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Taken From Her Family
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26LIKE EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT SUSPENSE? DISCOVER A BRAND-NEW, COMPLETELY ADDICTIVE BRITISH CRIME THRILLER FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR C.J. GRAYSON.
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.
Perfect for fans of Rachel McLean, Mark Billingham, Charlie Gallagher, and Angela Marsons, this brand-new, gripping British detective thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, shocking twist.
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.
Perfect for fans of Rachel McLean, Mark Billingham, Charlie Gallagher, and Angela Marsons, this brand-new, gripping British detective thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, shocking twist.
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Expected publication March 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
TAKEN FROM HER FAMILY BY C J GRAYSON.
Release date set for the 10th of March 2026.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I do love myself a bit of DS April Fisher and I'm delighted to see her return in book 3.
I loved the storyline and it kept me hooked and guessing till the very end.
Very well developed characters.
I always love C J GRAYSON'S writing style and he never ever disapoints.
If you love crime thriller then this books for you.
Very much looking forward to the next one ☺
Release date set for the 10th of March 2026.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I do love myself a bit of DS April Fisher and I'm delighted to see her return in book 3.
I loved the storyline and it kept me hooked and guessing till the very end.
Very well developed characters.
I always love C J GRAYSON'S writing style and he never ever disapoints.
If you love crime thriller then this books for you.
Very much looking forward to the next one ☺
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.
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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
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
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.
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another very good crime thriller in the DS April Fisher series. It's twisty, full of suspense, with an interesting plot and is well written. I liked the pacing and the writing style, told from different viewpoints, which worked really well. The plotting had enough twists to keep me engaged and I never figured out the killer which satisfied me. The series just keeps improving and I hope we read more of DS Fisher, especially after that ending! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews