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Suburban Secrets #3

The Last Girl Taken

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Every parent’s worst nightmare is losing a child.
For Iris, that fear becomes an obsession.
When a local kidnapping exposes a child trafficking ring, Iris is consumed by the thought that her own children could be next. When the investigation stalls and everyone seems to move on, she can’t. Every spare moment is spent searching for answers—digging into case files, transcripts, and news reports.
Her police officer husband warns her to let it go, that her obsession is unhealthy and dangerous.
But Iris can’t stop. Not when children are still disappearing.
The deeper Iris digs, the more convinced she is that someone close to her is involved.
And she will have to risk far more than she ever imagined.

231 pages, ebook

Published April 13, 2026

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Stephanie Hazeltine

7 books85 followers

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5 stars
18 (47%)
4 stars
17 (44%)
3 stars
2 (5%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Tonya.
848 reviews206 followers
April 15, 2026
This is a fast-paced thriller that was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I have enjoyed this third installment of The Suburban Secrets saga immensely. Stephanie Hazeltine masterfully crafts a story with intensity and emotion. There were many twists and turns and a major shock I never predicted. I didn't want to stop reading. This could easily be read in one sitting. It's suspenseful, compelling, and highly engaging. Thank you BookSirens for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 17, 2026
The final in the Suburban Secrets series and a clear favourite for me. It is actually the best book she's written of her entire backlist in my opinion!

I really hope people pick up book 1 and 2 to get to this book 3 because all have been 5 stars for me and I wish I could give this one more! However, it can also be enjoyed as a standalone.

I'm continually impressed by how Stephanie managed to tie in each book with a different FMC but continuing stories in different towns. Loved growing with the characters and their families.

In this multi POV book, an obsession with what happened at the end of book 2 (no spoilers) goes wild, there is a kidnapping, human trafficking, and a whole lot more, and seriously finding out what is going to happen next results in one of those 'must finish in one sitting' type of reads - on both occasions I read this I stayed up far too late, it is that engaging.

Thanks so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. Full disclosure: I also did a BETA read of this 😍

Check your CWs and TWs and as always for this series, I think it seems great for mums - a bit shorter than average, easy reading, fast paced novel.

Publication date: TOMORROW! 🥳
Profile Image for Tarryn Gourley.
3 reviews
April 7, 2026
I was very honoured to be given an ARC copy of this book and honestly like Stephanie’s other books, this did not disappoint.

I was constantly wanting to keep reading after each chapter, it had me hooked until the end.

Great storyline, addictive and such an easy read.

I highly recommend reading the first two and then finishing the series with this one.

Well done Stephanie on another good read! ☺️
Profile Image for Pati.
629 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 7, 2026
A fast-paced thriller that hooks you immediately with every parent’s worst nightmare: a missing child.⁣⁣
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We follow Iris, a former police officer now on leave, who can’t stop thinking about the children who are still missing after a trafficking case forced her family to relocate. While her husband Sam is still on the force, Iris is convinced not enough is being done and refuses to let it go. The deeper she digs through old cases, reports, and her own contacts, the closer she gets to the truth… maybe closer than she should be.⁣⁣
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This was a solid 4-star read for me. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down and needed to know how it would all unfold. The pacing is quick, the tension builds steadily, and the emotional pull keeps you invested the entire time.⁣⁣
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Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy bingeable thrillers with a strong emotional hook. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand. This one deals with heavy subject matter, but if you’re okay with that, it’s a gripping read.⁣⁣
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Do you prefer thrillers that are fast-paced and bingeable or slow-burn and atmospheric?⁣⁣
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Thank you, Stephanie Hazeltine, for providing this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

#thrillerreads #psychologicalthriller #bookstagramthriller #bingeablebooks #darkreads
Profile Image for Larissa.
44 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2026
I received an ARC of The Last Girl Taken ahead of its release on 13 April.

This is the third book in the Suburban Secrets series, but it works perfectly as a standalone. I haven’t read the first two yet but finishing this has definitely convinced me to go back and start from the beginning!

