting to step into Gemma's shoes but is unaware of what she is letting herself in for.

Gemma lets a Rosie, a colleague from her work place look after Thomas whilst she shopped in a supermarket, but when she comes out the designated spot where she said she would meet up with Rosie at a nearby bench,there is no sign of Rosie or baby Thomas. Rosie is not answereing her mobile and a police appeal is put out but to no avail.

Nick is a controlling husband and Gemma's nerves are torn to shreds as she knows what he will do to her when she comes home without baby Thomas.

I felt for Gemma as she had no Father figure in her life and her Mother had never revealed whether he was alive or dead.

Gemma is looking for love and affection, and marries Nick, who has lied about his age to her. One lie will lead to another and another until Gemma finds out why her Mother never wanted Gemma to know anything about her Father.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Not every thriller grabs you and refuses to let go, but this one absolutely did. Ruby Speechley is quickly becoming a go-to author for me, and this is my second read by her after Stolen. Just like that first book, I was pulled in almost instantly. There’s something about her pacing that just works, it’s sharp, fast, and completely addictive.

What really stood out to me was the constant sense of unease woven throughout the story. The premise alone is chilling, but it’s the execution that kept me turning the pages. The twists kept coming, and while some were more predictable than others, I still found myself completely invested in how everything would unfold. I also loved how emotionally charged the storyline felt, especially as a parent, it hit a little harder.

That said, there were a few moments where things leaned a bit over the top, and I had to suspend disbelief more than I typically like. Some parts felt slightly repetitive, especially when reinforcing the main character’s fear and urgency, which occasionally slowed the momentum just a bit.

Overall, this was a solid, gripping thriller that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a twisty thriller that keeps you glued to the page, this one is dangerously bingeable.

On the surface, Gemma Adams looks like she has it all — the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect life. But behind that polished image is a much darker reality… one filled with secrets, fear, and control.

Then the unthinkable happens: her baby is taken.

What follows is a tense, emotional unraveling as everything begins to surface — and just how far things spiral in the search for the truth.

There’s also a second storyline running alongside about identity and family that might feel a little separate at first… but it all comes together in the end. That final twist? More of a shock than anything else, and it definitely stays with you.

A big theme here is domestic abuse, and it’s handled in a way that feels raw and authentic without being exploitative. It adds real depth to the story and the characters.

The chapters are short and punchy, which makes it ridiculously easy to say “just one more”… and suddenly it’s 2am

Not every character makes good choices (understatement of the year), but the way everything unfolds makes it hard to look away.

Perfect for fans of fast-paced psychological thrillers with messy characters and powerful twists.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the world, I'm known as @HappyWife. Online,people can only see my picture-perfect home, my handsome husband, Nick, andmy beautiful baby, Thomas. They don't see the real Gemma Adams. They don't see my past, the dark secrets I'm hiding in my marriage. They don't see the dear I live in every day. But I know someone is watching me. And now they've taken Thomas. I just don't know why. But I'm going to stop at nothing to get my baby back. Even if it destroys everything I've got to find him.

The story is told from Scarlett and Gemma's perspectives, the pace is fast, and the characters are well-developed in this gripping read. Gemma is well-known as @HappyWife, but not all is as it seems. Gemma, her husband Nick and baby Thomas look like the perfect little family to the outside world. But at home its a different story. Someone is watching Gemma, waiting to take over from her. Then baby Thomas goes missing. The premise is chilling, there were plenty of twists and I could not put this book down.

Published 14th May 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RubySpechley for my ARC of #TheyHaveMyBaby in exchange for an honest review.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gemma is having a baby with her much older husband and while her life looks great on paper, there are some major issues. Scarlett is dating an older man who is separated from his wife and she is looking for a bigger commitment from him. A few days after Gemma's baby is born, Gemma is in a long checkout line and the baby is fussing, so when a girl who works at her restaurant happens to be there and offers to take the baby outside, she takes her up on it. But when Gemma goes outside, the baby is nowhere to be found.

