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Taken From Her Family
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare . . .
Tracy Marley is driving to collect her husband after hours from the gym, the children bickering in the backseat, when a text arrives:
Why not come in, try and find me. You know the code for the front door. Hint: I’m in the office x
It’s late. Tracy’s exhausted. But the kids are excited, and she gives in.
She’s made a fatal mistake.
Instead of finding her husband in the maze of dark, empty corridors, Tracy walks straight into three masked men stuffing cash into a black binbag — and she won’t leave the building alive.
A murdered mother. A missing daughter. A traumatised son.
Detective April Fisher catches the case, and quickly realises time is her enemy.
Because the thieves didn’t just kill Tracy before they fled with the money — they abducted her ten-year-old daughter. And if Fisher can’t work out their next move in time, a little girl will pay the ultimate price.
Tracy Marley is driving to collect her husband after hours from the gym, the children bickering in the backseat, when a text arrives:
Why not come in, try and find me. You know the code for the front door. Hint: I’m in the office x
It’s late. Tracy’s exhausted. But the kids are excited, and she gives in.
She’s made a fatal mistake.
Instead of finding her husband in the maze of dark, empty corridors, Tracy walks straight into three masked men stuffing cash into a black binbag — and she won’t leave the building alive.
A murdered mother. A missing daughter. A traumatised son.
Detective April Fisher catches the case, and quickly realises time is her enemy.
Because the thieves didn’t just kill Tracy before they fled with the money — they abducted her ten-year-old daughter. And if Fisher can’t work out their next move in time, a little girl will pay the ultimate price.
328 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 2026
111 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 19, 2026
Well, as I have read all the books that this author has written to date, I did have high expectations, because he did raise the bar on a couple.
So I will be very brief, but honest.
This one has a good concept, but perhaps too many underdeveloped characters.
The writing was simple and very easy, but the dialogues were too weak for me.
There were some excellent twists, but the delivery of each was underwhelming.
I also did not find the development to be that thrilling or even emotional where it should have been, otherwise I would have read this book in one sitting.
Anyways, regardless of my disappointment, I do look forward to reading his next book. I wouldn’t be surprised if the tile is “Taken When No one Was Watching”.
So I will be very brief, but honest.
This one has a good concept, but perhaps too many underdeveloped characters.
The writing was simple and very easy, but the dialogues were too weak for me.
There were some excellent twists, but the delivery of each was underwhelming.
I also did not find the development to be that thrilling or even emotional where it should have been, otherwise I would have read this book in one sitting.
Anyways, regardless of my disappointment, I do look forward to reading his next book. I wouldn’t be surprised if the tile is “Taken When No one Was Watching”.
January 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, author CJ Grayson and Joffe Publishing for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.
This novel is slow to gain momentum, with a busy plot and a large cast of characters that can be challenging to keep track of at times. While the pacing may feel drawn out, the author delivers a strong and satisfying conclusion, skillfully tying together the various storylines.
Character development is adequate, though there are no particularly compelling figures that readers are likely to strongly root for. Overall, the book leans more toward a traditional police procedural than a fast-paced thriller, which may appeal more to fans of methodical investigations than those seeking constant suspense.
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes March 2026
This novel is slow to gain momentum, with a busy plot and a large cast of characters that can be challenging to keep track of at times. While the pacing may feel drawn out, the author delivers a strong and satisfying conclusion, skillfully tying together the various storylines.
Character development is adequate, though there are no particularly compelling figures that readers are likely to strongly root for. Overall, the book leans more toward a traditional police procedural than a fast-paced thriller, which may appeal more to fans of methodical investigations than those seeking constant suspense.
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes March 2026
February 6, 2026
First book that I’ve read by C.J Grayson! Did start off a little slow for me in the beginning but then it started picking up and i could not put the book down! I honestly did not know where this book was going to go and who was going to be the culprit in everything. I suspected it would have been Hudson but boy was i way wrong. Overall i did like this book and would definitely recommend others to read! 4.5 Stars just because of the ending, I wanted a little bit more!
Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC!
Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC!
March 22, 2026
That was so good! Multi-layered, with several characters and several different timelines moving between them seamlessly, Taken From Her Family is just fantastic. I loved the concept of the story and it is delivered perfectly. C.J. Grayson delivers a fantastic novel and I cannot wait to read more in detective Fisher series.
Review of advance copy
There’s something about a story that begins with a parent simply trying to get through the end of a long day that immediately hooks me in. As parents (or anyone who’s ever been responsible for kids), we all know that feeling of exhaustion, the bickering from the backseat, and the temptation to just take the easiest option to keep everyone happy. In Taken from Her Family, C.J. Grayson takes that everyday moment and twists it into every parent’s worst nightmare.
Tracy Marley is just popping by the gym to pick up her husband after hours. The kids are restless in the car, the evening feels routine, and when a text arrives inviting her inside, it seems harmless enough. The children are excited, and Tracy gives in. But stepping into that dark building turns out to be a decision that will change everything.