This book pulled me in from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. It ended up being one of those books I kept sneaking back to whenever I had a spare minute! It’s definitely the type of book to pull you out of a reading slump.

I loved how fast paced it was, the short chapters and the twists that kept me guessing. Stephanie’s writing is very readable and engaging, and she really made me feel for the characters and what they were going through.

There are some pretty heavy/confronting themes throughout the book (kidnapping & child trafficking) so I definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes domestic thrillers with secrets, shifting suspicions, and a story that keeps moving.
Profile Image for Tiff.
98 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 11, 2026
Thanks for the ARC! This review is all honest and my own opinion 🩷

Make sure you have a chunk of time set aside to read because Hazeltine knows how to keep you hooked and interested, and it will be very, very hard to put down.

If you’ve read the first two books you’ll know that Hazeltine doesn’t shy away in what she writes about, however I did find this one to be the darkest, so if trigger warnings are something you need to keep an eye on then make sure to do that for this one.

Iris is a badass who kept surprising me in the best of ways. Her struggles with the kidnappings are authentic and written about with care. Motherhood is also written in a way that all mums/primary carers will be able to relate to - I had so many “me too!” moments.

I loved the different POVs in this! Sometimes only knowing what the MC knows is what adds to the suspense, but Hazeltine is able to build the suspense through insights into all the different perspectives. This was great because it made your brain run and cry for more!
Profile Image for Deborah.
90 reviews17 followers
April 5, 2026
This book was a solid 4.5 for me.

Imagine losing a child to kidnapping!!’

The story follows Iris who is a mother and becomes obsessed with an old case in her neighborhood that involves child trafficking. The author did an amazing job in putting you in the shoes of every character and their emotions.

Let me start off by saying that once | opened this book I could barely set it down. From chapter one I was totally hooked and there was never a single dull moment in the book. From beginning to end you are so invested in the story line.

If you don’t have this on your TBR, make sure you add it. This is the third book in a series, however, you don’t have to read the first two books in order to read this one.

This was my first time reading this author and now I want to read her entire backlog.

I did received a gifted copy from the author, however, all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lisa Nisi.
11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 8, 2026
The Last Girl Taken is a fine book. One I would recommend to someone to wants a quick, easy, devourable and entertaining read. Perfect for a weekend away, a holiday read or, even if you want to curl up at home and finish a book over the weekend. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend it if you want a mystery, suspense novel that has depth and developed characters. I felt the writing was too on the surface and it made the book feel rushed and unfinished. It has so much potential to be a great book, but I felt that Stephanie has let herself down in some areas of the plot, character development and writing style. It is also quite short at 200 pages so it wouldn't be an issue to expand the story, deepening some relationships and plot lines, which would hopefully help make it seem a bit more believable.

On an entertainment level it has done its job, and I flew through it in 24hours. Thank you for letting me read an advanced copy!
Profile Image for Page Jedi.
421 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2026
I have loved this entire series and would highly recommend starting from the beginning with these.
This author has such and electricity to her writing, I am always so sucked into the storyline and on the edge of my seat the entire book.
I loved the characters, especially Carly and I'm so happy we had multiple POVs and past, present timelines.
Going along with our FMC while she was secretly trying to solve a child trafficking case had me looking over my shoulder hoping no one found out what she was doing. I loved that she had to keep everything to herself, as her police husband didn't want her involved because he was secretly investigating the exact same case. Gathering information, finding clues and uncovering secrets had me on the edge of my seat wondering what on earth would happen next.
Then you mix in one of the kidnapped children's povs and get other clues from inside had me absolutely boggling my mind trying to figure everything out.
I loved the fast paced, high stakes ending and also loved catching up with previous characters from the other books in this series.
Thank you endlessly to Stephanie Hazeltine for my arc copy, these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Patricia Javate.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 7, 2026
My first ARC from an author, & it did not disappoint. Once I started reading, I did not want to put it down. Before work, after work, & any free time during work, I was obsessed. Just like the fmc obsessing over finding details related to an old case of missing children. As she gathered more information, I believed I had it all figured out, but of course I didn’t.