I was really engaged in this book and when I put it down I really wanted to get back to it. Even though you kind of knew what was going on throughout, I was still engaged because I was sure there was more to the story. There kind of was, relating to Scarlett's backstory, but I didn't feel like that was well connected with the abduction. Overall a good read but if there had been more surprises it would have been a 5 star.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Gripping Story of Deception!
Ruby Speechley delivers a chillingly realistic thriller that grabs you and doesn't let go.
Gemma is about to give birth, living a curated online existence that hides a toxic reality involving her husband, Nick. Meanwhile, Scarlett is a vulnerable young woman convinced that Nick belongs with her instead. ​
As the story shifts between their perspectives, the true horror of coercive control comes into focus. Nick is a truly loathsome figure, manipulating both women with clinical precision. While Scarlett is immature, her deep yearning for family makes her actions feel tragic rather than simply malicious.
You will find yourself racing through the pages desperate for both women to escape Nick's influence as their lives inevitably crash together. The dark subject matter is handled with sensitivity and care, leading to a stunning unexpected ending.
Perfect for fans of twisty, intriguing psychological suspense.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.

[Emma-Louise Wykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

This was so good I stayed up all night to read it. Pacey, engaging and full of twists.

The main plot follows the pre planned abduction of a newborn baby by a young girl who had been having an affair with the baby's father. There is a sub plot running alongside featuring Scarlet/Rosie's desire to find out who her father is. I was a little puzzled by this at first, and couldn't work out the relevance, but the author brings everything together at the end, with another mad twist in the last page or two.

There is a strong theme of domestic abuse throughout the book. I am a survivor of domestic abuse, and the subject matter was handled realistically and with care.

My only criticism is that Scarlet/Rosie and her friend Amy were supposedly 21, however they come across a bit younger. I kept forgetting they were adults, thinking they sounded more like 16/17 year olds.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: They Have My Baby
Author: Ruby Speechley
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: May 14, 2026

This thriller is told from multiple points of view, alternating between the past and the present.

Gemma seems like a nice girl who is stuck in a bad situation. Her husband, Nick, is truly a narcissistic bully. I honestly couldn't figure out what his motive/end game was to preying on young girls.

There is one main storyline which involves the kidnapping of Gemma and Nick's baby, but there is another smaller storyline taking place simultaneously. Who is Scarlett's father??

The conclusion to Gemma's story is quite lovely. She's such a kind, understanding woman. I felt that the conclusion to Scarlett's mystery was crazy and took over the end of the book. It honestly wasn't necessary and took away from an otherwise happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
I Want My Baby by Ruby Speechly is a really gripping psychological thriller that follows Gemma, a new mum whose world is turned upside down after a stressful supermarket trip. When a seemingly kind employee, Scarlett, offers to watch her baby for a moment, the unthinkable happens—and her child disappears.
Told through dual perspectives, this adds an extra layer of tension as things slowly start to come together. The short chapters made this such an easy, bingeable read, and I found myself flying through it. It’s fast-paced and has that constant uneasy feeling that keeps you hooked. I also really enjoyed the plot twist at the end—it definitely added an extra punch to the story.
Definitely recommend this if you enjoy twisty domestic thrillers.

[Riette Beling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness me this was crazy!

The story starts of a bit slow and it seems like it is very repetitive in the beginning, but this helps so much to make you understand this the despair that Gemma is going through. As we go further on and now how have dual POV with Gemma and Scarlett - it did take me a minute to understand who the other girl was, but after that ..... mind blown!

Now the story unravels at such a pace - I was hooked!
The utter disgust I felt towards the male character was intense and I was astounded by what was going on. This was not even the last of! The last few chapters totally threw me and I sat there afterwards and went what the actual ......

This was great in the end! Absolutely crazy with twists that was just so intense! Great read and great job to @rubyjtspeechley!

Thank you to @themurderlist and @netgalley for this advanced reader copy

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Ruby Speechley's psychological thrillers.
This one is good, but trigger warnings of GBV should be included.

The story is tense, and at first confusing, as the POV's change and one isn't certain of the identity of one of the characters. I did suspect though, I have read enough of these kind of books that I recognize a red herring.
But it will be revealed if you carry on reading!

Very emotional - a girl who is desperate to know who her father is, and this is why I suspect she got involved with the wrong type of man.

There are a couple of massive twists at the end of the book, which I wasn't expecting.

All in all, a good read in my opinion.
I don't, in any way, condone what Amy and Scarlett did, but it turned out to be a good thing in the end.

4/5 stars.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

They’re in your house. They want your life. And now, they have your baby. Will Gemma get her baby back? Who took Thomas?