Instead of her husband waiting, Tracy walks straight into a robbery in progress, three masked men, a bag full of cash, and no witnesses allowed to leave alive.
What follows is a gripping and emotional race against time. Tracy’s young son survives but is deeply traumatised, while her ten-year-old daughter has vanished with the fleeing criminals. Enter Detective April Fisher, who quickly realises this is not just a murder investigation , it’s a desperate search for a kidnapped child whose life could hang in the balance.
From the first few chapters, this book had me completely glued to my Kindle (and yes, it definitely turned into one of those “just one more chapter before bed” reads that ends up keeping you awake far too late). Grayson has a knack for writing tense, fast-paced thrillers that feel cinematic without losing the emotional weight behind the story.
What I particularly enjoyed was how the investigation unfolds. Detective Fisher isn’t some invincible hero; she’s under pressure, racing against the clock, and every clue feels like it matters. The stakes feel real, and that urgency keeps the pages turning.
The emotional impact of the story is also strong. The trauma experienced by the surviving child and the desperation surrounding the missing daughter really ground the story in that terrifying “this could happen to anyone” reality. It’s the kind of plot that makes you pause and hug your loved ones a little tighter afterwards.
For me, Taken from Her Family sits firmly in the borderline category a solid, gripping thriller with plenty of tension and emotional pull, though there were a few moments where I wished the characters had been explored just a bit more deeply.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced crime thrillers, high-stakes investigations, and stories that tap into real parental fears, this one is well worth adding to your reading list.
A tense and chilling reminder that sometimes the smallest decisions can change everything.
Tracy Marley is just popping by the gym to pick up her husband after hours. The kids are restless in the car, the evening feels routine, and when a text arrives inviting her inside, it seems harmless enough. The children are excited, and Tracy gives in. But stepping into that dark building turns out to be a decision that will change everything.
Instead of her husband waiting, Tracy walks straight into a robbery in progress, three masked men, a bag full of cash, and no witnesses allowed to leave alive.
What follows is a gripping and emotional race against time. Tracy’s young son survives but is deeply traumatised, while her ten-year-old daughter has vanished with the fleeing criminals. Enter Detective April Fisher, who quickly realises this is not just a murder investigation , it’s a desperate search for a kidnapped child whose life could hang in the balance.
From the first few chapters, this book had me completely glued to my Kindle (and yes, it definitely turned into one of those “just one more chapter before bed” reads that ends up keeping you awake far too late). Grayson has a knack for writing tense, fast-paced thrillers that feel cinematic without losing the emotional weight behind the story.
What I particularly enjoyed was how the investigation unfolds. Detective Fisher isn’t some invincible hero; she’s under pressure, racing against the clock, and every clue feels like it matters. The stakes feel real, and that urgency keeps the pages turning.
The emotional impact of the story is also strong. The trauma experienced by the surviving child and the desperation surrounding the missing daughter really ground the story in that terrifying “this could happen to anyone” reality. It’s the kind of plot that makes you pause and hug your loved ones a little tighter afterwards.
For me, Taken from Her Family sits firmly in the borderline category a solid, gripping thriller with plenty of tension and emotional pull, though there were a few moments where I wished the characters had been explored just a bit more deeply.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced crime thrillers, high-stakes investigations, and stories that tap into real parental fears, this one is well worth adding to your reading list.
A tense and chilling reminder that sometimes the smallest decisions can change everything.
March 12, 2026
A new strange and baffling case awaits DCI Thomas James’ Greater Manchester CID team of DS April Fisher, DS Matthew Phillips, DCs Arnold Petersen and Jess Gallagher, and new addition DI Harry Swimmer who April has taken an instant dislike to, and not just because she wanted the DI job. Three men gain access to a library and leisure centre in order to steal a large amount of money collected for charity but are disturbed by the caretaker Axel’s wife and two children, culminating in the stabbing to death of Tracey and the abduction of her ten-year-old daughter Lisa. The men flee and nearly run over her eight-year-old son Lee as they make their escape. When their car is traced and two men are arrested with the bloodstained knife and cash, it soon dawns on the thieves that they have been set up by the third man Rick who just happens to be Axel’s nephew. Rick keeps denying his part in it all, even with rock solid evidence against him, and will not say where he has taken Lisa. Somewhere along the line, a plan has gone very wrong with dramatic consequences. The reader learns that everyone is keeping secrets but what was really behind the events of that night – and where is Lisa now? That’s what the team of detectives need to find out and there’s no time to lose.
This is book three in a great new series featuring a whole host of very likeable detectives and officers who work well together. It was not hard to have a good and surprisingly accurate guess as to what had really happened quite early on in the twisty story which featured a complex plot, plenty of good suspects and some little side plots to have the reader wondering all sorts. Altogether a gripping thriller of a story and I am looking forward to more in the series, especially as things seem to be looking up for April.
