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Our Daughter is Missing: A BRAND NEW must-read psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist
My daughter left for school this morning. She didn’t come home.
Someone’s snatched my little girl.
I have to find her. I have to save her.
But how can I, when I can’t leave the house?
My husband tries to be the perfect stepdad. But I’m not the mother Faye deserves. Ever since the night everything changed, I’ve been too scared to go outside.
I knew it was a dangerous world out there — I was right.
A nail-biting domestic thriller that you literally won’t be able to put down — perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden, McGarvey Black, J.T. Ellison, B.A. Paris and Daniel Hurst.
Readers love Darren O’Sullivan’s psychological
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Felt like I knew the characters and the turns the book took were fantastic. About to download another from the author now!’ Joanne
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must-read. I was hooked from the beginning and a fabulous twist I didn't see coming.’ Sally F.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An incredible story. This is the first book I've chosen by this author and I will definitely be choosing more.’ Kindle Customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Read this book in one sitting — could not put it down. So many twists & turns. You think you've worked out what really happened & then BANG the story turns & leaves your head spinning. If you only read one book this month or even this year it has to be this one.’ Julie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘As an avid reader I couldn’t give any more praise. Superb. You just can’t put it down. Each page building up to a fantastic plot at the end. Twists and turns from beginning to end!’ Mrs Eleanor B.
Someone’s snatched my little girl.
I have to find her. I have to save her.
But how can I, when I can’t leave the house?
My husband tries to be the perfect stepdad. But I’m not the mother Faye deserves. Ever since the night everything changed, I’ve been too scared to go outside.
I knew it was a dangerous world out there — I was right.
A nail-biting domestic thriller that you literally won’t be able to put down — perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden, McGarvey Black, J.T. Ellison, B.A. Paris and Daniel Hurst.
Readers love Darren O’Sullivan’s psychological
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Felt like I knew the characters and the turns the book took were fantastic. About to download another from the author now!’ Joanne
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must-read. I was hooked from the beginning and a fabulous twist I didn't see coming.’ Sally F.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An incredible story. This is the first book I've chosen by this author and I will definitely be choosing more.’ Kindle Customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Read this book in one sitting — could not put it down. So many twists & turns. You think you've worked out what really happened & then BANG the story turns & leaves your head spinning. If you only read one book this month or even this year it has to be this one.’ Julie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘As an avid reader I couldn’t give any more praise. Superb. You just can’t put it down. Each page building up to a fantastic plot at the end. Twists and turns from beginning to end!’ Mrs Eleanor B.
- GenresPsychological Thriller
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
77 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 3, 2026
3.5 stars
Our Daughter is Missing is a quick read thriller. It’s told in dual POVs between mom and daughter and once I started reading I did not want to stop.
The FMC has agoraphobia and I do think that is handled well and gives some glimpse into the realities of someone grappling with that issue.
The book does have a few twists. One I did predict pretty early on but others I didn’t necessarily see coming.
There are some parts of this where you have to suspend belief but that is quite typical of the genre. For the most part both main characters were sympathetic though I did want to yell at the mom a bit towards the end.
Overall, this was an engaging read with an interesting premise. This was my first book by this author but I will happily read others.
Our Daughter is Missing is a quick read thriller. It’s told in dual POVs between mom and daughter and once I started reading I did not want to stop.
The FMC has agoraphobia and I do think that is handled well and gives some glimpse into the realities of someone grappling with that issue.
The book does have a few twists. One I did predict pretty early on but others I didn’t necessarily see coming.
There are some parts of this where you have to suspend belief but that is quite typical of the genre. For the most part both main characters were sympathetic though I did want to yell at the mom a bit towards the end.
Overall, this was an engaging read with an interesting premise. This was my first book by this author but I will happily read others.
February 3, 2026
Books that involve missing children are guaranteed to send my pulse spiralling into oblivion...
It didn't take long before I was obsessed by the plot and its characters. And before I knew it I'd finished. It was sooooo good!
The pace throughout is fast, it's tense, twisty, and everything you'd hope for in a great thriller. I found the characters credible which made them feel more 'human/real' and not just names on a page. Easy to become emotionally invested in too.
A riveting read.
It didn't take long before I was obsessed by the plot and its characters. And before I knew it I'd finished. It was sooooo good!
The pace throughout is fast, it's tense, twisty, and everything you'd hope for in a great thriller. I found the characters credible which made them feel more 'human/real' and not just names on a page. Easy to become emotionally invested in too.
A riveting read.
February 4, 2026
OUR DAUGHTER IS MISSING BY DARREN O'SULLIVAN
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Oh did I love this book ☺
This one kept me on the edge of my seat.
I think this is my first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading his others.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Oh did I love this book ☺
This one kept me on the edge of my seat.
I think this is my first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading his others.
January 31, 2026
Welcome to The Phantom Paragrapher Book Blog! I'm thrilled to be hosting a stop on the Zooloos Book Tours virtual book tour for Darren O'Sullivan's gripping thriller, Our Daughter is Missing.