This is my fourth Ruby Speechley book – I knew I would love it! Her writing is fast-paced, and this was a true page turner with its short chapters. The theme of Gemma being watched and not knowing who to trust created a constant sense of unease that kept me totally interested. It was a gripping, suspenseful storyline with definitely relatable fear and twisty plots that kept me guessing. It was a compelling, addictive read that will appeal to anyone who loves domestic and psychological thrillers because it’s not just about a missing child but about secrets and how far someone will go to reclaim what they’ve lost. I loved it!

[Hasina Begum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books involving missing children or babies always hit me hard, so They Have My Baby was a deeply emotional read for me right from the start. But despite how heavy the subject matter was, I was utterly hooked by the premise so much so that I ended up reading the entire book in one single sitting!

The pacing was absolutely spot on, and the way the mystery unraveled kept me glued to the pages. I usually pride myself on guessing where a thriller is headed, and I thought I had this one all figured out. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was completely wrong!

Ruby Speechley delivers a tense, fast-paced, and emotional ride that will keep you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended if you want a thriller you can't put down!

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I knew there was a new book by Ruby Speechley. I’ve loved her other books and this is no exception.

They Have My Baby is told in alternate chapters.

I really felt immediate concern for Gemma. Nick was so manipulative.

I was hoping she’d find Thomas.

There are so many twists and everything is realistic. There are so many twists and everything is realistic with good attention to detail, emotions, and experiences.
Ruby Speechley does a really great job of showing the characters’ backstories.


5 stars

Thanks to Ruby Speechley and Boldwood Books for an advance review copy.

[Carol Werner Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Have My Baby
by Ruby Speechley
Pub Date: May 14 2026

Ruby Speechley's They Have My Baby is a solid, quick-reading domestic thriller with a great hook. The book centers on Gemma, a social media mom-fluencer whose dark marital secrets are exposed when her baby, Thomas, vanishes. I really felt for Gemma—she is a genuinely kind protagonist trapped in an anxious, terrifying situation with a narcissistic bully of a husband, Nick.

The main kidnapping mystery kept me flipping the pages quickly to find out what happened.

I'd like to thank #TheyHaveMyBaby #NetGalley and #BoldWoodBooks for providing me an E-ARC of this wonderful read!

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me first thank Netgalley and also Boldwood Books for this ARC!

I do like Ruby Speechley's books and I think this one was a solid read. But I also feel that with this one, the story dragged along at some places instead of holding me in it's grip - also because iot was a bit long fopr my taste with nearly 400 pages. At other points though, I could not turn the pages fast enough, needing to know what would happen next. It was also making me very emotional at times, more than some other thriller books I have been reading. I was really feeling for poor Gemma. And I really hated Nick! Overall, I am giving this one 4 well-earned stars.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my heart pounding throughout the entire story as it unfolded. Told in two timelines.
“Ruby” has infiltrated Gemma and her husbands, Nick’s life. Gemma trust her friend, but when her baby disappears, things get very intense.

Lots of twists, but kept my attention.

Another part of the story is of a girl who is trying to find out who her father is, and her mother is not divulging his identity.

Get ready for a very bumpy and intense story.

Trigger Warning-Domestic Violence

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling read. It was intense and gripping with an ending I didn’t see coming. Twenty two year old Gemma has just had a baby, she’s a doting wife and mother. Then we have twenty year old Scarlett who knows what sh3 wants and will try everything to get it. When there paths cross, they have a nice relationship until it all goes wrong. Scarlett takes Gemma’s baby, but why? A brilliant 5 star psychologist thriller. Great plot, great twist and great characters. A great one day read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for granting me an ARC of They Have My Baby.

Absolutely loved this! Drama and action from page 1 until the end. A few characters we love to hate, a few characters who we feel sorry for.

Although I loved this book, I felt the ending was very very rushed, and needed to be concentrated more on. A massive twist was delivered in the last couple of chapters which I didn’t see coming but there wasn’t then time to explore it fully.

Overall though, a great read, couldn’t put it down!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a crazy-good novel about Gemma, husband Nick, and baby Thomas. It' begins with Thomas being kidnapped by Gemma's "friend," Rosie who volunteers to take the baby for her but suddenly disappears with him! Told in two timelines, the book centers on themes of identity, abuse, murder, and different kinds of relationships. Had me in a chokehold till I finished it!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!