The Guilty Daughter

by Victoria Jenkins

A completely addictive psychological thriller with a heart-pounding twist

I defend criminals for a living. But I never thought I’d have to defend my own child.

Our home was always our sanctuary. As a barrister, I work long hours with tough people. Coming back to Damien and our teenage daughter Ellie was heaven. But lately, Ellie has been distant, missing her curfew and never answering her phone. Tonight, as I watch the blue flashing lights across the street as a young girl is wheeled into an ambulance, I feel a growing sense of Is my daughter guilty?

Damien reassures me she’s like any other teenager, rebelling against us. But I feel certain it’s worse. Over the last few months she’s become a stranger to me. When I overhear her on the phone saying, ‘She deserves to pay for what she did,’ I feel sick. What is she capable of?

When the police ask to question Ellie, I start building her case. But if I want her to walk free, I know I must risk my own dark secret coming out, something I’ve hidden all Ellie’s life. It will destroy my family. But will it also cost me my life?

A totally gripping psychological thriller that will have you listening long into the night perfect for fans of The Housemaid , Jeneva Rose and Jackie Kabler.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2026

About the author

Victoria Jenkins is a Welsh author who has made a name for herself writing the highly popular Detective King and Lane series of novels. The first novel in the series was “The Girls In The Water” that Jenkins first published in 2017, to much critical acclaim and popularity among crime fiction fans.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.

Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.

Reviews

[Salma [HIATUS] · Rating 2 out of 5]

⤿ rating: 2 stars
⤿ age: 18+ (check trigger warnings)
⤿ spice: none

➜ Thank you so much to Victoria Jenkins, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This was my first ARC and first book by this author, and it was a miss for me. The writing for a thriller isn’t bad, actually. But this book felt like a bunch of thrillers blended together; it lacked originality.

The plot didn’t really catch my attention the way I'd hoped, and I found myself wanting the book to end sooner. I wasn’t invested in the story as much as I would have preferred, which is the point of any thriller: to be attention-grabbing and make you feel invested. I actually enjoyed the plot twists; it was unpredictable, hence why I gave the book two stars instead of one. However, I was able to predict a certain plot twist.

I personally think the ending was very unsatisfying. I loved the message behind the epilogue, but I needed more from that ending. I think the ending was a bit rushed, and more needed to be said.

I hated Natasha but actually liked Damien…until the end came. I wasn’t a fan of their parenting style, but I also wasn’t a fan of their daughter and her attitude. I get why she’s like this, but still, it bothered me so much.

I hated all of the side characters, too. They were all so toxic and just rude towards each other.

── .✦ 𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: Overall, this was, sadly, a fail for me. However, I think there is a strong meaning behind this book, and I like that it's a topic that was discussed

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

˖ ֹ੭୧ pre-read:⊹ ࣪ ⑅

I GOT THE ARC FOR THIS!! Thank you to Victoria Jenkins, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this ARC. My first ever ARC, let's hope it's a win—I'm excited 🤭

[Julie Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guilty Daughter by Victoria Jenkins is a tense, gripping page-turner that hooked me right from the start. The pacing is spot-on — it wastes no time pulling you into the story and keeps the tension building steadily throughout.

The plot is full of clever twists that kept me second-guessing myself the whole way through. Every time I thought I had it worked out, something shifted and made me rethink everything. It’s one of those stories that keeps you fully engaged without ever feeling over the top.

I genuinely didn’t predict the ending, which made it all the more satisfying. A well-paced, twisty thriller that delivers on suspense — a solid four stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for my honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of thrillers lately, but this one is going right up there.

The title sets the tone. Hmmmm. So there are multiple layers in this fast-moving novel that is a very easy read. I could never have imagined this ending.

Even with the depth of the characters and the plot, it was just easy to follow. I will say the message is deep and can be triggering. * sexual violence

A recommended read for sure. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.

4 ⭐️

[Kaitlyn Pruitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This was exactly what I want in a mystery/thriller. I absolutely did not see the plot twist coming, not even a little bit. When the truth finally starts to unravel, it’s like a snowball rolling downhill. Each revelation makes everything more intense, and the story just keeps getting crazier in the best way.

Once the truth is revealed, all the pieces start falling into place and everything comes full circle… and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, there’s another twist waiting. I love when a thriller keeps surprising me like that!

This was my first book by Victoria Jenkins, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m excited to read more from her in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victoria Jenkins for the ARC!

[Michelle Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, author Victoria Jenkins, and Bookouture for providing an ARC and the opportunity to review this book.

This was a thoroughly engaging read with a compelling storyline that kept me invested from beginning to end. The pacing was strong, and the plot unfolded in a way that continually held my attention. Just when I thought I had a sense of where the story might go, the ending delivered an unexpected twist that was truly unbelievable. Overall, a gripping and entertaining thriller that will keep readers turning the pages.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes March 23 2026

[Emily Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of ARC received from NetGalley

This was my first Victoria Jenkins book and I have to say I was a bit apprehensive as I very much stick to what I know and don’t often try new authors that I haven’t heard of before. I’m so glad I did as I absolutely loved this book!

The book was fast paced and exciting and I read it in two sittings. I did not see the twist coming at all! And I enjoyed the fact that there was a bit of a side story line (about Natasha’s court case). The epilogue discussed a really important topic which I appreciated.

Overall it’s not the most memorable book I’ve ever read but for anyone who wants a quick fun read I’d highly recommend this and will definitely be trying another of this author’s books!

[Lyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read & I liked the court room part of story that went alongside the family part too. I didn't expect the culprit but was slightly disappointed with the ending.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something deeply unwell about being a criminal barrister and realizing the criminal in question might be your teenager. That is the particular flavor of anxiety attack that The Guilty Daughter serves up, and I ate it like popcorn while whispering, oh no… oh no no no.

Natasha lives in courtrooms. She dismantles liars for breakfast. She is sharp, controlled, terrifying in heels. Home is supposed to be the soft place. Damien, the supportive husband. Ellie, the good kid. Except Ellie has recently decided to pivot into Full Moody Prestige Drama Teen. Curfews ignored. Location off. Vibes rancid. And then a girl at a neighborhood party ends up in an ambulance after an overdose… and Ellie was there.

Tell me why the moment Natasha overhears Ellie say, “She deserves to pay for what she did,” I physically sat up like I was the one being investigated. Ma’am. That is not a sentence you casually drop before algebra homework.

What I loved is that Natasha does not instantly go into delusional “my baby would never” mode. She looks at her daughter in that interview room and thinks… she looks guilty. That wrecked me a little. Because this book is not just about whether Ellie did something. It is about that horrifying split second when you realize love and truth might not be on the same team.

And because Natasha is Natasha, she immediately starts building a defense. She shifts into barrister brain while her mother heart is screaming. The professional case she is juggling, involving coercive control and abuse, mirrors the chaos at home in a way that feels intentional and heavy. The themes around domestic violence and survivor trauma are not window dressing. They matter. They sting. There is a generational thread with her own mother that quietly explains why Natasha clings so tightly, sometimes too tightly.

Now let’s talk about the spiral.

The first half? Delicious. Tense. I was flipping pages like I was trying to find my own child’s secret Instagram account. The dread builds slowly. Every interaction feels loaded. Ellie is distant but not cartoon villain distant. She feels like a teenager carrying something too big for her. And that hit. Under the suspicion and the eye rolling is a kid who might be drowning.

But when the plot accelerates, it goes big. Like, buckle up big. I had a couple of moments where I paused and said out loud, oh we are committing to this choice. It does stretch plausibility in places. You have to surrender to the drama. This is not a quiet indie film. This is courtroom lighting, dramatic music swelling, someone gasping in the gallery.

The twist? I clocked pieces of it. Not all of it. And when it clicked into place, it was less “I have been intellectually destroyed” and more “well that is deeply upsetting but it tracks.” It is dramatic. It is morally messy. It does not let anyone off easy.

Ellie broke my heart more than anyone. Natasha frustrated me constantly. She is controlling. She withholds. She convinces herself she is protecting when she is actually bulldozing. But her love is feral. It is not soft and pretty. It is teeth and claws. And that felt real.

This book lives in that uncomfortable question: how far would you go to protect your child, and what if protecting them means lying to yourself? It is messy family dynamics, buried secrets, reputations on the line, and the slow realization that sometimes the villain in the story is not who you thought it was.

It is not flawless. Some emotional beats could have hit harder. A few escalations feel engineered for maximum shock. But I was invested. I was muttering. I was side eyeing every parent at that party. For me, it lands at 3.5 stars. Gripping. Dramatic. Slightly chaotic. Emotionally bruised but not obliterated.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Want to Install a Tracking Chip in Every Teen’s Phone and Then Immediately Question My Own Parenting Ethics

Huge thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC and for once again handing me a book that made me question teenagers, the legal system, and my own hypothetical parenting skills. Y’all really said, here’s some emotional damage, have fun. And I did.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒘, 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕, 𝑰 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒓.

The premise of this book immediately hooked me. Natasha is a barrister who defends criminals for a living, confident in her ability to separate law from emotion, until flashing blue lights outside her home force her to confront the unthinkable: what if her own teenage daughter is involved in something terrible? Ellie has gone from mild-mannered and obedient to secretive and surly, missing curfews and whispering ominous things on the phone. As the police begin asking questions, Natasha finds herself doing what she does best, building a defense, even as it threatens to expose a dark secret she’s kept buried for years.

There’s something deeply relatable about watching a parent grapple with the sudden realization that their child might not be who they thought they were. That shift from 'it’s just teenage rebellion' to genuine fear is handled in a way that feels grounded and emotionally real. Where the story lost me a bit was in how outlandish the plot became as it escalated. It’s undeniably entertaining and fast-moving, but I found myself having to suspend disbelief with wild abandon. I also wanted more backstory to truly understand the why behind certain actions, because without that depth, some of the twists felt they were placed more for shock value than anything else.

That said, this was still a compelling read that kept me turning pages. The central conflict is strong, and Natasha is an engaging character to follow as she balances her professional instincts with her maternal instincts. Even when the story stretched believability, it never lost its momentum. If you’re looking for a dramatic domestic thriller with a gripping hook and plenty of tension, this book delivers an addictive ride. Many thanks to Bookouture for this early copy that will publish March 23, 2026.

[Janna (Bibliophile Mom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Guilty Daughter follows a woman standing at the crossroads of past trauma, complicated family ties, and the pressure of a demanding career. Natasha is doing her best to hold her world together whilst juggling her withdrawn teenage daughter, Ellie, and her strained relationship with her estranged mother. On the surface, her life looks stable thanks to her supportive husband, Damien. But that illusion shatters in a single night when a neighbourhood party spirals out of control, leaving Ellie at the centre of an overdose investigation.

From here, Natasha is pushed into a storm she can’t outrun. She’s forced to confront old wounds while simultaneously stepping into the spotlight as a lawyer handling a sensational case she must win. The tension between her personal chaos and professional expectations gives the story its strongest pulse. It’s fast-paced, emotionally charged, and full of potential (the kind of setup that immediately pulls you in).

As the chapters progressed, though, my engagement shifted. The opening was gripping, but the momentum didn’t quite hold. Some scenes felt rushed, and the emotional beats didn’t always land the way they were meant to. By the final stretch, the plot began to feel a bit forced, and the twist, though dramatic, didn’t deliver the impact I was hoping for.

Strong Points:
• Strong and independent female lead
• Survivor trope
• Fast-paced storytelling

Let Downs:
• Predictable twist
• Natasha’s parenting style
• Natasha’s mother

Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 3⭐️
• Characters: 2⭐️
• Writing: 3⭐️
• Message: 2⭐️
• Overall: 3⭐️

Overall, The Guilty Daughter is a decent, quick weekend read with a strong premise and moments of genuine tension. While it didn’t fully win me over in the end, it still offers enough drama and emotional stakes for readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with messy family dynamics and high-pressure careers.

Huge thanks to Bookouture, author Viktoria Jenkins, and NetGalley for my copy.

~JaNnA~

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Guilty Daughter by Victoria Jenkins is a recommended domestic drama and popcorn thriller that purely plays on shocking twists and emotions to keep the pages quickly turning.

Natasha (Tasha) is a criminal barrister who works long hours while her husband Damien's work allows him more flexibility to be there for their fifteen-year-old daughter Ellie. After a recent move, Ellie is exhibiting some teenage rebellion and pushing boundaries. When Tasha returns home one evening to emergency vehicles and an ambulance at a teen party being held across the street, she immediately is concerned that Ellie may be somehow involved. Ellie had been at the party and left abruptly. Now the police want to question her. Ellie, however, isn't the only one with secrets.

This is an uneven novel with a fast pace, plenty of shocking revelations, and a plot that requires you to set a great deal of disbelief aside while reading. It will hold your attention, however, due to the many unexpected turns the plot takes. The short page count also ensures rapid progress through the novel. This makes it a very entertaining novel full of chaotic family drama even while the plot and twists stretch credulity.

None of the characters are likable or developed enough to garner the level of sympathy required to overlook all of the over-the-top scenes. Perhaps with more depth and backstory the various machinations embedded in the narrative would be more believable and overcome the soapy, popcorn thriller overtones. It's worth mentioning that men are the bad guys throughout the plot, which is a plot element that is becoming clichéd.

The Guilty Daughter is a good choice for those who enjoy domestic popcorn thrillers. 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...

[DeeG Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natasha’s home has always been her refuge from the pressures of her demanding career as a barrister. Returning to her husband Damien and their teenage daughter Ellie is meant to be her safe haven. But when Ellie begins acting distant and secretive, breaking curfew, ignoring calls, and whispering ominous things like “She deserves to pay for what she did”, Natasha’s unease grows. When a girl is rushed away in an ambulance from a neighborhood party and the police want to question Ellie, a mother’s worst fear takes root: could her daughter be guilty?
This novel leans heavily into the emotional tension of a family under strain. The central premise, a mother torn between her professional instincts and maternal loyalty, is compelling and creates an atmosphere of suspicion from the outset. The story explores difficult subject matter and raises important questions about accountability, family secrets, and how well we truly know the people closest to us.
The pacing is slower and focuses more on character dynamics and internal conflict than high octane suspense. While the plot felt uneven at times, it does build toward a quicker, more revealing final stretch. There are a couple of twists along the way, and though they didn’t fully surprise me, they added additional layers to the unfolding drama.
Several characters are intentionally flawed, which adds realism but made them difficult to connect with. However, the exploration of family tension and buried secrets remains the novel’s strongest element.
Overall, this is a slow burn domestic suspense that will appeal most to readers who enjoy character driven psychological dramas with steady buildup rather than constant twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guilty Daughter is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that leans into every parent’s worst fear: realising you no longer recognise your own child. From the first chapter, the tension coils tightly around the story as a barrister—so used to defending strangers—finds herself wondering whether she’ll soon be defending her own daughter.

What I loved most is the way the novel balances domestic unease with legal suspense. The home that once felt like a sanctuary slowly becomes a place of doubt, where every missed curfew and unanswered call feels like a warning. Ellie’s growing distance is written with a sharp, believable edge, and the mother’s dread builds beautifully as she overhears fragments of conversations that don’t quite add up.

The plot moves with a steady, addictive rhythm, weaving together teenage secrecy, marital strain, and the shadows of a long‑buried past. The moment the police arrive, the story shifts into a new gear, and watching a seasoned professional try to build a defence for someone she loves—while guarding a secret of her own—is genuinely compelling.

There’s a strong emotional core beneath the twists: the fear of failing your child, the guilt of past choices, and the terrifying possibility that love might not be enough to save someone. Fans of psychological thrillers with family at the centre will find this one especially satisfying.

A tense, absorbing read that kept me turning pages late into the night, full of suspicion, secrets, and the unsettling question of how far a mother will go to protect her daughter.

With thanks to Victoria Jenkins, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[MissAllieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Children need your love the most when they deserve it the least. I refuse to abandon her emotionally in the way my own mother did with me.”

Natasha works long hours as a barrister, and suddenly she starts noticing her daughter, Ellie, becoming distant and hiding things from her. One night, Natasha comes home from court, and Ellie's missing her location on her phone is turned off and nowhere to be found until she sees blue flashing lights across the street to the neighbour’s house, a young girl in a stretcher being rushed into the ambulance.

Ellie was there that night at the neighbours' until she randomly left abruptly. Does she know more than what she’s telling? Can Natasha truly trust her daughter? Secrets will be revealed whether they like it or not, but it could destroy their family.. Find out what happens March 23, 2026.

”Tonight was all her fault, and if her mother finds
out, she's never going to forgive her.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow, I’m shocked by that ending, but I’m glad that the author brought awareness to what happens in our society. I do wish there were trigger warnings for readers, because this novel does discuss SV and DV.

At the start, I did have troubles getting into this novel, but it still had a strong hold of me and a novel that I’ll never forget the clear message and awareness this novel brought for women who’ve been through this.

Thank you to Victoria Jenkins, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this e-arc in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guilty Daughter 👩‍⚖️🤫
By: Victoria Jenkins
Story: ✨✨✨✨ 3.9/4
Narration: N/A

Natasha knows something is wrong.

Her fifteen year old daughter, Ellie, has missed curfew again. But this time feels different. The place Ellie is most likely to be is now lit up with flashing red and blue lights.

Something has happened.

Is someone hurt?
Is Ellie involved?
Or worse… is she responsible?

As a seasoned barrister, Natasha has spent years defending people accused of terrible crimes. She knows exactly how dark things can get.

She just never imagined that darkness could reach her own daughter.

Because now the question isn’t just what happened…

It’s “Did Ellie do it?”

Find out more in The Guilty Daughter.

For those who don't know me, my name is Chanel and I'm everyone's favorite self-proclaimed Book Tea Spiller.

What did I think of this book? See below for my Final Sip ☕️:

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I’ll be honest, I was nervous going into this one because I was approved just a few days before the archive date. But once I started, I was locked in enough to keep going and finish in time.

While it wasn’t as intense or fast-paced as the thrillers I usually gravitate toward, it still kept me engaged - especially once I thought I figured out what was going on. At that point, I had to get to the end to see if I was right.

There were a few moments where the POV shifts felt a little unclear, and I had to pause to figure out whose perspective I was in. But aside from that, this was an enjoyable read with a strong premise.

[Mary Carbajosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to see Victoria Jenkins back with another rollercoaster thriller, which impressed me from the start. Beautifully written and engrossing, this is the story of criminal defence barrister Natasha who finds herself having to consider defending her own daughter Ellie when she is accused of spiking another girl’s drink at a party. But Natasha has her own dark secret which will destroy her family if it gets out …….

The psychological build-up is exactly what I love about Victoria Jenkins’ books, while she excels at immersing the reader in the lives of her characters. The pacing is flawless, with no weak spots or rushed sections - everything flowed naturally. The story centres around themes of family secrets,manipulation, deception and control, all of which are expertly woven into the subplot as well as the main plot,as we see Natasha defending a celebrity actor accused of coercive control, adding to my enjoyment of the story.

Its gripping opener and the suspense that followed forced me to continue reading to the end, hardly stopping to draw breath it was that good. The epilogue and the final twist were just the icing on the cake for me - excellent ! Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys thrillers that have both momentum and depth. 4.5 stars

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

[ReadingEraByEmma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley

This stories epilogue opens with a bang! Only a few pages in & you think “well this is gonna be an exciting yet bumpy ride.”

The story follows a criminal barrister whose life becomes more complicated when a teenage girl is found in a serious condition during a house party and begins to suspect her own daughter might somehow be involved.

The first part was a bit of a slow burn. There’s a lot of tension building & suspicion before the story really gets going. At least for me! At times I found myself browsing my Kindle library like “Pleeeeease don’t tempt me with other books right now…”

That being said, once the secrets surrounding “that” night start coming out, the pace definitely picks up and things get much more interesting!

The twists didn’t completely knock my socks off, but I still enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded in the end. It wasn’t so much about shocking moments but more about messy family dynamics & how far a parent might go to protect their child.

Overall, this was an engaging psychological thriller with a strong premise which I loved. If you enjoy domestic thrillers that slowly peel back layers of secrets and make you question many others along the way, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Bolt Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guilty Daughter by Victoria Jenkins is a gripping psychological thriller that completely pulled me in from the first chapter.

If you enjoy twisty, fast-paced suspense in the style of Freida McFadden, this is an author you should absolutely be reading. Jenkins has a talent for building tension quickly and sustaining it all the way to the final pages. This was one of those books that’s nearly impossible to set down because you need to know how everything will unfold.

The family dynamics are particularly compelling. There were moments when I felt frustrated with the parents and their choices, but that emotional reaction only made the story stronger. The characters felt real and flawed, and the parenting decisions added layers of complexity to an already intense situation. By the end, everything came together in a way that felt satisfying and well thought out.

Dark, suspenseful, and incredibly engaging, this was a very fast read for me. Five well-earned stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.

[A Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Jenkins has rendered me speechless with her new domestic suspense, The Guilty Daughter. The story had so many unexpected turns and revelations. The tension between the characters was so tight it could have snapped. This was an absolute unputdownable page turner with an ending so unexpected it sent shivers down my spine. I was NOT expecting that.

Natasha works as a criminal barrister while her husband Damien does much of the child care for their teenage daughter, Ellie. When Ellie starts acting out, they chalk it up to a recent move to a new home. When an incident happens at a party Ellie attended without permission, Natasha realizes Ellie knows more than she's letting on. After all, she defends criminals for a living, so she knows the look. What transpires next is a shocking chain of events even the best criminal barrister couldn't see coming.

Jenkins' writing is powerful, and razor sharp. The characters are complex but relatable. The secrets and twists keep the pages turning quickly, and the pacing will keep you hooked.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our home was always our sanctuary. As a barrister, I work long hours with tough people. Coming back to Damien and our teenage daughter Ellie was heaven. But lately, Ellie has been distant, missing her curfew, never answering her phone. Tonight, as I watch the blue flashing lights across the street as a young girl is wheeled into an ambulance, I feel a growing sense of, is my daughter guilty? Damien reassures me she's like any other teenager, rebelling against us. But I feel certain it's worse. Over the last few months she's become a stranger to me. When I overheard her on the phone saying, "She deserves to pay for what she did," I feel sick. What is she capable of?

I was quickly pulled into this tense, gripping, fast-paced, well-written and multi-layered story. It's an easy book to read. Several times I thought I knew where this story was going, but I was wrong. I was fully-invested in this book, so much so that I couldn't put it down. I never saw that final twist coming.

Published 23rd March 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #VictoriaJenkins for my ARC of #TheGuiltyDaughter in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandie McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book although I did find some parts far fetched.

A barrister who spends her life defending criminals suddenly facing the possibility that her own daughter could be guilty of something terrible, as a parent, that fear alone is enough to send chills down your spine. The tension builds brilliantly as Ellie becomes more distant and secretive, and you can really feel the mother’s growing panic and dread.

I loved the moral dilemma at the heart of the story how far would you go to protect your child? And what would you risk if defending them meant exposing your own dark secret? The psychological twists kept me turning the pages, and there were definitely moments that surprised me.

That said, a few plot developments stretched believability for me, which stopped it from being a full five-star read. But overall, it’s a gripping, dramatic thriller that keeps you guessing until the end.

A tense and thought-provoking read about family, loyalty and secrets. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy psychological thrillers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I certainly didn’t see that coming! This brilliant page-turner explores so many aspects of motherhood; guilt about the work/life balance, the agonising decision of how much freedom to give your teenager and trying to be a good wife. Never mind anything for yourself!

On the surface, Tash has it all, but after a house move, her daughter, Ellie, is struggling to settle at her new school and is in with “the wrong crowd”. At the same time, Tash is defending a celebrity, accused of coercive control by his ex girlfriend. Is coercive control the same when it involves too little freedom for a 15 year old girl, who wants to explore her independence? Where is the line drawn between care and control?

And then disaster strikes and Ellie is under suspicion. Once the twists start, there’s no stopping them and I had the rug swept from under my feet again and again as secrets were revealed with terrifying consequences.

I was gripped from start to finish; a fantastic read.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Victoria Jenkins and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.

[Khushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for approving me for this ARC!

This was my first book by Victoria Jenkins and I'm very happy to say it definitely won't be my last! I went into this completely blind and honestly that was the bestt decision because it truly paid off!!! At first things felt a little slow almost like seeing a teenage daughter rebelling against her parents and I thought I had the whole thing figured out and I was already forming my little theories and feeling very clever about it. Turns out I was veryyy wrong! As the story moves forward the revelations and twists start coming and suddenly everything becomes so twisted that my jaw was literally on the floor! The plot twist is something you would never in a million years guess! NEVER!!!! And I say this as someone who truly thought she had solved it!🌝

The plot did not just surprise me, it straight up slapped my theories away and I loved every second of it!

Please check ⚠️Trigger Warnings⚠️ before reading this book!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Guilty Daughter
Author: Victoria Jenkins
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: March 23, 2026

The relationship between a mother and teenage daughter is often not for the faint at heart. It's a fine dance, a balance between caring and controlling, teaching vs dictating, and setting rules or creating boundaries.

Natasha is definitely a helicopter parent, but for good reason. Over the years, Ellie has become more and more resentful of her mother's parenting, misinterpreting care for control. I feel that if Natasha had just been open and honest with her family about her past, then maybe Ellie would have understood her intentions.

Approximately 3/4ths of the way through the book, a twist came that I never saw coming. Like, jaw dropped on the floor kind of surprise. The twist and the ending were a chef's kiss! 👩🏽‍🍳💋

It's been awhile since I awarded 5 🌟 to a book, but this one is 100% deserving!

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

[Britney Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of The Guilty Daughter

From the very first page, I was completely captivated by this narrative. What an utterly compelling story! The author masterfully created an arc that held my attention hostage, weaving a tale that was both unpredictable and deeply satisfying. I was absolutely hooked from the initial setup all the way through to the final, shocking revelation.

The conclusion, in particular, delivered a massive, unexpected twist—a narrative maneuver I genuinely did not see coming. Yet, instead of feeling cheap or arbitrary, the ending was perfectly executed and deeply enjoyable. The way the story wrapped up felt just as inspired and purposeful as the groundwork laid in the opening chapters.

This book operates at a thrilling, breakneck pace. It is an absolute perfect choice for a dedicated weekend read that you won't be able to put down.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor choices, family drama, relationship dynamics, manipulation, and layers of lies are strung together to forn a fantastically taut psychological thriller. There is also teenage angst, danger, defining the line between love and control, and domestic violence information.

Natasha is a barrister working on an emotionally demanding case. But at hope she has a husband and teen daughter, Ellie. An ambulance across the street arrives during a party. Ellie has been acting strangely recently and Natasha wonders whether her daughter could be involved. The peaceful veneer cracks wide open and reveals reality. Natasha has a history of her own which she is desperate to keep hidden.

The pace is zippy and the suspense is thick. I like how the novel ended and though some characters are infuriating, they're realistically flawed. Author Victoria Jenkins writes beautifully and thoughtfully and I happily inhale her novels.

[Ney oh the thrill of it FN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5

I received this free advance copy via Netgalley. Thank you to Victoria Jenkins and Bookouture. This review is being left voluntarily and the opinions are my own.

For me this was an ultra slow burn, which isn't usually my thing, but I had begun to formulate theories about where this story might be headed so i was intrigued and carried on.

I wasn't disapointed when the action began with a number of twists dropped in quick succesion.

I have talked a lot recently about not being able to guess 99% of the twists in books but this was that 1% I managed to pick up on. There were subtle clues dispersed throughout and Victoria does a good job of misdirecting and lulling you into a false sense of security.

There was a pretty big twist that I picked up on but I think it will genuinely blow minds.

Overall, this was a well written book and if you enjoy stories where you really have to sit in the drama and absorb what is going on, this one is for you!

[Teran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m landing at 3/3.5 stars for this one. Overall, I really enjoyed the pacing and the premise. It pulled me in quickly and kept things moving at a steady pace. For a shorter book, it didn’t feel like anything major was missing in terms of plot, which I appreciated.

That said… the length ended up working against it when it came to the characters. I just didn’t have enough time to really connect with anyone, and none of them felt particularly redeemable or fully developed. It made it harder to feel invested in what was happening, even when the stakes were high.

And the twists? Definitely shocking but a few of them leaned a little too far into “okay, but really though?” territory. Entertaining, yes. Completely believable… not always.

All in all, it’s a quick, fast paced read with an intriguing setup, but I wish it had a bit more depth to really make it hit harder.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natasha is a barrister who lives with her partner Damien and daughter Ellie. Lately Ellie has been distant and when Natasha sees a girl being wheeled into an ambulance, and after overhearing Ellie on the phone, she begins to question if her daughter is guilty. She starts to build a case for her daughter but by doing this, she risks her own secret coming out.

This was a quick, easy to read thriller, which I was intrigued by when I first started and keen to see where it would go. The story was well written and I enjoyed reading about the family dynamics, however I did not warm to the characters themselves or build a connection to them. I think I found this quite similar to some other books I have read, meaning that I found the story a bit predictable and slow to read. Even though this wasn’t a favourite of mine, it was not a bad book and would suit those looking for a slow burn domestic thriller. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou to NetGalley and publisher Bookouture for allowing me to receive this ARC.

This was such a fast-paced and gripping read. I kept telling myself I’d stop after one more chapter, but I just had to know what was going to happen next.

It really felt like everything was building towards something big, and when the twist came, I honestly didn’t see it coming. I love when a thriller can genuinely surprise me, and this one did.

What really elevated this for me was the emotional depth, especially the strained and increasingly tense relationship between Natasha and her daughter Ellie. The family dynamics felt raw and believable, and watching their relationship unravel added another layer of suspense.

A suspenseful, emotional, and addictive read that I finished in under 24 hours. I would highly recommend to fans of twisty psychological thrillers with strong family drama at their core.