Stolen Family

Detective Josie Quinn #24

by Lisa Regan

A breath of warm air lifts the canvas opening of the tent to reveal a carpet of crimson petals within. Two bodies lie side by side. Mother and daughter are achingly beautiful in the glow of the twinkling fairy lights above, but their cold blue lips have whispered their last “I love you…”

As a heatwave chokes the small town of Denton, Maxine and Haven Barnes are discovered dead at a local festival, blood-red camellias pressed into their once-clammy skin. Detective Josie Quinn races through the crowds to attend the scene, horrified that something so disturbing could happen at a family event. Maxine was known to the police for issues with her abusive husband, but the trail ends there.

Hours later, a call rocks Josie to her another mother and teenage daughter are missing, with the same rare flowers left on their doorstep. And just when the stakes couldn’t get any higher, the missing women are linked to the most challenging member of Josie’s team, Detective Kyle Turner. He had a secret family he’s kept hidden from them all, and now their lives are in danger…

Clock ticking, it will take everything Josie has to break down the walls Turner put up to protect himself and the people he loves. But when tracing the flowers back to their origins has the killer within her grasp, a truth much closer to home reveals itself. And with it, more danger than anyone could have imagined. Can Josie bring this monster to justice before any more precious lives are taken?

Genres: Mystery, Procedural, Crime, Thriller

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 9, 2026

About the author

Lisa Regan is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series as well as several other crime fiction titles. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers’ Association, and International Thriller Writers. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter and Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface this by saying I started reading this and could not put it down. I missed my bedtime by three hours, AND it was a work night. Ope.

Lisa Regan delivers another gripping instalment in the Detective Josie Quinn series with Stolen Family, a case that is as emotionally layered as it is unsettling.

When a mother and daughter are found murdered at a summer festival, posed beneath fairy lights with blood-red camellias pressed into their skin, the horror feels almost theatrical. But as a suffocating heatwave settles over Denton, the case quickly turns personal. Another mother and daughter go missing, the same rare flowers left behind as a calling card. And this time, the connection leads straight to Detective Kyle Turner and the secret family he’s kept hidden from his team.

What follows is a race against time that forces Josie not only to hunt a killer, but to confront the emotional walls within her own team.

The mystery itself is tightly woven and full of satisfying reveals. The flashback-style chapters were particularly clever, disorienting in a way that made me question what I thought I knew. Once I realised what was happening, I had that delicious “ohhhhhh” moment. I was irrationally proud of myself for clocking that the Cassidy mentioned was Turner’s Cassidy, suspecting the “dead” guy wasn’t quite so dead, and immediately pinging on Reina’s brother. Normally, those kinds of clues sail straight over my head, so this felt like a personal victory.

That said, there were a few threads I expected to build into something bigger, the book-loaning detail especially felt like it was leading somewhere. And Haven’s death? Absolutely gutting. The injustice of men like Charles walking free while innocent lives are taken hit hard, but perhaps that uncomfortable realism is exactly the point.

For four books, Kyle Turner has been… let’s say deeply punchable. In Stolen Family, Lisa Regan peels him back like an onion, layer by layer. Underneath the defensive arrogance and prickliness is someone shaped by abuse, by being misunderstood, by always expecting the worst from people because that’s what he’s always received. He’s less a villain and more a porcupine with a marshmallow centre. Learning about his father, his instinct for self-protection, and, most importantly, how fiercely he loves his daughter reframed everything. I still wanted to smack him upside the head a few times, but now I understand him. And that emotional shift felt earned.

The true emotional anchor of this book, as always, is Josie. Her vulnerability regarding Wren was raw and real. There were multiple moments where I felt that ache in my chest for her. I was genuinely relieved when Wren’s name wasn’t in the art show programme, I’m not even embarrassed to admit it. And Noah remains one of the healthiest, most grounding romantic partners I’ve ever read in a crime series. The way he loves Josie: flaws, idiosyncrasies, obsession with the job and all — feels adult and earned. Their dynamic, with Noah as the steady calm to Josie’s storm, is one of my favourite elements of the entire series. It’s not flashy romance; it’s emotional safety. And that’s rare in thrillers. And I LOVE it. If I could find that in real life, I would snatch it up!

On a very personal note, Lisa named one of the characters after my beloved Grandma Annette, and it was so lovely to see my grandma’s name in print. I adored her character. I loved that she nicknamed him “shitbird,” I laughed so hard. Although they worked together, it was a little disappointing that she didn’t have his back the way Gretchen, Noah, and Josie have each other. But she was fiercely loyal to her niece, so I can’t really fault her for that. Overall, she was kickass, and I loved that.

Stolen Family may not be my absolute favourite in the series, but it is one of the most emotionally revealing. It deepens team dynamics, reframes a long-standing character, and reminds us that the most dangerous secrets are often the ones closest to home. Lisa Regan continues to balance brutal crimes with deeply human moments, and I will apparently continue sacrificing sleep to read “just one more chapter”. If you love crime thrillers with strong team dynamics, emotional depth, and twists that click into place in deeply satisfying ways, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

: Stolen Family
Author: Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn Book #24
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: April 9, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 424

If you are new to Josie Quinn you will miss a lot of back information but I believe you will still enjoy it. Author, Lisa Regan does try to review Josie’s childhood so that hew readers are not completely lost. Here are some background ~ skip if already a Josie fan!
When Josie and her twin sister Trinity were three weeks old, they had a nanny but Josie was kidnapped by Lila Jensen the woman who cleaned their parents’ home. She set the house on fire; which had the authorities believe Josie died in the fire. The nanny was able to save baby Trinity.
Josie didn’t die and Lila took her to Eli Matson in Denton and told him he was the baby’s father. He believes her and ending up loving little Josie - love is something Lila never experienced. Eventually Josie was finally away from Lila and raised and loved by Eli’s mother Lisette Matson the woman whom Josie thought was her real grandmother.
When Josie is an adult she finds her twin Trinity as well as her biological
parents- Christian and Shannon Paynes. Trinity is a television journalist and engaged to FBI agent Drake Nally.
Additionally, we follow Josie and her husband Noah who have been wanted to start a family and finally decided to adopt. They were in the final stages of the process when the agency pulled their application and said their lives were so dangerous they felt it would be difficult for Josie and Noah to keep the baby safe 24/7.
So when fourteen year old Wren McMann mother’s died and then while still getting to know her real father , he died-Josie and Noah welcome her and now are her Guardians. Wren is going to grief therapy as she has abandonment issues and although adjustment is very slow, she is adjusting.

This story starts when Denton a small town in Central Pennsylvania is hosting the first Balloons and Tunes Festival which they plan will be an annual event. It is well attended including Maxine and her teenage daughter Haven Barnes staying there-rather than driving back and forth.
Only something they didn’t count on happened- they are murdered. They were discovered dead with flowers shattered everywhere and a single flower is placed on each of their chests.

Maxine had called the police regarding her abusive husband. Detective Kyle Turner who is somewhat new to the department and is not well liked due to his arrogance as well as his sexist remarks was the detective who took and earlier report regarding the husband.
As they are investigating this case, they get called that someone is worried about his neighbors Danielle ‘Dani’ Schwarber and her sixteen year old daughter Cassidy.
Josie cannot help but think about a recent visit at the Police Station by a teenager named Cassidy stating she was looking for her father.
Everyone was surprised as no one knew that Kyle Turner had a secret family!
We soon learn there is a softer side of the nasty foul mouth Turner.
Story gets very involved – have to admit it wasn’t a quick read as I needed to digest what was ‘really’ going on.

As always I enjoy reading the ‘Author’s Notes – in this case “A Letter from Lisa’. She tells us that writing Turner’s story bit difficult and actually writing the entire story was emotional rollercoaster writing. I can assure you that reading it was also a roller-coaster ride.
She also tells us that she hopes we readers ended up seeing him in a new light` even if we still may not like him.

Although I need a day to digest this, I can assure you I am looking forward to #25!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 9, 2026.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading: March 15th 2026

"We both know there are some things you can't guarantee. Living with uncertainty is part of life. A really terrible part of life."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

I’ve been following the Detective Josie Quinn series ever since the very first book came out back in 2018, and it is without doubt one of my favorite detective thriller series out there. I’m always looking forward to spend more time with its characters, so it’s a treat whenever a new sequel finds its way to my kindle. Stolen Family follows the same formula I’ve become used to with this series, and it's another sequel that hits very close to home indeed. Make sure to brace yourself for the ride!

While technically you could read Stolen Family as a stand-alone, I personally wouldn’t recommend it. This series focuses a lot on the personal development of the main characters as well as the actual crime, and it’s best to read the series in order both for the character background and to avoid major spoilers. This sequel will include multiple spoilers for the previous books, so this makes reading the series in order even more important… And while the case itself stands on its own, the fact that it is intimately connected to one of the main characters means you will need the background provided in some of the previous books to fully appreciate the changing dynamics.

I always enjoy meeting up with Josie Quinn and the rest of the cast, and I've been looking forward to this sequel after the changing dynamics in Josie's personal life. The fact the private lives of the main characters usually play a big role in the plot really adds to the series, although there is a spotlight on a different character this time around. I can't deny that I'm still actively disliking Turner and I wish we didn’t have to deal with his antics, sexist comments, lack of teamwork and laziness over and over again. I admit he is better than in the previous books and this sequel did shine a different light on him, but I just don’t think this series needs this conflict when there is so much else going on. I definitely prefer the sequels before his appearance!

If you feel similar about Turner, this particular sequel might be tough to swallow initially as he is most definitely in the spotlight here. Of course this is mainly not in a professional capacity, but still... Thankfully the case itself was intriguing enough to help distract from those conflicting thoughts about Turner. There are plenty of twists and turns, and I never did guess the full truth about it all, which is always a bonus. All in all, if you are looking for an engaging, fast-paced and suspenseful detective thriller, I can highly recommend this series in general. Things can be said about the credibility of so much crime happening in one location, but the entertainment factor is without a doubt sky high!

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Family by Lisa Regan is an exceptional, very highly recommended crime thriller/procedural. You won't want to miss this absolutely un-put-downable 24th book in the Detective Josie Quinn series! Seriously, I had to stay up late to finish Stolen Family. At a certain point in the gripping plot it becomes impossible to not keep racing through the pages while your heart is pounding.

Denton, PA, is having their first Balloons and Tunes Festival which seems to be wildly popular and will hopefully become an annual event. Detective Josie Quinn and Detective Kyle Turner are called to a glamping site at the festival where Maxine and her teenage daughter Haven Barnes have been found murdered and left with white-tipped blood-red camellias laid on their bodies while other flowers are scattered across the room. Turner admits he recognizes Maxine from an earlier spousal abuse incident. As the team is investigating, a report of another suspected missing mother and daughter is called in.

The missing are Danielle ‘Dani’ Schwarber and her sixteen-year-old daughter Cassidy and the same camellias are left behind. Even more shocking is that they are Kyle Turner's estranged wife and daughter. Now the clock is ticking to find who abducted Kyle's family and hopefully find them before anymore lives are lost.

As expected, the writing is superb. The plot is fast-paced, complicated, immersive, and riveting, due to both the investigations and personal interactions. The tension keeps rising right up to the action-packed conclusion. The procedural part of the narrative is excellent with all the clues logically followed and leads investigated. Complicating everything is the personal connection to Turner.

I continued to enjoy all the realistic interaction between the characters. All the characters are portrayed as fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses. Josie's personal life is going well. Her husband, Noah, is back at work while still recovering emotionally from a previous case. Their relationship with Wren, the teenager they are custodial parents too, is making progress. Kyle Turner is the character with the most development. He is known for being disagreeable, lazy, and all-around unlikable. Now we are introduced to a different side to his character.

Although this is the 24th book in the series, Stolen Family could be read as a standalone novel, however, knowing the history of the characters will make it a richer reading experience. There is enough of the backstory covered that new readers can follow along and appreciate this latest thrilling procedural.

Stolen Family is a exceptional crime thriller/procedural and is a perfect choice for everyone following the series. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series! Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 24th installment of the Josie Quinn series, Lisa Regan proves that even after two dozen cases, she still knows how to twist the knife. Stolen Family isn’t just a gripping police procedural. It’s a high-stakes emotional wrecking ball that hits way too close to home for the Denton PD and their most loved-to-hate detective, Kyle Turner.

It’s a nightmare scenario: a family vanishes from their home, leaving behind a half-cooked dinner and not much else. Josie is called in, but with little to go on, she has to dig into the family’s past in hopes of finding a thread to unravel. The tension skyrockets when another family disappears, Kyle Turner’s daughter and her mother.

What made this book hard to put down was how Regan handles Turner’s pain and need to be part of the investigation, even knowing that it’s not smart. She knows how hard it is to sit on the sidelines when someone you love is missing while trusting others to find them. Turner’s pain is absolutely palpable. It’s raw, jagged, and desperate. Watching him unravel as he realizes his family is gone creates a sense of urgency that makes the pages practically turn themselves, even if you’ve never liked his character in previous books. In Stolen Family, you learn what makes Turner tick, and you’ll be more than a little surprised to uncover the truth. You’ve always seen him as a lazy detective, but in Stolen Family, you see him as a father watching a ticking clock and wondering if he’s lost his chance to make things right.

Josie discovers that the key to finding these families lies in the flowers found at the scenes. She must trace the history and symbolism of these flowers in hopes of getting into the kidnapper's head. The Victorian language of flowers is used here not for romance, but as a chilling breadcrumb trail Josie must decode. It adds a layer of depth and intellect to the gritty, macabre scavenger hunt the team is on. Josie’s intuition is front and center as she tries to view the case through the kidnapper's eyes rather than a cop's.

While all of that is going on, Josie is learning how to live and raise her foster daughter, Wren. She’s worked hard to connect with her, but feels ill-equipped to help the girl through her grief. In a touching family moment with her husband, Noah, she realizes that she is the only person who can help Wren through her grief. The moment she realizes that, you see her relationship with Wren change, and her confidence in helping the girl through tough emotional situations increases tenfold.

Stolen Family is a gripping, heart-wrenching addition to the Josie Quinn series. It manages to be both a clever police procedural and a complicated, twisting detective novel, while offering the reader a poignant exploration of what defines a family.

[janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've had Josie, Noah and Gretchen's story and now, as LR promised, we have Turner's story... and what a story it is!

Once again, LR not gave us what she promised but she gave us it in bucket loads. How can it be that we are in so deeply into a series, book #24 and it still gives me that feeling of pure exhilaration when it hits my inbox and spine tingling goosebumps the minute I see 'Prologue'.

Each and every installment has been my favourite, what can I say, I'm a full on fan girl of the outstanding Detective Josie Quinn, and this has easily become my new favourite.

For those avid readers of the series, we all know (and detest) the douchebag that is Kyle Turner. The sexist, selfish, arrogant Detective that will rather spend his time doom scrolling on his phone than actually doing his job.... or so it seems!

Book #24 will show you a side that not only we haven't seen but one we'd never expect. A man that would do anything to protect the ones he loves..

When the bodies of a mother and daughter are found, in a glamping tent at Denton festival, Josie and her team face the challenge of finding out the why's, what's and who? An investigation that leads them down many paths without many answers. The list of suspects grows rapidly so the team have to dig deep to cross each name off their ever growing list.

When another mother and daughter are abducted things take a turn, Josie recognises the girl from when she turned up at their offices, its Turner's daughter.

Josie's biggest challenge is trying to get Turner to open up, to break down his facade so she can do what she does best, saving people.

Alongside Turner's story we also learn more about Josie and Noah's new 'daughter' Wren. I'm absolutely loving watching their relationships develop and watching this young girl start to open up and see that she is now apart of their family, they will protect her at all costs.

This was one hell of a page turner, paced, as we've become accustomed to a break neck speed with more twists and turns than a waltzer.

Characterisation, as always was sublime. I thoroughly enjoyed having my brain turned in another direction when it came to Turner. As the saying goes, never judge a book by it's cover.

As I always reiterate and will constantly shout from the rooftops, if you've been living under a rock and never heard of or picked up this series then you truly don't know what you are missing. Yes, you can pick it up from any previous book but why would you when you can start at the very beginning?

With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

*CRACK* That is the sound of Lisa Regan hitting it out of the ballpark with another thrilling and gripping book in her Detective Josie Quinn Series! I swear the books in this series keep getting better and better! I love the character development, the plots, the cast of characters, and how each book focuses on one of the characters. In Stolen Family, it's Detective Turner's turn to take center stage. He is known for his offensive comments, being missing in action, endless scrolling on his phone, and an interesting connection to Josie's sister, Trinity!

As a heatwave hits Denton and the sweat begins to trickle down the back of resident's necks, a mother and daughter are found dead with flowers arranged on their bodies. Josie Quinn and the Denton PD jump into action and begin their investigation! Then a frantic call comes in informing the force that another mother and her teenage daughter are missing! But this time the call hits closer to home as the mother and daughter missing are Detective Turner's secret family!

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see another side of Turner. I also loved seeing Josie and Noah with Wren at home as they continue building their relationship with her. I also enjoyed how Lisa Regan handled trauma so realistically in this book and showed how Noah was doing since the events in the last book.

As the clock ticks down, the tension mounted and anxiety piqued for both the characters and this reader. I loved how the dread dripped from the pages that I could not stop turning. This book had it all: great character development, tension, dread, danger, suspense, a chilling mystery, and a sense of family. This book became a fast-paced page turner for me!

Wonderfully written, gripping, well thought out, tense, and hard to put down! I can't wait to read what happens next!

*A Wonderful Witches Words buddy read with DeAnn, Carolyn, and Dorie. Please read their reviews as well to get their thoughts on Stolen Family!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how much I miss Josie and her team until I picked up a new addition to the series. This book was quite the roller coaster of twists and emotions. What I really liked about this book is that I got to know Turner a bit better, especially his daughter, Cassidy.

Stolen Family is a gripping rollercoaster set against the backdrop of a small town grappling with the devastating impact of a brutal crime. This book balances heart-wrenching emotion with persistent suspense. The story opens with a chilling scene—a mother and daughter found dead at a local festival, their bodies adorned with blood-red camellias. The author's imagery drew me into the scene, highlighting a sense of dread that lingers throughout the book. As Detective Josie Quinn arrives at the festival, her shock and determination to uncover the truth are tangible, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.

One of the standout elements of the book is its exploration of complex family dynamics. Maxine and Haven Barnes’ tragic fate is just the beginning, as the investigation quickly spirals into a shocking revelation about another mother and daughter who have gone missing. The author intertwines personal stories and relationships, particularly through Detective Kyle Turner, revealing layers of secrecy and vulnerability that heighten the stakes. As the investigation unfolds, the pacing is non-stop, with each twist more surprising than the last.

Also, the author's character development is top-notch. Josie's fierce dedication to her work is complemented by her empathy, and her interactions with her team bring a genuine warmth to the story. The layers of complexity in Turner's character, especially as his secret life is uncovered, add depth and intrigue. Plus, Gretchen is always great.

Stolen Family is a standout addition to the Detective Josie Quinn series, delivering a perfect blend of suspense, emotional depth, and intricate character dynamics. I really appreciated this well-crafted mystery that tugs at the heartstrings, and readers will find themselves fully immersed in this enthralling narrative. The author proves once again that she is a master storyteller, and this book leaves me eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for Josie. I recommend this book, series, and author.

#StolenFamily #NetGalley @bookouture

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stolen Family opens with a scene so hauntingly beautiful and unbearably tragic that it lingers long after you turn the page — a tent lifted by warm air, a carpet of crimson petals, and a mother and daughter posed with heartbreaking tenderness beneath fairy lights. It’s an image that sets the tone for a story steeped in sorrow, urgency, and the fierce determination of Detective Josie Quinn.

What follows is a blistering investigation unfolding under the suffocating heat of a Denton summer. The contrast between the festival’s cheerful chaos and the brutality of the crime gives the book a sharp, unsettling edge. Maxine and Haven Barnes aren’t just victims; they’re the centre of a web of fear, secrets, and past violence that Josie must navigate with her usual blend of grit and empathy.

The discovery of the rare camellias — delicate, symbolic, and chilling in their placement — becomes the thread that pulls Josie deeper into a case that quickly spirals beyond anything she expects. When another mother and daughter vanish, the tension tightens, but the emotional blow lands hardest when the missing pair are linked to Detective Kyle Turner. His hidden past cracks open, exposing vulnerabilities he’s spent years burying, and the novel handles his unraveling with a raw, human honesty that adds real depth to the procedural pace.

The investigation moves with relentless momentum: secrets buried in plain sight, a killer who communicates through flowers, and a team pushed to their emotional limits. The heatwave becomes its own character — oppressive, stifling, mirroring the rising stakes as Josie races to stop a pattern that feels both ritualistic and deeply personal.

By the time the truth emerges, the reveal is both shocking and painfully intimate, the kind of twist that forces you to rethink every earlier clue. It’s a story about obsession, fractured families, and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love — or punish them.

Taut, emotional, and utterly gripping, Stolen Family is another standout entry in the Josie Quinn series, blending high-stakes suspense with the complex, beating heart of its characters. It’s the kind of thriller that keeps you turning pages long past bedtime, breath held, hoping Josie gets there in time.

With thanks to Lisa Regan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Imogen Dior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Family is book 24 of the Josie Quinn series and just like the other books in the series was an amazing read! I found it to be a page turner and with a lot of twists that I didn’t see coming. The plot was great, the story flowed beautifully and the suspense and mystery was intricately woven into the story. I loved seeing Josie and Noah, who are total couple goals! Josie continually impress me with how she thinks and how the puzzle comes together for her. I love reading this step by step and experiencing it like you’re standing next to Josie as everything is happening. That’s how good Lisa’s writing is you legitimately feel like you’re right there whilst the events are happening. Wren is such a great addition to the cast and I loved seeing the emotional upheaval that Josie, Noah and Wren are all on together. Seeing those little triumphs and how much happiness is in those little moments especially when Wren’s had such a tragic life, she reminds me a lot of Josie and Dex knew how good an influence she’d be for Wren. I can’t wait to see more of Wren and her life moving forward with Josie and Noah and the trust their building. The love and devotion Josie and Noah have for one another is unmatched and how they enfold Wren and the rest of the people they love into it is amazing. This book was mostly about Turner and his story and I have to say I found it very interesting to learn about the man behind the mask. Finding out how hurt he’d been was really sad and seeing the emotional trauma he was going through throughout this book was really hard to read. I loved meeting Cassidy and can’t wait to get to know her more. I think in little slivers we’re going to see the man Turner used to be- although I think he’ll maintain his douchebag persona to a degree. I loved seeing my favourite secondary characters- Noah, Gretchen, Chief Chitwood, Trinity, Misty, Harris, Turner, Cassidy, Zara, Penny, Erica and who doesn’t love Trout! I’m a Josie Quinn series fanatic and I don’t see myself ever missing a book by Lisa Regan because her work continuously impresses me! Can’t wait for book 25!

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Regan's book 24 of the Josie Quinn series is coming up. I can't believe it is book 24 because when I sit down to read Josie and the gang it is like we never left the town of Denton. This book can read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you start from the beginiing of this fantastic journey. The series is that good!

Since we last spent time with Josie, she has been getting to know life with Wren and Noah and how it is to be a parent. A dream she has been hoping for but never thought she would have. It has been an adjustment for all of them, but a welcome time in their lives. The latest case Josie is tackling is a mother daughter murder at the towns first Balloons and tunes festival. Although there were no signs of sexual assault, the daughter must have fought back. A calling card that sets this murder apart from others were the flowers (that turn out to be rare) called the Crimson Bride. placed on the victims as if laid to rest. As they are still working the case, another mother daughter goes missing which truns out to be people close to home. Turner's wife and daughter which Josie only found out a couple weeks prior of their existence. Josie never thought she would see Turner so vulnerable and have empathy for his situation, but she will not let anything get in the way of finding his family. After all, despite the rocky relationship he has with their team, he is part of their office family. Will they find Dani and Cassidy before the killer does the unthinkable to Turner's family?

Lisa Regan has captured us readers with this Josie Quinn family we love so much. Turner has been one character we all love to hate, and I was so excited we get his story this time around. A lot of questions about Turner have been answered here in this story and it was a masterpiece. How Lisa keeps writing stories that are so well plotted, keeps us engaged where I have to keep reading is AMAZING. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the arc of this awesome book!

[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book in this series and this is my favorite so far!!

A heatwave has gripped the town of Denton where a new festival “Balloons and Tunes” is taking place. The festival goers have blocked traffic and caused some inconvenience to residents.

Amid this, Josie is called to the scene of a mother-daughter murder. There is a glamping venue and Maxine and Haven Barnes are found laid out on their beds with blood red camellias laid across their bodies. Maxine is known to the police from calls about her abusive husband, so the police will start there.

Not long after there is a call that another mother and daughter are missing and the same flowers are left on their doorstep. How are these two cases connected? The police are racing to investigate as the missing mother and daughter are known to their partner - Detective Kyle Turner!

This was a race to the finish nail biter and I couldn’t put it down. Detective Kyle Turner is the newest member of Josie’s team and he has been a hard person to figure out. Most often he is annoying, irritating and frustrates Josie and Gretchen as their work on cases. In this book we get to know Turner well and there is indeed another side to him - it is fascinating to watch this unfold. Turner has a family that is now in danger and he has to open up to Josie if he wants them found.

There are many layers to these cases and just when I thought I had some things figured out, nope there is another big twist that I don’t think anyone could have seen coming.

I wouldn’t recommend this one as a standalone - you really need to know the characters and understand their relationships.

This book delivered all I thought it would and more!! Highly recommend to fans of this series- you won’t be disappointed.

This was a buddy read with Debra, DeAnn, Brenda and Carolyn. Be sure to read their reviews

This novel is set to publish on April 9, 2026 - so not too long to wait!!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are not enough stars possible for this new intensely complex Josie Quinn book. With the author’s signature style of throwing in some head-spinning twists and keeping the characters real and relatable, this book also goes beyond the pale with extraordinary insight into a character that I really didn’t care for until now. Turner is the newest detective on the team, an arrogant, irritating and thoroughly unlikable human being. In this book he is portrayed as the same Turner but the author shows a side of him that I hadn’t seen before, the man with his family and how deeply he loves his daughter. This story is emotionally heart breaking while it also weaves in an unputdownable mystery. Who is harming mothers and teen daughters and why is the question that rings throughout the book and in a compelling way, the author methodically answers those queries, with a lot of drama, some clever misdirection and an expertly crafted plot that had me reading long past my bedtime. There is relentless tension as Josie and her team, mostly Gretchen and Noah in this book, follow scattered and misleading clues to try to find a missing family, only to hit a brick wall in the investigation. I felt their frustration as well as their absolute need to solve this case for Turner, just because he shows that deep down he feels things deeply but hasn’t been showing his emotions until this case. With a fast pace and gritty and exciting interludes with the captive mom and daughter, this book has strong imagery, edgy suspense that kept me guessing and a plot that is complicated and one that kept me totally captivated. This book is undoubtedly one of my favorite JQ books to date!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[DeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Two Dozen Hits

I think I rave about Lisa Regan’s writing in every review, but it remains very true for this book, #24 in the Detective Josie Quinn series. Time after time, Regan finds a new compelling case for Josie and her team to investigate.

I really enjoyed that we focused on Detective Kyle Turner in this book. He’s been part of the series for several books and has been an enigma. He always seems to be on his phone, doesn’t write the most complete reports, and makes inappropriate remarks to Josie and Gretchen. Why does he behave this way?

There’s a new hot air balloon festival in Denton, and unfortunately, a mother-daughter murder is discovered at a glamping venue. The women are artfully arranged, with beautiful flowers decorating the tent. How were they killed, and what do the flowers mean? The easy suspect is an abusive husband, but it feels like something more sinister is at work.

As can happen in these books, before the team can solve these murders, there’s another incident. This time, the mother and daughter are missing. Josie and her team race to find them before they suffer the same fate. It’s especially urgent because Kyle Turner is very connected to these women. Will he finally open up and share everything to find them?

I found this to be very fast-paced, and I read as quickly as I could to find out the resolution. Brava, Lisa Regan, on another wonderful book!

This made for a great buddy read with Carolyn, Debra, and Dorie.

My thanks to Bookoutre for the opportunity to read and to review this one honestly. Scheduled to release on 4.9.2026.

[An Introvert Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #24 and it did not disappoint! I’ve loved the Detective Josie Quinn series for a while now, but this one might be one of my favorites. From the first chapter, the story pulled me in, and I didn’t want to stop reading. The pacing is fast and the chapters keep you saying: just one more. The series is known for being addictive and full of twists, and this book definitely delivers that.

What really makes these books work is the characters. Josie is such a strong main character, and I always enjoy seeing how much she cares about the victims and how determined she is to get justice. The team around her also adds a lot to the story and makes the investigation feel real and intense. One of my favorite parts of this book was getting a deeper look into Turner’s life. It was really interesting to see another side of him, and it made me question whether he’s actually the bad guy people assume he is. That added a lot of depth to the story and to his character. Which was honestly much needed at this point!

The mystery itself kept me guessing the whole time. There are plenty of twists and turns, and every time I thought I had it figured out, something new would come up. The tension keeps building all the way to the end, and the final reveal was both shocking and emotional.

Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the series. It’s tense, emotional, and packed with twists. If you’re already a Josie Quinn fan, you’ll love this one. And if you’re new to the series, please start from Book 1, you won’t regret it!

Thank you to Bookouture for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book via NetGalley. As usual, my reviews are my honest and unbiased opinions.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest Detective Josie Quinn book, a mother and daughter are found in a glamping tent on the grounds of a festival, lying dead in the beds, surrounded by flowers. That leads to one of the coolest things in this story – floriography, the language of flowers. And especially the Victorian symbolism associated with it, when men and women would use coded flowers to convey messages. I’d heard about that before, and I’ve always found it fascinating. So I was overjoyed when it turned up in this book. Josie and the team use floriography to help them search for the killer, as it assisted with determining why someone would have done this to the victims.

But it’s not all lighthearted, as one of the worst things that could happen to the team occurs – the family of one of their own is targeted and kidnapped. Conflicting emotions ensue for Josie because it is the wife and daughter of Kyle Turner, the obnoxious and lazy detective she doesn’t quite get along with. I’ve always imagined there’s more to him than meets the eye, and I was pleased that he’s actually not a bad guy. I’m glad Josie sees it now! But that doesn’t mean he makes it easy working the case. He’s so worried about them that he quickly flies off the handle with each update, and everyone has to keep him from compromising the investigation.

It’s an emotional story that perfectly balances the crimes and the victims, and I kept bracing myself for devastation. You truly can’t pass this one by.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the free advanced reading copy of this book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Regan is not only an expert at writing mystery thrillers, but is a master at developing intriguing characters that become family to each other and to us fans (at least me), people who have earned our loyal affection. With Kyle Turner, fairly new to the Denton police, she has created an edgy, standoffish, sometimes mean, purposefully annoying, unfocused, messy, and seemingly lackadaisical detective. Except when he’s not. As such, he’s been an enigma of a personality to Josie Quinn, a thorn in her side. Regan has sprinkled little hints of something deeper driving Turner throughout the series since he entered the picture, and we finally learn his back story in STOLEN FAMILY. I have been waiting for THIS book for, it feels like, ages (but really only a couple of years?).. And wow was it satisfying! Turner is pushed to a breaking point, Josie has to keep him from making things worse, and there is a bit of a minor earthquake in how they relate to each other. Full of nerve-wracking races to find a killer in time, this book does not give you much time to breathe. You’ll be so invested that sleep will not matter to you.

While I highly recommend this book for all police procedural and mystery/thriller fans, and it can certainly be read as a standalone, I do think you’d get more from it by reading the earlier books which establish Turner’s character (I think starting with book 20, Her Dying Secret).

Thank you to Bookouture, Netgalley, and the author, Lisa Regan, for early access to this excellent book.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s midsummer in Denton, Pennsylvania and a heatwave is sweeping the town. A ‘Balloons and Tunes’ festival has brought the crowds and the traffic is at a standstill. At the ‘glamping’ ground a mother and daughter, Maxine and Haven, have been found dead in their beds in their tent, surrounded by red and white camellia flowers. Maxine’s separated husband is well known to police but claims he did not kill his wife and daughter.

When a second mother and daughter disappear and the same type of camellias are left on their doorstep, Detective Josie Quinn and her husband Detective Noah Fraley, know the cases are linked and they are looking for a different suspect. It’s especially urgent that the two women are found quickly as they have inks to one of Denton Police force’s own.

This series continues to deliver gripping mysteries alongside excellent character development. This time we get to learn more about Denton’s newest detective, Kyle Turner, who has made settling into the department difficult for himself and not earned many points for diligence or personality. We might just find out why he is so surly and why he spends so much time scrolling on his phone. We also get an update on how Josie and Noah are getting on with their guardianship of teenager, Wren as she becomes part of their found family. A terrific series, still delivering strongly after 24 episodes. 4.5★

*This was a Witches Word buddy read with DeAnn, Debra, Dorie and Brenda.

With thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy to read

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

During a festival and oppressive heat wave in Denton, PA, a mother and daughter are found murdered while glamping on the festival grounds. The only clue left at the scene are some rare flowers. Soon after, the estranged wife and daughter of one of Detective Josie Quinn’s colleagues are reported missing. Josie and her team race to solve the murders and find the missing women before they meet the same fate.

This is the 24th book in the Josie Quinn series, and I have read all of them. However, if you are new to the series, it would work as a standalone as the author does an excellent job of filling in the backstories of the characters.

This is one of my favorite series. As soon as a new installment becomes available, I stop everything I am doing and sit down to read it. The characters are well-developed and have evolved over time. I like Josie.  She is a capable, intelligent, though vulnerable young woman. Finally, readers get insight into the chameleon personality of the character Josie has given the moniker, “Douchbag”, Kyle Turner, the newest member of the team. Does he have some humanity after all?

This is cleverly plotted and thrilling as the tension builds and the mystery unravels. It is fast-paced, and there are twists in this character-driven story that combines mystery, thriller, family drama, found family, and police procedural in an entertaining and compelling narrative.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

[Mvm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding — A Gripping Police Procedural. Stolen Family by Lisa Regan is outstanding. This high-stakes, emotional thriller is incredibly gripping and nearly impossible to put down. The story begins with the discovery of a murdered mother and daughter, and soon after, another mother and daughter are abducted. The case quickly escalates, hitting close to home for the most disliked detective in the Denton PD, who suddenly finds herself with a front-row seat—and a deeply personal stake—in the investigation.

Regan delivers a fast-paced and cleverly plotted police procedural packed with tension, sharp twists, and compelling suspense. The story unfolds with fantastic character development, keeping readers guessing as the mystery gradually unravels right up until the final chapters.

With dynamic, layered characters and authentic emotional depth, the novel goes beyond a typical detective story. It also offers a poignant exploration of what truly defines a family. The pacing is relentless, the stakes feel real, and the plot twists keep the pages turning. A thrilling and intricately crafted mystery—one hell of a page-turner.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.

[Jennifer Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first annual Balloons and Tunes Festival is in full swing. The streets are crowded and the traffic is tediously slow. A call to Denton PD has Josie Quinn and Gretchen Palmer racing—well, struggling to race—to the festival. A mother and her daughter have been found dead in their tent. Rare flowers are left behind with the bodies.
Josie immediately begins investigating in an attempt to find the killer when another call comes in. This time, a mother and daughter have been taken from their home and the same rare flowers have been left at the crime scene. Then Josie discovers they have ties to one of their own—Detective Kyle Turner. The Chief decides to keep the investigation “in house” and not turn it over to the state. Can Josie and Turner put aside their differences in time to save the family Kyle never told anyone about? Are they still alive? And if not, can Josie be the one to break the news to Turner?
An absolutely heart-thumping thriller that will grab you on page one and not let go until the very last word. In true Lisa Regan fashion, Stolen Family will keep you up late at night—you won’t want to put it down.
Book 24 in the Josie Quinn series. It can be read as a standalone, but seriously… read them ALL!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Five gold stars all the way!
I received this book as an ARC. I am not being compensated for this review; it is my honest opinion. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense. Twisted. Heartbreaking. Emotional. This story is all that and more. Josie and her team are dealing with the heat as well as all the tourists in town for the Hot Air Balloon Festival so they are dismayed when a mother and daughter are found dead in a glamping tent. They work to find clues and figure out what the flowers left at the scene mean. Before they get too far in the case, another mother and daughter are discovered missing. What is worse is that it is Detective Kyle Turner's wife and daughter. Kyle has a bit of an antagonist attitude towards everyone and working with him has been a challenge. The way Kyle, Josie and Gwen all interact adds a bit of humor to each very intense story. However, this time, Josie, Gwen and Noah see a side of Kyle that they have never seen before. The pain he is feeling over his missing family is witnessed by the whole department and they work tirelessly to find them. The clues they discover lead them in different directions and the intense race to find his family leaves them all running ragged. There are twists and turns, dead ends and uncovered secrets. I did not see the ending coming as it is complex and convoluted. This is another fast paced, action filled, emotionally charged story that is a must read.

[Joanne Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Regan's 24th installment in the Josie Quinn Series is a gripping read, masterfully weaving continued character development with high-stakes tension.

The story opens amidst the summer humidity and snarling traffic of Denton's balloon festival. For one mother and daughter seeking a moment of pure joy and freedom, the celebration ends in tragedy. They are discovered dead at a glamping site with few clues to aid the investigation, their best lead being a unique and mysterious rose variety left at the scene. The pressure escalates dramatically when a second mother and daughter, the wife and child of Detective Kyle Turner go missing, starting a frantic race against time.

This book is truly Detective Kyle Turner’s story. Considered the most unlikable and private member of the team, his inconsistent performance and guarded nature have made him an enigma. The man Josie knows seems to be in vast contrast to the person her sister describes from past dealings. So, who is the real Kyle Turner?

If you have been burning to understand why Turner behaves the way he does, and whether there is anything redeemable about the man his team has dubbed "Douchebag," prepare yourself. This book finally delivers answers.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Family by Lisa Regan is an exceptional, very highly recommended crime thriller/procedural. You won't want to miss this absolutely un-put-downable 24th book in the Detective Josie Quinn series!

As expected, the writing is superb. The plot is fast-paced, complicated, immersive, and riveting, due to both the investigations and personal interactions. The tension keeps rising right up to the action-packed conclusion.

I love how we get to see the real man behind the gruff exterior on this book. Turner’s wife and daughter are kidnapped and he has to sit on the side lines while Josie and the rest of the police force search for them. As the husband he becomes an automatic suspect and Josie has to take his phone to check it out. We get a peek at some of his innermost thoughts.

This latest installment has Josie and crew investigating the deaths of a mother daughter and the kidnapping of another mother and child. It’s a race to find them before they are killed too.

I laughed at the colorful names for Turner. The wife’s aunt is the best!!

Thank you #Netgalley, for the ARC copy.

[Beth Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This is so good. I started reading and could not put it down! This was one of the best stories. I just love the Detective Josie Quinn series. This was a very emotional read with so many twists and turns and a surprising ending, I was not expecting.
Mother and daughter, Maxine and Haven, are discovered dead at a local festival, blood-red camellias pressed into their once-clammy skin. Maxine was known to the police with her abusive husband. Detective Kyle Turner was the officer that had been on the scene for these abuses. Later that day Josie gets a call about another mother daughter who has gone missing with the same flowers left on the doorstep. After reviewing all the information on the scene she finds out this is Turners wife and daughter that are missing and Turner never told anyone about. Can Josie find them in time, as time is running out? There are so many twists and turns and heart-stopping moments, you will not want to put this down until you read the surprising ending. Thank you Lisa Regan and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a pleasure to spend time again with familiar characters from book series you’ve been following closely for years.

This time, I had the pleasure of diving back into the world of Detective Josie Quinn and enjoying everything she goes through, both personally and professionally.

Police officers are always deeply involved in the cases they handle, but when it concerns people from their close circle, it must hit even harder. You often think, “it’s far from home,” but something like that can happen right next to you.

Josie and her team immediately dive in and turn over every stone in search of clues and leads. Their list of suspects grows, but one by one they have to cross off names and dig even deeper. And then suddenly there’s that eureka moment when everything falls into place.

This was yet another gripping new installment in the series. As we’ve come to expect from this author, it was once again one to savor completely. Everything I love in a thriller was present: suspense, interesting characters, and a wide range of emotions.

That’s exactly why I happily and wholeheartedly give it 5 stars.

Thank you.

[Darque Dreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa never fails to impress me with how she manages to captivate and surprise with her writing. Even 24 books in, the Josie Quinn series is still my favorite, and thrills me like no other. Stolen Family was a page "Turner", just like books 1-23!

The thing about this crime/thriller series is that it's not just about the crimes and thrills. It's about the dynamic, layered characters and real life emotion. Josie and the gang continue to be brought to life and given their own stories on top of the unique stories in each book. And, though we've lost a few members along the way, as well as gained a few, they each eventually get to shine and potentially steal our hearts in some way.

As stated in the synopsis, this one was Turner's turn to steal the show. I loved learning a little about his past, his family and his inner workings. I loved how Lisa connected him to the ongoing investigation in this book, and I loved seeing the rest of the gang doing what they do best.

The plot was twisty. The twists were unpredictable. Emotions were high, and this one was gripping, just like the other 23 books!

Thank you bookouture and Netgalley for approving my request to read the e-arc!

[Britney Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chilling dual murder unfolds at a vibrant glamping festival when a mother and daughter are found dead. Detective Quinn and her dedicated team are immediately thrust into a desperate race against time to unravel the mystery and identify the killer.

The initial investigation centers on the victim's inner circle: the estranged husband and father, who the mother was in the process of leaving, and the possibility of a relentless stalker.

However, the case takes a terrifying turn with the disappearance of a second mother-daughter pair. As the focus narrows to a prime suspect, the stakes are raised dramatically. This captivating whodunit mystery forces Detective Quinn to confront mounting pressure as she and her team fight tirelessly to locate the missing pair before a fatal deadline is reached.

This novel is a truly engrossing read, delivering a compelling and suspenseful narrative that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. As a thank you I want to give the readers my honest review!

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Family is another gripping book in the Detective Josie Quinn series.

It should come with a warning that it is impossible to put down as Josie, Noah and their team race against the clock to find Kyle Turner's wife and daughter who have been abducted.

Turner is an enigma to his co-workers and easily disliked ( but Josie's sister likes and admires him).

They are about to see the human side of Turner and your heart cant help but go out to him as you hold your breath that his wife and daughter will be found in time as the clock ticking is not in their favour.

Previously another mother and daughter were found murdered with the same unique flowers found at both scenes.

Tension mounts with every page as Lisa Regan leads the reader down a twisted path that keeps you guessing.

To date Stolen Family is my favourite of the series and I savoured every page.

The rest of the story I leave to the reader so I dont reveal any plot twist or secret.

Sit back and buckle up its a wild ride.

Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing Stolen Family.

[Melissa Kusak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! The many layers of Douchebag....Oops I meant Detective Kyle Turner have been revealed. If you've read the rest of Lisa Regan's Josie Quinn series, you probably either like Turner or are quite annoyed by his sparkling personality. And now, Stolen Family unveils the reasons behind his aloof and utterly irritating facade.

Within hours of discovering a mother and daughter brutally murdered, Josie Quinn and her team get a call revealing another mother and daughter missing. Heading to the home of the missing family, they are shocked to discover that the victims are tied to Detective Turner. Is Turner complicit in their disappearance? Will they be able to find the missing pair? And if so, will they be alive when they do?

Stolen Family is a nail biting mystery that will fool you into believing you have it all figured out, only to twist and turn you into finally discovering the real truth. Plan to clear your schedule and settle down because of you're like me, you won't be able to put this book down until the very last page!