This was fast paced, which kept me hooked from the beginning. The different POVs provided more insight, without causing any confusion.

It is the third book in a series which I have not read, luckily it can be read as a standalone. But I have already added the previous books to my TBR.

If you enjoy page turners that have you tricked into thinking you’ve solved the mystery, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Ellie Wright.
240 reviews17 followers
April 12, 2026

The Last Girl Taken is the final books in Stephanie Hazeltine’s Suburban Secrets series. This has been my favourite of the series and connects the trilogy effortlessly. Despite it being a part of a trilogy it can absolutely be read as a stand alone as any information required from previous books is explained.

It’s quick pacing keeps you turning page after page as the tension builds throughout. While the content of this book definitely pulls at the heartstrings it is an excellent representation of the horrors our world can face.

Hazeltine hs a unique voice in the crime fiction genre, blending maternal instinct and love with deception and chilling circumstances that will have you on the edge of your seat.

I loved this book and cannot wait to get a copy for the shelf.
Profile Image for Teresa Collins.
1,178 reviews22 followers
April 20, 2026
This was the best book! I read You Weren't Watching just before I read this one, and I think I inhaled them instead of reading them. There were times I was ready to strangle Iris, but at the same time, I understood her motivation. And while it isn't mandatory to read You Weren't Watching before Last Girl Taken, I think you understand and appreciate everything Iris goes through much better if you have. It is an amazing psychological thriller and as such, has the required suspense, tension, ulterior motives, and lies. I have read all of Ms. Hazeltine's books, and I consider this one of her best, if not her best. I highly recommend you check out her work if you haven't already. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Lommie.
264 reviews6 followers
April 20, 2026
This is the third installment in the Suburban Secrets series by Stephanie Hazeltine, and even though I missed the second book, this one completely drew me in. Having read the first and now the latest, I can confidently say this series remains a compelling and worthwhile read. Thanks to Booksirens for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fast-paced, binge-worthy thriller. It’s intense, action-packed, and emotionally heavy. It tackles difficult and realistic themes while maintaining a gripping pace throughout.

Overall, this is a solid 5-star crime mystery for me. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy dark, intense thrillers that blend escapism with real-world issues.
4 reviews
April 21, 2026
Received an ARC from author ✨️

Before reading The Last Girl Taken, I read the other books in the series. Even though you could read the third book without doing this, I would highly recommend starting the series from the beginning.

Each book is between 200-250 pages. So instead of doom scrolling after dinner, pick up one of these books and you will probably have it finished before going to sleep.

If you have ever been a part of a Mother's group, this series is especially for you!

The Last Girl Taken is a face-paced thriller that grabs you from the beginning. You will find yourself fully engaged and be like the FMC Iris, not wanting to stop until you find out who is incharge of the child trafficking ring that lead to the kidnapping of a local child.
Profile Image for Sadhana Raj.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 3, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and it was a very engaging read.

The Last Girl Taken follows a mother who becomes drawn back into a past case involving missing children when new details begin to emerge. As she looks for answers, the tension builds and the story steadily pulls you in.

The pacing is quick and keeps you hooked, while the emotional depth adds an extra layer to the narrative. The main character feels realistic, and her journey adds meaning beyond the suspense.

The writing is smooth and easy to follow, making it a fast and immersive read.