This is book three in a great new series featuring a whole host of very likeable detectives and officers who work well together. It was not hard to have a good and surprisingly accurate guess as to what had really happened quite early on in the twisty story which featured a complex plot, plenty of good suspects and some little side plots to have the reader wondering all sorts. Altogether a gripping thriller of a story and I am looking forward to more in the series, especially as things seem to be looking up for April.
March 10, 2026
Taken From Her Family is a tense and emotionally driven crime thriller that tackles the devastating impact of a child’s abduction with sensitivity and urgency. C.J. Grayson delivers a compelling premise and a fast-paced narrative that kept me engaged throughout.
The strength of the novel lies in its emotional weight. The fear, grief, and desperation surrounding the case feel authentic, and the author does a good job of showing how the crime affects not just the investigation but the wider family dynamics. The procedural elements are clear and accessible, making it easy to follow the unfolding case even during its more complex moments.
That said, the pacing occasionally feels uneven. While the short chapters help maintain momentum, some sections linger longer than necessary, and a few investigative beats felt slightly repetitive, which is the case sometimes with a lot of characters to keep track of. There were also moments where certain character perspectives could have been explored in greater depth, particularly when it came to emotional reactions that were implied rather than fully developed. Although by the end all the characters make sense and finishes the story.
Despite these minor issues, the story remains gripping and readable. The tension builds steadily, and the twists are effective without being over-the-top. Fans of emotionally focused crime fiction will likely find this an absorbing read, especially those who appreciate character-driven storytelling alongside a strong central mystery.
Overall, Taken From Her Family is an engaging and solid crime thriller that delivers on suspense while leaving room for further refinement. A worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
The strength of the novel lies in its emotional weight. The fear, grief, and desperation surrounding the case feel authentic, and the author does a good job of showing how the crime affects not just the investigation but the wider family dynamics. The procedural elements are clear and accessible, making it easy to follow the unfolding case even during its more complex moments.
That said, the pacing occasionally feels uneven. While the short chapters help maintain momentum, some sections linger longer than necessary, and a few investigative beats felt slightly repetitive, which is the case sometimes with a lot of characters to keep track of. There were also moments where certain character perspectives could have been explored in greater depth, particularly when it came to emotional reactions that were implied rather than fully developed. Although by the end all the characters make sense and finishes the story.
Despite these minor issues, the story remains gripping and readable. The tension builds steadily, and the twists are effective without being over-the-top. Fans of emotionally focused crime fiction will likely find this an absorbing read, especially those who appreciate character-driven storytelling alongside a strong central mystery.
Overall, Taken From Her Family is an engaging and solid crime thriller that delivers on suspense while leaving room for further refinement. A worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
March 12, 2026
This gripping and emotional thriller follows a family whose lives are changed forever in a single tragic moment. Tracy and her two children, Lee and Lisa, are on their way to pick up her husband—and their father—Axel from work. What should have been a completely ordinary evening quickly turns into a nightmare when they unknowingly stumble upon a burglary. In a matter of moments, the unthinkable happens: a murder and a kidnapping that will devastate the family and leave lasting consequences.
Detective April Fisher is assigned to the case, and from the beginning it proves to be anything but ordinary. Although the suspects are quickly identified and arrested, the investigation takes a shocking turn when one of them is revealed to have a disturbing connection to the family. I won’t say more about the plot as I don’t want to spoil the twists that make this story so compelling.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed about this book was the way the author moves between the present and the past. These flashback chapters gradually reveal important pieces of the family’s history, helping the reader understand the deeper story behind the tragedy. It was a fantastic storytelling choice that kept the tension high throughout the book.
There are many layers to the story, and it becomes impossible not to try to piece everything together as the mystery unfolds. The pacing is excellent, with plenty of shocking twists and emotional moments that keep you turning the pages.
Overall, this was an exciting and gripping read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys suspenseful family thrillers
Detective April Fisher is assigned to the case, and from the beginning it proves to be anything but ordinary. Although the suspects are quickly identified and arrested, the investigation takes a shocking turn when one of them is revealed to have a disturbing connection to the family. I won’t say more about the plot as I don’t want to spoil the twists that make this story so compelling.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed about this book was the way the author moves between the present and the past. These flashback chapters gradually reveal important pieces of the family’s history, helping the reader understand the deeper story behind the tragedy. It was a fantastic storytelling choice that kept the tension high throughout the book.
There are many layers to the story, and it becomes impossible not to try to piece everything together as the mystery unfolds. The pacing is excellent, with plenty of shocking twists and emotional moments that keep you turning the pages.
Overall, this was an exciting and gripping read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys suspenseful family thrillers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've read a few books from this author now and one thing is becoming very clear… he does not miss.
The opening chapter wastes absolutely no time. Tracey is driving to the local library to pick up her husband Axel from work. Her two kids are arguing in the backseat, she’s stressed, and it’s shaping up to be a completely ordinary evening. Until it isn’t...
When they arrive, Tracey receives a text from Axel asking her to meet him in his office. But when she gets there, she doesn’t find her husband. Instead, she walks straight into a robbery in progress - three masked men emptying the safe.