Imagine waking up to your worst nightmare: your daughter doesn't come home. Now imagine you're physically unable to leave your house to search for her. This is the gut-wrenching premise that pulled me into O'Sullivan's latest psychological thriller, and honestly, I couldn't put it down.
Our protagonist is a mother trapped by agoraphobia, watching the world through her windows while her daughter Faye vanishes somewhere out there in the dangerous world she's been hiding from. The setup is brilliant how do you rescue someone when you can't rescue yourself from your own fears? It's the kind of high-concept premise that immediately hooks you, and I found myself racing through chapters curled up on my sofa, completely absorbed.
Darren O'Sullivan handles the portrayal of agoraphobia with sensitivity, showing how trauma can build invisible prisons around us. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, though I'll be honest , there were moments in the middle where things felt a touch predictable, and I would have loved to see some of the supporting characters fleshed out a bit more especially with Mia when her mother became involved . It's a solid thriller, but not without its bumps along the way.
That said, the ending absolutely made this book for me. Without giving anything away, watching this mother battle through her paralyzing fear for her daughter was incredibly powerful. We talk a lot about plot twists and shocking reveals in thrillers, but sometimes the most moving moment is simply witnessing the fierce, unbreakable bond between a mother and child. Darren O'Sullivan captures something beautiful here that love, particularly a mother's love, can be stronger than any trauma or fear that tries to cage us. Seeing her overcome something as debilitating as agoraphobia through sheer maternal determination brought genuine tears to my eyes.
Is it a perfect read? No. But it's a deeply human one, reminding us that the most compelling stories aren't always about the mystery ,they're about the hearts beating beneath it.
Perfect for: Fans of domestic suspense, readers who appreciate mental health representation in fiction, and anyone who loves a thriller with emotional depth.
Imagine waking up to your worst nightmare: your daughter doesn't come home. Now imagine you're physically unable to leave your house to search for her. This is the gut-wrenching premise that pulled me into O'Sullivan's latest psychological thriller, and honestly, I couldn't put it down.
Our protagonist is a mother trapped by agoraphobia, watching the world through her windows while her daughter Faye vanishes somewhere out there in the dangerous world she's been hiding from. The setup is brilliant how do you rescue someone when you can't rescue yourself from your own fears? It's the kind of high-concept premise that immediately hooks you, and I found myself racing through chapters curled up on my sofa, completely absorbed.
Darren O'Sullivan handles the portrayal of agoraphobia with sensitivity, showing how trauma can build invisible prisons around us. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, though I'll be honest , there were moments in the middle where things felt a touch predictable, and I would have loved to see some of the supporting characters fleshed out a bit more especially with Mia when her mother became involved . It's a solid thriller, but not without its bumps along the way.
That said, the ending absolutely made this book for me. Without giving anything away, watching this mother battle through her paralyzing fear for her daughter was incredibly powerful. We talk a lot about plot twists and shocking reveals in thrillers, but sometimes the most moving moment is simply witnessing the fierce, unbreakable bond between a mother and child. Darren O'Sullivan captures something beautiful here that love, particularly a mother's love, can be stronger than any trauma or fear that tries to cage us. Seeing her overcome something as debilitating as agoraphobia through sheer maternal determination brought genuine tears to my eyes.
Is it a perfect read? No. But it's a deeply human one, reminding us that the most compelling stories aren't always about the mystery ,they're about the hearts beating beneath it.
Perfect for: Fans of domestic suspense, readers who appreciate mental health representation in fiction, and anyone who loves a thriller with emotional depth.
January 30, 2026
First, I want to thank Darren O’Sullivan, Joffe Books and Zooloo Book Tours for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review!
If you are a parent you are going to want to hold your child a little tighter after reading Darren O’Sullivan’s Our Daughter Is Missing!!! What pulled on my heartstrings oh so hard is having the father in the nursing home with Dementia! Going in and out of clarity of who his daughter was! Just losing my Dad a year ago I can’t imagine what she must have been feeling dealing with that all the time!! My heart just broke for this character for so many reasons in this book!! She was incredibly strong for everything life threw her way!!
Darren O’Sullivan and I both agree that Our Daughter Is Missing deserves 5 stars!! We also agree that this book deserves a lot of reccomendations!! I say this because it is one of his best written books that I have read so far. It was a very fast paced, addicting read that once I started reading it I literally could not put it down!!
Oh this book deals with so many important topics from teenage drama, bullying, family drama, runaway, abduction, mental illness, dementia, etc.
The characters in Our Daughter Is Missing Darren seemed like he was writing the storyline from his heart. I could feel that as I was reading it. One story in particular. There were many emotionally driven scenes in this book (at least for me).
Darren’s climatic scene toward the end had me at the edge of my comfy chair biting my short nails needing to know if all would be ok!!! It was oh so intense!!!
Darren wants to thank his 10 year old son for being the one he sounds his ideas off for his what if moments!
Thank you Darren for appreciating and acknowledging all of us readers who review for you on Goodreads, Instagram, Blogs, etc. for me I get great satisfaction reviewing for authors such as yourself.
As I am reading the book I keep hearing Cindy Lauper’s song True Color’s song pop in my head!!!
This has to be put on your TBR List for 2026!!! It is a 5 star read!!! Don’t take my word for it-check it out for yourself!
February 1, 2026
Here is my review for Our Daughter Is Missing by Darren O’Sullivan
I was totally addicted to this brilliantly written psychological thriller about an abducted schoolgirl, Faye. She had rowed with her mum, then found a GPS tracker placed in her backpack by her mum without her knowledge so decided to run away instead of hanging with her mates. Her life was a mess but her mum didn’t know this. Her mum suffered with agoraphobia after an attack a year earlier and she lost her mum in the attack. She couldn’t set foot outside the house. Will Jo manage to get Faye back? I was hooked right from the start of this gripping story that I just couldn’t put down. I was on tenterhooks some of the way through the book, the writing made it seem so real and like it could happen in real life. I think the author did some research into agoraphobia and abduction before writing this great story which seems so real and life-like including a lot of information written into it. The characters seemed so real and worked well together to give the story authenticity. The descriptive writing was great and everything was described in detail. I look forward to reading the next book from this author.
Blurb :
My daughter left for school this morning. She didn’t come home.
Someone’s snatched my little girl.
I have to find her. I have to save her.
But how can I, when I can’t leave the house?
My husband tries to be the perfect stepdad. But I’m not the mother Faye deserves. Ever since the night everything changed, I’ve been too scared to go outside.
I knew it was a dangerous world out there — I was right.
A nail-biting domestic thriller that you literally won’t be able to put down — perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden, McGarvey Black, J.T. Ellison, B.A. Paris and Daniel Hurst.
I was totally addicted to this brilliantly written psychological thriller about an abducted schoolgirl, Faye. She had rowed with her mum, then found a GPS tracker placed in her backpack by her mum without her knowledge so decided to run away instead of hanging with her mates. Her life was a mess but her mum didn’t know this. Her mum suffered with agoraphobia after an attack a year earlier and she lost her mum in the attack. She couldn’t set foot outside the house. Will Jo manage to get Faye back? I was hooked right from the start of this gripping story that I just couldn’t put down. I was on tenterhooks some of the way through the book, the writing made it seem so real and like it could happen in real life. I think the author did some research into agoraphobia and abduction before writing this great story which seems so real and life-like including a lot of information written into it. The characters seemed so real and worked well together to give the story authenticity. The descriptive writing was great and everything was described in detail. I look forward to reading the next book from this author.
Blurb :
My daughter left for school this morning. She didn’t come home.
Someone’s snatched my little girl.
I have to find her. I have to save her.
But how can I, when I can’t leave the house?
My husband tries to be the perfect stepdad. But I’m not the mother Faye deserves. Ever since the night everything changed, I’ve been too scared to go outside.
I knew it was a dangerous world out there — I was right.
A nail-biting domestic thriller that you literally won’t be able to put down — perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden, McGarvey Black, J.T. Ellison, B.A. Paris and Daniel Hurst.
January 29, 2026
Fay is desperately unhappy at home. After a bitter argument with her mother, Jo, she packs a bag and makes a reckless decision to run away. But fear and doubt creep in, and Fay turns back, determined to face her problems and mend what’s broken. She never makes it home.
Instead, the unthinkable happens. Fay is dragged into the back of a van and vanishes without a trace.
As the hours stretch into days, Jo and her husband Mark report their daughter missing. Crushed by guilt, Jo can’t escape the feeling that her own actions pushed Fay away. Already battling severe agoraphobia, Jo finds her world shrinking even further as fear, grief, and self-blame threaten to consume her. Mark, too, is unraveling—desperate to stay strong while the family fractures under the strain.
Meanwhile, Fay’s ordeal unfolds in terrifying isolation.
Darren O’Sullivan writes with an unnerving intimacy, placing the reader deep inside each character’s suffering. The tension is relentless, the scenes vivid and harrowing, and the emotional stakes impossible to ignore. You feel every moment of Jo’s anguish, Mark’s helplessness, and Fay’s fear. The story moves at a gripping pace, drawing you further into its dark heart with every chapter.
As the threads tighten and everything begins to converge, one haunting question drives the story forward:
Will Jo ever see her daughter again?
As the search intensifies, long-held assumptions begin to crumble, and the novel delivers a chilling reminder that trust can be the most dangerous thing of all. When the answers finally emerge, they expose a truth far more disturbing than anyone could have imagined.
Instead, the unthinkable happens. Fay is dragged into the back of a van and vanishes without a trace.
As the hours stretch into days, Jo and her husband Mark report their daughter missing. Crushed by guilt, Jo can’t escape the feeling that her own actions pushed Fay away. Already battling severe agoraphobia, Jo finds her world shrinking even further as fear, grief, and self-blame threaten to consume her. Mark, too, is unraveling—desperate to stay strong while the family fractures under the strain.
Meanwhile, Fay’s ordeal unfolds in terrifying isolation.
Darren O’Sullivan writes with an unnerving intimacy, placing the reader deep inside each character’s suffering. The tension is relentless, the scenes vivid and harrowing, and the emotional stakes impossible to ignore. You feel every moment of Jo’s anguish, Mark’s helplessness, and Fay’s fear. The story moves at a gripping pace, drawing you further into its dark heart with every chapter.
As the threads tighten and everything begins to converge, one haunting question drives the story forward:
Will Jo ever see her daughter again?
As the search intensifies, long-held assumptions begin to crumble, and the novel delivers a chilling reminder that trust can be the most dangerous thing of all. When the answers finally emerge, they expose a truth far more disturbing than anyone could have imagined.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fantastic read. This book definitely kept me turning the pages wanting to get to the end. While I guessed part of it, it was also nice for some of it to be a mystery until I got to the pages.
Story of Jo, Mark and Faye, with Jo having experienced trauma with her mum being murdered and the impact it had on her and the family. Not wanting or able to leave her house, Faye the daughter who was a typical teenager, who was frustrated with her mum decides to run away. This is the beginning of a tale that could be so very true. The story that follows is scary as a parent, to understand how easy it is for a child to be kidnapped and the challenge of trying to find them.
I found this story to be realistic and not far fetched at all. While I won’t give away the ending, I did guess who may have been behind it or the liaisons that were being had part way through. But I did not guess the whole story.
Then the kidnappers. One who was extremely nasty, with a revenge twist here, and the other who was just making a living to see their own family. The ending was really satisfying too.
This is the second book I have read of Darren O’Sullivan and definitely will not be my last. Am off to purchase more books from this author as they are such great easy reads.
Will post this review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Thanks to NetGalley and Darren O’Sullivan for the opportunity to provide this honest review. Definitely put this one on your TBR list, you won’t regret it.
Story of Jo, Mark and Faye, with Jo having experienced trauma with her mum being murdered and the impact it had on her and the family. Not wanting or able to leave her house, Faye the daughter who was a typical teenager, who was frustrated with her mum decides to run away. This is the beginning of a tale that could be so very true. The story that follows is scary as a parent, to understand how easy it is for a child to be kidnapped and the challenge of trying to find them.
I found this story to be realistic and not far fetched at all. While I won’t give away the ending, I did guess who may have been behind it or the liaisons that were being had part way through. But I did not guess the whole story.
Then the kidnappers. One who was extremely nasty, with a revenge twist here, and the other who was just making a living to see their own family. The ending was really satisfying too.
This is the second book I have read of Darren O’Sullivan and definitely will not be my last. Am off to purchase more books from this author as they are such great easy reads.
Will post this review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Thanks to NetGalley and Darren O’Sullivan for the opportunity to provide this honest review. Definitely put this one on your TBR list, you won’t regret it.
February 5, 2026
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
The storyline was everything a psychological thriller should be, with plot twists and all, and I liked that. Jo's only daughter was kidnapped when she was trying to run away from home. Like any mother, she was disturbed, concerned, and ready to go out and search for her child. There's only one problem, Jo is agoraphobic and can't leave the house without having a panic attack.
The police swung into action and tried to find the missing child. We read POVs from both of them, the desperate scared mother who tried to find herself again. And, the young scared girl who doesn't know what's going to happen next.
CHARACTERS:
All characters played their parts well. Jo was annoying at first, but her character developed when necessary, and I forgive her for the beginning. I like that she didn't give up when it mattered most.
Faye was an amazing character, young, brave, and fearless. She's an enchanting character, and I liked her ending.
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay, and I had no complaints
SETTINGS:
The settings were mainly at the Pilkington's Hoyse and the kidnapper's den. The descriptions were perfect and fitting for the type of book it was.
OVERALL:
The book was good and interesting. It was a fast read, and I couldn't stop once I started. I would definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
The storyline was everything a psychological thriller should be, with plot twists and all, and I liked that. Jo's only daughter was kidnapped when she was trying to run away from home. Like any mother, she was disturbed, concerned, and ready to go out and search for her child. There's only one problem, Jo is agoraphobic and can't leave the house without having a panic attack.
The police swung into action and tried to find the missing child. We read POVs from both of them, the desperate scared mother who tried to find herself again. And, the young scared girl who doesn't know what's going to happen next.
CHARACTERS:
All characters played their parts well. Jo was annoying at first, but her character developed when necessary, and I forgive her for the beginning. I like that she didn't give up when it mattered most.
Faye was an amazing character, young, brave, and fearless. She's an enchanting character, and I liked her ending.
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay, and I had no complaints
SETTINGS:
The settings were mainly at the Pilkington's Hoyse and the kidnapper's den. The descriptions were perfect and fitting for the type of book it was.
OVERALL:
The book was good and interesting. It was a fast read, and I couldn't stop once I started. I would definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a tense, fast-paced thriller with a strong plot and well-developed characters that completely absorbed my attention. From the early chapters, the sense of urgency is intense and unrelenting, and the writing does a great job of keeping the pressure high. It’s one of those books where the outside world fades away — I read it in a single day, forgot all about the world around me and couldn’t stop turning the pages because I needed to know how it would all unfold.
The story is gripping and emotionally charged, with several moments where my pulse was racing. The author clearly knows how to build suspense and maintain momentum, making this a very compulsive read.
For me personally, a couple of small expectation-related things slightly affected my overall enjoyment rather than the quality of the story itself. I worked out the ending earlier than I would have liked (likely because I read a lot in this genre), and the cover image led me to picture a younger child, which subtly shaped how I connected with the story at first. These were very minor points and didn’t take away from how engaging and well-written the book is overall.
A strong, tense thriller that’s hard to put down, and one I’d happily recommend to fans of the genre.
The story is gripping and emotionally charged, with several moments where my pulse was racing. The author clearly knows how to build suspense and maintain momentum, making this a very compulsive read.
For me personally, a couple of small expectation-related things slightly affected my overall enjoyment rather than the quality of the story itself. I worked out the ending earlier than I would have liked (likely because I read a lot in this genre), and the cover image led me to picture a younger child, which subtly shaped how I connected with the story at first. These were very minor points and didn’t take away from how engaging and well-written the book is overall.
A strong, tense thriller that’s hard to put down, and one I’d happily recommend to fans of the genre.
February 1, 2026
From the opening line, Darren O’Sullivan plunges us into a nightmare every parent dreads: “My daughter left for school this morning. She didn’t come home.”
This domestic thriller grips with its claustrophobic premise. A mother, haunted by past trauma and unable to leave the house, must somehow fight to save her daughter Faye after she’s snatched on her way home. The tension is heightened by fractured family dynamics—her husband striving to be the perfect stepdad, while she wrestles with guilt and fear that she’s not the mother Faye deserves.
O’Sullivan’s writing is taut and relentless, balancing raw emotion with nail-biting suspense. The agoraphobia twist adds a fresh layer of psychological intensity: how do you rescue your child when the outside world itself feels like the enemy?
Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, and B.A. Paris, this is a thriller that keeps you turning pages late into the night.
A chilling, compulsive read that blends domestic drama with high-stakes suspense. You won’t be able to put it down.
My thanks to Darren O'Sullivan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
This domestic thriller grips with its claustrophobic premise. A mother, haunted by past trauma and unable to leave the house, must somehow fight to save her daughter Faye after she’s snatched on her way home. The tension is heightened by fractured family dynamics—her husband striving to be the perfect stepdad, while she wrestles with guilt and fear that she’s not the mother Faye deserves.
O’Sullivan’s writing is taut and relentless, balancing raw emotion with nail-biting suspense. The agoraphobia twist adds a fresh layer of psychological intensity: how do you rescue your child when the outside world itself feels like the enemy?
Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, and B.A. Paris, this is a thriller that keeps you turning pages late into the night.
A chilling, compulsive read that blends domestic drama with high-stakes suspense. You won’t be able to put it down.
My thanks to Darren O'Sullivan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
January 31, 2026
OMG!! I was absolutely obsessed with ‘Our Daughter Is Missing’… I didn’t move from my big bed all morning, just me and the cats, completely trapped in the story. 👩🏼🏫🐈
This is every parent’s worst nightmare - their child, gone. 😩
13 years old Faye is unhappy with life at home and at school. 😢 After a heated row with her mum, Jo, she makes a reckless decision: she packs her things and runs away. But just as she’s about to step onto the train, she hesitates… and turns back. 😬
She never makes it home. 🤔
When Faye misses her curfew, panic sets in. Jo knows something is horribly wrong and calls the police. 😱
A tense, fast-paced thriller, this story will grip you from the first page and refuse to let go. 📖👀
The question is: will Jo ever see her daughter Faye again… or is it already too late? 🤷🏼♀️
If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you doing?! 🤯 You NEED to! This book is an absolute banger!! 😍
Thank you so much to Darren and Zooloos Book Tours for letting me take part in this tour - it was such a great one! ♥️
This is every parent’s worst nightmare - their child, gone. 😩
13 years old Faye is unhappy with life at home and at school. 😢 After a heated row with her mum, Jo, she makes a reckless decision: she packs her things and runs away. But just as she’s about to step onto the train, she hesitates… and turns back. 😬
She never makes it home. 🤔
When Faye misses her curfew, panic sets in. Jo knows something is horribly wrong and calls the police. 😱
A tense, fast-paced thriller, this story will grip you from the first page and refuse to let go. 📖👀
The question is: will Jo ever see her daughter Faye again… or is it already too late? 🤷🏼♀️
If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you doing?! 🤯 You NEED to! This book is an absolute banger!! 😍
Thank you so much to Darren and Zooloos Book Tours for letting me take part in this tour - it was such a great one! ♥️
February 3, 2026
My third read by this author and once again, this had me hooked from the start.
As a Mum myself, this one got me within the first couple of lines - it's our worst nightmare, to know that your daughter went out to school, but never came back!
This scenario really played into Jo's ingrained worries - that the world outside is a bad place.
After being attacked when younger, poor Jo is now agoraphobic and can't leave the house.
Although all her fears are coming true - she now also cannot even get out to search for her daughter.
I also really felt for Faye - your typical 13 year old who thinks she knows best and rebels against her often controlling mother - but then the worst happens and now she's fighting for her freedom.
I really enjoy a multi-pov storyline and this is told via both Faye and Jo which allows us to get into both of their minds to experience both sides of the horror as it unfolds.
I think that I worked things out before the reveal, but this was a tense read throughout and this really didn't spoil the story for me at all.
As a Mum myself, this one got me within the first couple of lines - it's our worst nightmare, to know that your daughter went out to school, but never came back!
This scenario really played into Jo's ingrained worries - that the world outside is a bad place.
After being attacked when younger, poor Jo is now agoraphobic and can't leave the house.
Although all her fears are coming true - she now also cannot even get out to search for her daughter.
I also really felt for Faye - your typical 13 year old who thinks she knows best and rebels against her often controlling mother - but then the worst happens and now she's fighting for her freedom.
I really enjoy a multi-pov storyline and this is told via both Faye and Jo which allows us to get into both of their minds to experience both sides of the horror as it unfolds.
I think that I worked things out before the reveal, but this was a tense read throughout and this really didn't spoil the story for me at all.
January 29, 2026
ABSOLUTELY SPELLBINDING
Jo and Faye her 13 year old daughter have an argument and Faye decides to run away from home when she finds a gps tracker her mother has secreted in her bag.
She had decided to cool down before acting but this pushed her to the limit.
Faye fails to come home from school & Jo worries. She has agorophobia after an attack on her & her mum left her mum dead and her injured. Her husband Mark , Faye's stepfather, tries to persuade her not to panic, obviously with her issues that's impossible. Finally the police are called and next day cctv shows her daughter being abducted.
The story that follows the course of the next week is breathtaking. Twists and turns galore, it follows both Jo & Faye trying to understand the why and how or will they be reunited.There is a huge surprise when all is finally revealed, if you don't read another book this year read this one.
Jo and Faye her 13 year old daughter have an argument and Faye decides to run away from home when she finds a gps tracker her mother has secreted in her bag.
She had decided to cool down before acting but this pushed her to the limit.
Faye fails to come home from school & Jo worries. She has agorophobia after an attack on her & her mum left her mum dead and her injured. Her husband Mark , Faye's stepfather, tries to persuade her not to panic, obviously with her issues that's impossible. Finally the police are called and next day cctv shows her daughter being abducted.
The story that follows the course of the next week is breathtaking. Twists and turns galore, it follows both Jo & Faye trying to understand the why and how or will they be reunited.There is a huge surprise when all is finally revealed, if you don't read another book this year read this one.
January 29, 2026
Petrifying parental nightmare
This was my first read by Darren O’Sullivan and, on the strength of this alone, it certainly won’t be my last—always a good sign.
The plot isn’t especially intricate or groundbreaking, but it is relentlessly fast-paced and undeniably bingeable. This is the kind of book that knows exactly what it wants to be and wastes no time getting there. The dual narrative of Faye and Jo worked well, with both women written as sympathetic, believable characters whose voices were distinct enough to keep things moving without confusion.
There were a couple of twists along the way—one you’ll probably see coming a mile off, and one that’s far more effective—but together they delivered a satisfying ending that neatly wrapped things up. No unnecessary dragging, no wild overreaching… just a solid, well-executed thriller that does its job and does it confidently.
My thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC of “Our Daughter Is Missing” by Darren O’Sullivan.
This was my first read by Darren O’Sullivan and, on the strength of this alone, it certainly won’t be my last—always a good sign.
The plot isn’t especially intricate or groundbreaking, but it is relentlessly fast-paced and undeniably bingeable. This is the kind of book that knows exactly what it wants to be and wastes no time getting there. The dual narrative of Faye and Jo worked well, with both women written as sympathetic, believable characters whose voices were distinct enough to keep things moving without confusion.
There were a couple of twists along the way—one you’ll probably see coming a mile off, and one that’s far more effective—but together they delivered a satisfying ending that neatly wrapped things up. No unnecessary dragging, no wild overreaching… just a solid, well-executed thriller that does its job and does it confidently.
My thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC of “Our Daughter Is Missing” by Darren O’Sullivan.
January 29, 2026
First, thank you Netgalley as well as Joffe Books for this ARC!
I would say, this is the worst thing that can happen to a mother - parents in general - their child being missing. even more, since Jo, the mother, is unable to leaver her house after a dramtic experience in the past. And Faye, her daughter, is with being 13 years old just in this rebellious stage of of voicing her frustration about the whole situation. Faye want to run away. But then get abducted instead....
So, while this was still a thriller with the story moving forward in a pretty fast pace, it was also full of emotional tension, making sure you are clued to the pages from the first to the last sentence. Very well done, can very much recommend this one.
I would say, this is the worst thing that can happen to a mother - parents in general - their child being missing. even more, since Jo, the mother, is unable to leaver her house after a dramtic experience in the past. And Faye, her daughter, is with being 13 years old just in this rebellious stage of of voicing her frustration about the whole situation. Faye want to run away. But then get abducted instead....
So, while this was still a thriller with the story moving forward in a pretty fast pace, it was also full of emotional tension, making sure you are clued to the pages from the first to the last sentence. Very well done, can very much recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Our Daughter Is Missing” - And so is my trust in most people.
★★★★☆ (4,5)
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
This wasn’t my first novel by Darren O’Sullivan and I can once again say: “It won’t be my last!”.
Hooked from the start I was taken on one hell of a tension filled journey. The story has a great pace, kept me on the edge of my seat and holds all the great Thriller tropes. It was gripping and emotional and kept me guessing. Even if my instincts tell me things are off, I love it when a twist takes me by surprise and either confirms my suspicions or makes me gasp out loud.
If you are looking for a solid thriller, this one is for you.
★★★★☆ (4,5)
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
This wasn’t my first novel by Darren O’Sullivan and I can once again say: “It won’t be my last!”.
Hooked from the start I was taken on one hell of a tension filled journey. The story has a great pace, kept me on the edge of my seat and holds all the great Thriller tropes. It was gripping and emotional and kept me guessing. Even if my instincts tell me things are off, I love it when a twist takes me by surprise and either confirms my suspicions or makes me gasp out loud.
If you are looking for a solid thriller, this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tense, touching and triumphant! In this harrowing thriller, O’Sullivan expertly explores the nightmare of agoraphobic Jo, whose world shatters when her daughter Faye goes missing. Trapped by her own walls and reliant on her husband Mark, Jo’s desperate search for Faye is a poignant study of despair and burgeoning resilience. The dual perspectives of mother and daughter heighten the stakes, especially as Faye’s empathy for her mother grows while held captive. With exceptional character depth and a plot that refuses to let go, this book is a beautiful blend of sadness and suspense. The ending is nothing short of amazing, an absolute must-read!
January 29, 2026
Worth More Than 5 Stars
Faye's mum Jo, has told Faye she cannot go to a party that her best friend is holding. Faye is desperate to go, she has fallen out with Mia and wants to try and put things right so she does what many a teenager thinks about doing, but thankfully most don't, and decides to run away from home. She does have second thoughts but before she can get back safely she is picked up and thrown into a van. Meanwhile her mother and step father are searching for her but there have been no sightings. I was really gripped by this book and would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Faye's mum Jo, has told Faye she cannot go to a party that her best friend is holding. Faye is desperate to go, she has fallen out with Mia and wants to try and put things right so she does what many a teenager thinks about doing, but thankfully most don't, and decides to run away from home. She does have second thoughts but before she can get back safely she is picked up and thrown into a van. Meanwhile her mother and step father are searching for her but there have been no sightings. I was really gripped by this book and would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Our Daughter Is Missing by Darren O'Sullivan. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. This was a fantastic read. I didn't want to put it down and it kept me engaged the whole time. I was able to guess some parts of the story but it didn't take away from my overall impression of the book. This book kept me on the edge of my seat at times. Publication day is January 29th. Go out and get it, it was that good. A 5 star rating from me. #DarrenO'Sullivan #JoffeBooks
January 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of Our Daughter is Missing.
Well. What can I say? Last year, I read Win or Die by this author and loved it. Surely he couldn’t smash it again with the next novel? Well, he most definitely can and he did!
An absolute roller coaster of a ride from start to finish. If I could give 10 stars, I would! Couldn’t put it down. Such a great story with brilliant characters that were relatable.
Get this on your TBR list now folks!
Well. What can I say? Last year, I read Win or Die by this author and loved it. Surely he couldn’t smash it again with the next novel? Well, he most definitely can and he did!
An absolute roller coaster of a ride from start to finish. If I could give 10 stars, I would! Couldn’t put it down. Such a great story with brilliant characters that were relatable.
Get this on your TBR list now folks!
January 31, 2026
**Read for a book tour, below is my honest review**
This was such an intense read from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down, I needed to find out what happened next!
The story is told through the POVS of a mother (Jo) and daughter (Faye) when Faye is kidnapped following an argument with her mum. Jo fights tirelessly to get her girl back but it seems no one can be trusted.
The twist had my jaw on the floor, I was not expecting that.. 😮
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a twisty whodunnit thriller!
Thank you zooloosbooktours and Darren for letting me be a part of this tour!
I give this 4 stars!
This was such an intense read from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down, I needed to find out what happened next!
The story is told through the POVS of a mother (Jo) and daughter (Faye) when Faye is kidnapped following an argument with her mum. Jo fights tirelessly to get her girl back but it seems no one can be trusted.
The twist had my jaw on the floor, I was not expecting that.. 😮
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a twisty whodunnit thriller!
Thank you zooloosbooktours and Darren for letting me be a part of this tour!
I give this 4 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Our Daughter is Missing is the second book I have read from this author, and it certainly won't be the last. I flew through this one! I was addicted from start to finish!
It was tense, fast-paced, and had strong, well-written characters that had my utmost attention. There were several moments that had my heart racing, and there were moments that really pulled at my heartstrings.
I love multiple povs, and I enjoyed reading from two separate perspectives. One from a mother who was distraught, traumatised by a past incident, and stuck feeling helpless. I felt so much empathy for Jo. The agoraphobia added an extra layer of emotion, depth, and intensity to her character.
And the other pov from a teenage girl who was terrified, regretful and angry.
The suspense, twists, and emotions did not let up. And that ending?!? Did not see that coming!
A must-read!
Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was tense, fast-paced, and had strong, well-written characters that had my utmost attention. There were several moments that had my heart racing, and there were moments that really pulled at my heartstrings.
I love multiple povs, and I enjoyed reading from two separate perspectives. One from a mother who was distraught, traumatised by a past incident, and stuck feeling helpless. I felt so much empathy for Jo. The agoraphobia added an extra layer of emotion, depth, and intensity to her character.
And the other pov from a teenage girl who was terrified, regretful and angry.
The suspense, twists, and emotions did not let up. And that ending?!? Did not see that coming!
A must-read!
Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2026
Our Daughter is Missing by Darren O'Sullivan
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow! Loved this book! Devoured in a sitting 📖
Jo has a heated row with her daughter Faye. Faye packs her bags and leaves. Having made a rash decision, she decides to turn back and go home....but she never makes it.
Once Jo realises Faye hasnt returned and its past her hometime, worry sets in
Will Jo see Faye again? Will Faye be able to make it back?
Fabulous book! Add it to your reading list!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow! Loved this book! Devoured in a sitting 📖
Jo has a heated row with her daughter Faye. Faye packs her bags and leaves. Having made a rash decision, she decides to turn back and go home....but she never makes it.
Once Jo realises Faye hasnt returned and its past her hometime, worry sets in
Will Jo see Faye again? Will Faye be able to make it back?
Fabulous book! Add it to your reading list!!!
February 4, 2026
Our daughter is missing by Darren O’Sullivan.
Wow. I really enjoyed this book. This is the 4th book I have read by this author. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. Signed up straight away because it was Darren. This was a twisty and gripping book. I did like the writing style and the story. I certainly didn't see that coming at all. I did like Jo and how she was in the end. Determined. I did like the ending. I definitely recommend this book.
Wow. I really enjoyed this book. This is the 4th book I have read by this author. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. Signed up straight away because it was Darren. This was a twisty and gripping book. I did like the writing style and the story. I certainly didn't see that coming at all. I did like Jo and how she was in the end. Determined. I did like the ending. I definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A mother’s battle to overcome her phobia to save her abducted daughter.
Faye, a young teenager, is at odds with her mother. She feels her mother’s overbearing
and controlling! Why shouldn’t she stop out late ? Why can’t she go to her friends party?
The last straw is when she finds a tracking device in her backpack, she’s had enough
and runs away. Faye's mother Jo, knows that she is being unreasonable and smothering
but she can’t help it, she has her own demons. She is a prisoner in her own home
because she is petrified to leave. Her Agoraphobia is real and her fears and anxiety
reflects in her being overprotective of Faye. Jo thinks that Faye will return when her
temper cools she’s annoyed but not too concerned until the bombshell CCTV footage is
discovered of Faye being bundled into the back of a van by a masked man. She has been
abducted.
This is a masterpiece of a psyco-thriller with all the elements to keep you on the edge
of your seat
Faye, a young teenager, is at odds with her mother. She feels her mother’s overbearing
and controlling! Why shouldn’t she stop out late ? Why can’t she go to her friends party?
The last straw is when she finds a tracking device in her backpack, she’s had enough
and runs away. Faye's mother Jo, knows that she is being unreasonable and smothering
but she can’t help it, she has her own demons. She is a prisoner in her own home
because she is petrified to leave. Her Agoraphobia is real and her fears and anxiety
reflects in her being overprotective of Faye. Jo thinks that Faye will return when her
temper cools she’s annoyed but not too concerned until the bombshell CCTV footage is
discovered of Faye being bundled into the back of a van by a masked man. She has been
abducted.
This is a masterpiece of a psyco-thriller with all the elements to keep you on the edge
of your seat
January 30, 2026
Another brilliant psychological thriller by Darren O Sullivan.
February 2, 2026
Great thriller. A surprise ending most unexpected.
February 3, 2026
Easy read
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