What follows is chaos. Tracey is murdered. Her daughter Lisa is kidnapped. Her son Lee is seriously injured during the escape.
And just like that, the story explodes into a high-stakes race against time.
The police quickly identify the three masked robbers, but Lisa is still missing. And as every hour passes, the chances of finding her alive grow slimmer. The investigation spirals into something much bigger than a simple robbery, with twists, secrets, and shifting motives constantly changing the direction of the story.
I did manage to figure out the main mastermind behind it all. But the author still managed to throw a few curveballs my way that I definitely didn’t see coming, which is always a win in my book.
I received this as an ARC, but I later realised it’s actually the third book in a series. That said, it worked perfectly well as a standalone. I’ll absolutely be going back to read the first two books though, because if they’re anything like this one, I’m in.
The opening chapter wastes absolutely no time. Tracey is driving to the local library to pick up her husband Axel from work. Her two kids are arguing in the backseat, she’s stressed, and it’s shaping up to be a completely ordinary evening. Until it isn’t...
When they arrive, Tracey receives a text from Axel asking her to meet him in his office. But when she gets there, she doesn’t find her husband. Instead, she walks straight into a robbery in progress - three masked men emptying the safe.
What follows is chaos. Tracey is murdered. Her daughter Lisa is kidnapped. Her son Lee is seriously injured during the escape.
And just like that, the story explodes into a high-stakes race against time.
The police quickly identify the three masked robbers, but Lisa is still missing. And as every hour passes, the chances of finding her alive grow slimmer. The investigation spirals into something much bigger than a simple robbery, with twists, secrets, and shifting motives constantly changing the direction of the story.
I did manage to figure out the main mastermind behind it all. But the author still managed to throw a few curveballs my way that I definitely didn’t see coming, which is always a win in my book.
I received this as an ARC, but I later realised it’s actually the third book in a series. That said, it worked perfectly well as a standalone. I’ll absolutely be going back to read the first two books though, because if they’re anything like this one, I’m in.
March 11, 2026
DS April Fisher is dealing with some puzzling cases. A woman was murdered and her young daughter taken when they went to pick up her husband from his job at a local library/community center. Not long afterwards, another young child goes missing and another woman is found dead in her home. Are the cases related, and if so, what could be the motive tying everything together? As well as trying to figure out what might be behind the current crime wave, April is dealing with a great many personal and professional issues. She recently had a miscarriage and soon afterwards her partner broke off their relationship. She was passed over for a promotion and the man who has taken the job makes her feel uncomfortable. Still, she has plenty to keep her busy as she interviews everyone related to the missing children and discovers that quite a few of the people involved attended AA meetings at the community center. As the days pass, she is determined to find the missing children before it’s too late – and maybe she should also return the calls from the guy she apparently had a boozy flirtation with recently?
The story moved along at a fast pace and I was often surprised by the many twists and developments. The story moved back and forth in time to show the long and complicated relationships that lead to the current conflicts in the book. April was a sympathetic character, even if she did spend quite a lot of time drinking and/or hung over in the book. This apparently didn’t dim her sleuthing abilities as she’s able to get to the truth at the end.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
The story moved along at a fast pace and I was often surprised by the many twists and developments. The story moved back and forth in time to show the long and complicated relationships that lead to the current conflicts in the book. April was a sympathetic character, even if she did spend quite a lot of time drinking and/or hung over in the book. This apparently didn’t dim her sleuthing abilities as she’s able to get to the truth at the end.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Taken From Her Family by C.J. Grayson is a very good crime thriller that pulled me in from the start. I read it in one day as the story kept me invested until the shocking final twist. The story starts with Tracy Marley, a mother who makes what seems like a simple decision to pick up her husband late at night, only to find herself entangled in a nightmare. The author crafts a tense atmosphere, and I could feel the weight of Tracy's choices as she unwittingly walks into a situation that will change her family’s life forever.
Detective April Fisher’s relentless pursuit to solve the case creates an exciting and fast-paced storyline. Fisher’s character is particularly well-developed; her determination and emotional stakes make her an interesting protagonist, driving the story forward as she races against time to rescue a little girl from danger on top of other cases that crop up.
I liked the author's writing style, which immersed me in the drama while offering glimpses of the emotional turmoil faced by the characters and the ability to keep me guessing. Just when I thought I might have it figured out, the twists came fast.
This novel is a good read for fans of British detective fiction and anyone who enjoys a heart-pounding read filled with unexpected turns. I would recommend Taken From Her Family for its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and a gripping narrative.
#TakenFromHerFamily #NetGalley @JoffeBooks
Detective April Fisher’s relentless pursuit to solve the case creates an exciting and fast-paced storyline. Fisher’s character is particularly well-developed; her determination and emotional stakes make her an interesting protagonist, driving the story forward as she races against time to rescue a little girl from danger on top of other cases that crop up.
I liked the author's writing style, which immersed me in the drama while offering glimpses of the emotional turmoil faced by the characters and the ability to keep me guessing. Just when I thought I might have it figured out, the twists came fast.
This novel is a good read for fans of British detective fiction and anyone who enjoys a heart-pounding read filled with unexpected turns. I would recommend Taken From Her Family for its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and a gripping narrative.
#TakenFromHerFamily #NetGalley @JoffeBooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Taken From Her Family is a gripping, high‑stakes thriller that wastes no time plunging you straight into the nightmare. The opening scene is every parent’s worst fear brought to life, and C.J. Grayson handles it with a sharp, cinematic intensity that instantly sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Tracy’s murder and the abduction of her young daughter create a gut‑punch of a setup, and the emotional fallout feels raw and believable. The traumatised son, the frantic husband, the chilling text that started it all — it’s the kind of case that lingers with you.
Detective April Fisher is a standout. She’s determined, intuitive, and carrying just enough personal grit to make her compelling without overshadowing the investigation. The ticking‑clock element works brilliantly here; every chapter feels urgent, and the sense that time is slipping away adds a constant hum of tension.
The plot moves quickly, with twists that land at just the right moments. It has that classic British crime‑thriller feel — dark corridors, masked criminals, and a detective racing against the odds — but with a fresh emotional edge that keeps it from ever feeling formulaic.
A fast, addictive read that blends suspense, heart, and high‑pressure investigation. Perfect for fans who love their thrillers packed with tension and impossible to put down.
My thanks to CJ Grayson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Tracy’s murder and the abduction of her young daughter create a gut‑punch of a setup, and the emotional fallout feels raw and believable. The traumatised son, the frantic husband, the chilling text that started it all — it’s the kind of case that lingers with you.
Detective April Fisher is a standout. She’s determined, intuitive, and carrying just enough personal grit to make her compelling without overshadowing the investigation. The ticking‑clock element works brilliantly here; every chapter feels urgent, and the sense that time is slipping away adds a constant hum of tension.
The plot moves quickly, with twists that land at just the right moments. It has that classic British crime‑thriller feel — dark corridors, masked criminals, and a detective racing against the odds — but with a fresh emotional edge that keeps it from ever feeling formulaic.
A fast, addictive read that blends suspense, heart, and high‑pressure investigation. Perfect for fans who love their thrillers packed with tension and impossible to put down.
My thanks to CJ Grayson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A huge thank you to the author C.J. Grayson, Joffe Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book early, I am so excited to see what it is all about and create my review videos and everything else that I do while reading.
This did take me some time to read, that is because I am still on medications for pain but I did get there in the end. I am a little sad that the story has finished because I really did enjoy it and I do hope that there will be another book after this one.
The characters where do I even start with this, they all fit into the story so well and they all have their own personalities that make the story what it is.
The story line is well written, and it draws you into the book and makes it unputdownable. As in you will start reading and your that drawn into it you forget about everything around you, and you fall asleep with your kobo (or kindle) still in your hands or somewhere in your bed. For me it was either on top of the cushion I have to use to keep my arm raised, underneath it somewhere and sometimes inside the bed if I have moved a little.
This is one of those thrillers that is easy to read, easy to follow along with a great story line. A thriller that makes you wonder what happened, who did it and so on.
Once again another thank you for the chance to read this! I am forever grateful and so glad that I was chosen.
This did take me some time to read, that is because I am still on medications for pain but I did get there in the end. I am a little sad that the story has finished because I really did enjoy it and I do hope that there will be another book after this one.
The characters where do I even start with this, they all fit into the story so well and they all have their own personalities that make the story what it is.
The story line is well written, and it draws you into the book and makes it unputdownable. As in you will start reading and your that drawn into it you forget about everything around you, and you fall asleep with your kobo (or kindle) still in your hands or somewhere in your bed. For me it was either on top of the cushion I have to use to keep my arm raised, underneath it somewhere and sometimes inside the bed if I have moved a little.
This is one of those thrillers that is easy to read, easy to follow along with a great story line. A thriller that makes you wonder what happened, who did it and so on.
Once again another thank you for the chance to read this! I am forever grateful and so glad that I was chosen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and C.J. Grayson for providing me with a copy of Taken From Her Family in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Okay, first things first — this one was definitely a slow burn. The beginning packed in a lot of information, and while it set the stage well, I’ll be honest… it lost my attention in a few spots. I found myself waiting for things to really take off.
BUT — once the story hit the middle, the detective work pulled me back in and kept me engaged. The investigation became sharper, the tension built nicely, and suddenly I was fully invested in finding out what really happened.
And then came the ending. The twists? Worth the wait. What started as a solid 3-star read quickly jumped to 4 stars for me because those final reveals completely changed my overall experience.
Final Verdict: A slow start but a strong finish. If you stick with it, the twists and payoff make the journey worthwhile — and yes, the book definitely remembered me by the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Okay, first things first — this one was definitely a slow burn. The beginning packed in a lot of information, and while it set the stage well, I’ll be honest… it lost my attention in a few spots. I found myself waiting for things to really take off.
BUT — once the story hit the middle, the detective work pulled me back in and kept me engaged. The investigation became sharper, the tension built nicely, and suddenly I was fully invested in finding out what really happened.
And then came the ending. The twists? Worth the wait. What started as a solid 3-star read quickly jumped to 4 stars for me because those final reveals completely changed my overall experience.
Final Verdict: A slow start but a strong finish. If you stick with it, the twists and payoff make the journey worthwhile — and yes, the book definitely remembered me by the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
I went into this one curious, mostly because it was my first time reading C.J. Grayson. There’s always that little question mark when you try a new-to-you author, but I have to say, I was immediately drawn to his writing style. It’s direct, polished, and easy to sink into, which made the pages fly by.
The premise taps into every parent’s deepest fear, and that sense of urgency is woven throughout the story. The investigation had momentum, and I appreciated how clearly the stakes were laid out from the start. That said, I’ve read a handful of thrillers built around a very similar trope, so part of me couldn’t help but compare. Had this been my first experience with this particular setup, I think I would have felt even more gripped by it.
Still, I’m glad I gave this one a chance even though it was the third book in a series (I didn’t know). Grayson’s storytelling kept me engaged, and I’d definitely be open to picking up another book by him to see how he tackles a different storyline.
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
I went into this one curious, mostly because it was my first time reading C.J. Grayson. There’s always that little question mark when you try a new-to-you author, but I have to say, I was immediately drawn to his writing style. It’s direct, polished, and easy to sink into, which made the pages fly by.
The premise taps into every parent’s deepest fear, and that sense of urgency is woven throughout the story. The investigation had momentum, and I appreciated how clearly the stakes were laid out from the start. That said, I’ve read a handful of thrillers built around a very similar trope, so part of me couldn’t help but compare. Had this been my first experience with this particular setup, I think I would have felt even more gripped by it.
Still, I’m glad I gave this one a chance even though it was the third book in a series (I didn’t know). Grayson’s storytelling kept me engaged, and I’d definitely be open to picking up another book by him to see how he tackles a different storyline.
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
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January 21, 2026I can highly recommend Taken From Her Family (Kindle Edition) a gripping and exciting crime thriller by C.J. Grayson.
Tracy Marley and her children are picking up her husband, a janitor who is working late at the gym and is in need of a lift due to his car being repaired. Whilst driving she receives a text asking her to tap in the code at the main door and let themselves in.
Unbeknown to Tracy, all hell is about to break loose, when she encounters three masked men who are robbing money as she is on her way to her husband's office.
Sadly there is a tragedy when she has been killed and one of the robbers takes her ten year old daughter away with him.
There is more than meets the eye as DI April Fisher investigates in this chilling cat and mouse scenario.
There is humour, personality clashes, premeditation
Tracy Marley and her children are picking up her husband, a janitor who is working late at the gym and is in need of a lift due to his car being repaired. Whilst driving she receives a text asking her to tap in the code at the main door and let themselves in.
Unbeknown to Tracy, all hell is about to break loose, when she encounters three masked men who are robbing money as she is on her way to her husband's office.
Sadly there is a tragedy when she has been killed and one of the robbers takes her ten year old daughter away with him.
There is more than meets the eye as DI April Fisher investigates in this chilling cat and mouse scenario.
There is humour, personality clashes, premeditation
January 31, 2026
Taken From Her Family by C.J. Grayson
“The house was dead silent. Quieter than he’d ever heard it.”
The library…..they knew where the money was being held. A young child taken, a mother’s death trying to protect her child. The money is found in the abandoned car….where is the child? Detective Sergeant April Fisher takes on the case to discover what connects the events and the truth.
After the events at the library the setting is extremely tense. The characters lives are interwoven, twisted, driven by jealousy and greed.
The plot is very clever, the way the characters intertwine and have unexpectedly over time with glimpses of the past. At times very emotional. A book that covers every emotion possible.
Thank you to #Netgalley #joffebooks and #cjgrayson for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel #takenfromherfamily due for release 10th March 2026
“The house was dead silent. Quieter than he’d ever heard it.”
The library…..they knew where the money was being held. A young child taken, a mother’s death trying to protect her child. The money is found in the abandoned car….where is the child? Detective Sergeant April Fisher takes on the case to discover what connects the events and the truth.
After the events at the library the setting is extremely tense. The characters lives are interwoven, twisted, driven by jealousy and greed.
The plot is very clever, the way the characters intertwine and have unexpectedly over time with glimpses of the past. At times very emotional. A book that covers every emotion possible.
Thank you to #Netgalley #joffebooks and #cjgrayson for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel #takenfromherfamily due for release 10th March 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It is a thrill to see DS April Fisher back in action! C.J. Grayson consistently delivers pulse-pounding, twisty crime thrillers that balance raw grit with genuine heart.
The stakes are immediately raised when Tracy Marley is found brutally murdered and her daughter is snatched from the scene.
As the body count rises, April and the team embark on a high-stakes race against time.
The narrative momentum accelerates into overdrive in the second half, offering a plethora of suspects and expertly woven links. Beyond the investigation, Grayson excels at character development, giving us poignant glimpses into the detectives' lives outside the force.
For fans of fast-paced, well-drawn police procedurals, this is an absolute must-read.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
The stakes are immediately raised when Tracy Marley is found brutally murdered and her daughter is snatched from the scene.
As the body count rises, April and the team embark on a high-stakes race against time.
The narrative momentum accelerates into overdrive in the second half, offering a plethora of suspects and expertly woven links. Beyond the investigation, Grayson excels at character development, giving us poignant glimpses into the detectives' lives outside the force.
For fans of fast-paced, well-drawn police procedurals, this is an absolute must-read.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
March 16, 2026
Firstly thank you to CJ Grayson, Joffe books and Zoe @zooloosbooktours for having me on the tour! Its been a pleasure!
Woah, talk about traumatised by chapter 5. C J Grayson didn't come to play with this book. It is book three of the April Fisher series and it didn't half take off with a running start!
I like my thrillers fast paced and shocking and this has delivered on those fronts. It was a layered drama with so much action that at times you aren't sure who can be trusted and everyone is a suspect.
The only thing was the sheer amount of characters - I got a little dizzy trying to work out who was who, but it was clever how all the characters and storylines interconnected.
Now my racing heart has settled, I will definitely be checking out the others in this series in the future!
For someone who doesn't even read police procedural books normally this is my 3rd in a month... 🤣
Woah, talk about traumatised by chapter 5. C J Grayson didn't come to play with this book. It is book three of the April Fisher series and it didn't half take off with a running start!
I like my thrillers fast paced and shocking and this has delivered on those fronts. It was a layered drama with so much action that at times you aren't sure who can be trusted and everyone is a suspect.
The only thing was the sheer amount of characters - I got a little dizzy trying to work out who was who, but it was clever how all the characters and storylines interconnected.
Now my racing heart has settled, I will definitely be checking out the others in this series in the future!
For someone who doesn't even read police procedural books normally this is my 3rd in a month... 🤣
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a gripping read right from the start. We know who is involved initially but if you think things are that simple, you'd be so wrong. Identifying the mastermind behind everything is what April and the team need to figure out and I loved every minute of it.
I really enjoyed the way the story veers back and forth between the current day and events in the past involving the victim and her husband's family. It really set the tone towards the possible motivation of the crime but things only become clear at the end where there's several twists to really push the story in another direction. I loved it! I have read the prior books in the series but this has definitely been my favourite so far.
I really enjoyed the way the story veers back and forth between the current day and events in the past involving the victim and her husband's family. It really set the tone towards the possible motivation of the crime but things only become clear at the end where there's several twists to really push the story in another direction. I loved it! I have read the prior books in the series but this has definitely been my favourite so far.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars. The story starts out with Tracy and her kids going to pick up her husband Axel when he gets off work. While there a robbery goes down and Tracy is murdered and the daughter Lisa is kidnapped. Police come in to investigate. There is more of the story of course, but I don't want to give any spoilers. I found this story to be more like a police procedural then a thriller. It was kind of slow paced but it did have a good conclusion where all the connections were tied up neatly. I just like a little more suspense building, but for anybody that likes police procedural stories this one may be right up your alley! Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Publishing for the complimentary copy.
March 10, 2026
Taken From Her Family by C.J. Grayson is an emotional, high-stakes crime thriller that pulled at my heartstrings from the very first page.
It’s every parent's worst nightmare: a mother murdered in a split-second mistake and her ten-year-old daughter abducted into the night. Following Detective April Fisher was an intense, breath-holding experience.
The story is deeply emotional, highlighting the devastating impact of crime on a family and the desperate lengths a mother will go to protect her children.
While the pacing was steady and the procedural elements were well-handled, it was the emotional weight of the situation that really stuck with me. A gripping, well-written addition to the series that left me truly moved. 4 emotional stars!
It’s every parent's worst nightmare: a mother murdered in a split-second mistake and her ten-year-old daughter abducted into the night. Following Detective April Fisher was an intense, breath-holding experience.
The story is deeply emotional, highlighting the devastating impact of crime on a family and the desperate lengths a mother will go to protect her children.
While the pacing was steady and the procedural elements were well-handled, it was the emotional weight of the situation that really stuck with me. A gripping, well-written addition to the series that left me truly moved. 4 emotional stars!
March 11, 2026
Just wow. A mother with her son & daughter go to collect her janitor husband from his workplace, what happens next is her worse nightmare. She catches 3 masked men robbing the place, in the course of which she is stabbed to death while the son escapes but is hit by the getaway car and her daughter is kidnapped.
Her husband finds her there and calls the police. What follows , using flashbacks , shows how the husbands family are at loggerheads and the AA group who meet there are also involved/at risk . Its up to DS Fisher to work out whos responsible for these horrendous crimes. Fast paced with a twist in the tail, this book leads you a not so merry dance until the shocking truth is finally revealed.
Her husband finds her there and calls the police. What follows , using flashbacks , shows how the husbands family are at loggerheads and the AA group who meet there are also involved/at risk . Its up to DS Fisher to work out whos responsible for these horrendous crimes. Fast paced with a twist in the tail, this book leads you a not so merry dance until the shocking truth is finally revealed.
March 13, 2026
Taken From Her Family by C.J. Grayson is the third book in the excellent Detective April Fisher series and this series has been a superb read. It was full of brilliant twists and turns especially as it had some great plots throughout that will have you turning the pages over on your kindle to find out what happens next. The characters are excellent, some are horrid and some are likeable bit the main character Detective April Fisher is a strong and so determined to find out what happened in every case she has. She so likeable! - I just wanted to reach out to her.
I highly recommend this series, However it can be read as a 🌸 Standalone. 🌸
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Big thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC!
I highly recommend this series, However it can be read as a 🌸 Standalone. 🌸
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Big thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book three, detective April Fisher with a welcoming return.
A murdered mother,
A missing daughter,
A traumatised son,
And the husband Axel Marley, with the husband always been the number one suspect, with a shocking twist, an almighty shocker,
Boom!! This has been well worth waiting for.
Abraham Moss library and leisure centre, a robbery gone wrong, A care taker waiting for his family to pick him up from work, it becomes one big nightmare.
Greater Manchester police force, Swindon police station, April and her team have their work cut out.
Oh its a full on story, keeping me turning pages, right till the slap bang end.
A murdered mother,
A missing daughter,
A traumatised son,
And the husband Axel Marley, with the husband always been the number one suspect, with a shocking twist, an almighty shocker,
Boom!! This has been well worth waiting for.
Abraham Moss library and leisure centre, a robbery gone wrong, A care taker waiting for his family to pick him up from work, it becomes one big nightmare.
Greater Manchester police force, Swindon police station, April and her team have their work cut out.
Oh its a full on story, keeping me turning pages, right till the slap bang end.
March 10, 2026
Taken From Her Family is a very good read. It has a great start that certainly grabbed my attention and interest and drew me in to the story quickly. DS April Fisher investigates a murder, a robbery and a missing child. I think the authors writing is good, I like the tension and suspense here that had me wondering what would happen next. The plot is very believable and I liked how the story moved from past to present times easily. Overall a good read that I'd recommend if you're a fan of crime fiction, although it is best if you read this series in order to know Fisher from the start.
4 stars
4 stars
March 10, 2026
Although this is book 3 in the Detective April Fisher Thrillers, it can be read as a standalone in its own right.
This book captured me from the start, and I didn't want to put it down until finished.
It's a gripping storyline and plot with surprising revelations and many a twist, leading to a surprising twisty ending.
There are strong, interesting characters, some to hate with a passion.
It does keep you guessing, and although I suspected something. I wasn't prepared and surprised at where the story was leading.
It's a book we'll worth reading.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
This book captured me from the start, and I didn't want to put it down until finished.
It's a gripping storyline and plot with surprising revelations and many a twist, leading to a surprising twisty ending.
There are strong, interesting characters, some to hate with a passion.
It does keep you guessing, and although I suspected something. I wasn't prepared and surprised at where the story was leading.
It's a book we'll worth reading.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tracy goes to pick her husband up from work. Her children are with her, and she is attacked by robbers in the building. Her daughter is kidnapped.
I raced through this novel. It grabbed my attention and I had theories. Most of which were correct, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
It is tense and suspenseful, and just so sad.
I like Detective April Fisher, but I hope she gets her drinking under control. She is a tenacious detective, determined to get justice for the victims.
Looking forward to reading more in the April Fisher series.
I raced through this novel. It grabbed my attention and I had theories. Most of which were correct, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
It is tense and suspenseful, and just so sad.
I like Detective April Fisher, but I hope she gets her drinking under control. She is a tenacious detective, determined to get justice for the victims.
Looking forward to reading more in the April Fisher series.
January 27, 2026
This book literally hits the ground running. Poor Tracy has to pick up her husband from work at the local library as his car is in the garage. She’s late, the kids are playing up, and when she gets there he’s nowhere in sight. However, there is a robbery taking place and she and the children get caught up in it.
In that split second everything changes - if only we could turn back the clock. What follows is a nail biting, edge of your seat read, which doesn’t disappoint.
My thanks to the author and Joffe publishers for the ARC.
In that split second everything changes - if only we could turn back the clock. What follows is a nail biting, edge of your seat read, which doesn’t disappoint.
My thanks to the author and Joffe publishers for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April Fisher is tasked with investigating a missing child, the victim of a botched robbery and murder, her distraught father and brother left behind wondering what has happened to her. Shortly after, a young boy goes missing from a football match. What do these missing children have in common? A brilliant police procedural that explores the intricacies of office politics, intertwined with personal relationships, and lifelong feuds that fuel present day disaster. A gripping read. Huge thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
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