If you enjoy thrillers that combine strong pacing with emotional impact, this is definitely worth picking up.
224 reviews
April 25, 2026
Really enjoyed this one. It worked well as a standalone (I haven’t read the previous two books in the series and didn't feel lost at all).
Iris annoyed me a little at times, and I wasn’t fully convinced there was much honesty in her relationship with Sam, but that also added to the tension. I liked the multiple points of view chapters - that can sometimes get confusing, but here it worked well.
The story kept my attention, and there were a couple of twists toward the end that I really liked. A solid, suspenseful read, and I’d definitely read more from this author.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Craig and Phil.
2,381 reviews147 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 10, 2026
Big thanks to Stephanie for gifting us a copy to read and review.
The Last Girl Taken is the third book in the suburban secrets series and while they are loosely linked you don’t have to have read the other two to enjoy this one.
A domestic thriller with mystery vibes.
Iris has become determined to find the truth.
A child trafficking ring is exposed and as the police investigation slows, Iris makes it her obsession to solve the crime.
She is former police, so the contacts are handy and her husband works currently for the force.
As she delves into the case, it slowly gets to danger level and puts a strain on her marriage and family.
The more she digs the more it becomes clear that someone in her circle could be involved…..
A solid, emotional character driven melodrama woven through dysfunctional relationships and family dynamics.
It did hook me in from the first chapter and as I continued to read I wanted answers to my questions.
Totally recommended for those looking for a quick inviting, engaging and entertaining read.
Profile Image for Emilie (emiliesbookshelf).
281 reviews32 followers
May 5, 2026
This suspenseful domestic thriller had me completely consumed! I was hooked in from the get go trying to connect the dots and rescue the children

Iris is distraught when she learns a local child has been kidnapped, and worried not enough is being done she begins her own investigation even though her Detective Husband Sam warns her to not get involved

But soon Iris realises this is bigger than she originally thought, and could involve someone closer to her

Just wow! So many twists, and did this have me on tender hooks! The multiple POVs kept me hanging on every word. Such a great story with many layers weaving together. This is the third book in the Suburban Secrets series and let me say what a way to end a trilogy!

Highly recommend this gripping story

*Check TW and CW before reading

Thank you @stephaniehazeltinewrites for my gifted copy 🫶
Profile Image for Keles Wyntor.
81 reviews
April 4, 2026
I received an advance reader copy from the author. While I am not a mother, the Author did an amazing job putting the reader into the shoes of a mother. I felt everything Iris, Carly, Sam, and Eva went through, and that added to the experience of the story. This was a fast paced fairly short thrilling experience. Without spoiling anything the ending brings great resolution to the story. I have not read the first two books in the series (I will be now) so this can be read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Leanne.
2,331 reviews51 followers
Review of advance copy
April 5, 2026
Well I just literally needed to consume this book. Once I started it became impossible to stop or forget about. The storyline is about Iris who is a mother obsessed with finding a child trafficking ring. It gave me the jitters and made me cry but I was obsessed with the story just like Iris. It has twists that flowed into the next. I feel that it's a impressive psychological thriller.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Becky Whitney Manuzzi .
258 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2026
4.5/5. Thank you Stephanie Hazeltine for the chance to read this as an ARC. This view is honest and voluntary.

This book was so tense and mysterious and I loved that our amateur detective had a background as a former police officer. It made the book have more logic to how she was operating. This is a quick, thrilling read, perfect for all thriller readers!

There is a mention of kidnapping, stillbirth and abuse so I would avoid this if that is triggering to you.
Profile Image for Whitney Crawford.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 6, 2026
I was SAT for this book from the prologue! It has POVs, twists, action, thrills. I absolutely loved it! I plan on reading the rest of the series as this is book 3! I’m dying to see how the rest of the Suburban Secrets universe falls in line with this story! I absolutely thought i had it completely figured out, of course i didn’t!
Profile Image for Annabelle Taylah.
11 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 7, 2026
This book was such a great way to finish a series, it answered questions I didn’t even know I had! Such a great read, emotionally gripping. I was hooked from the start. Could not put it down.
260 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 9, 2026
A fast-paced, bingeable thriller that ramps up the tension so well that you just can't put it down until you come to the gripping conclusion.

Thanks to the author for the review copy of this book
Profile Image for aims.readsalot.
111 reviews19 followers
April 23, 2026
I ended up reading ‘The Last Girl Taken’ before the rest of the Suburban Secrets series, and while I probably would have benefited even more from the backstories, it still works really well as a standalone.

This one follows Iris, a mum determined to uncover more about a child trafficking ring that was exposed through a recent kidnapping case. What drives her is the fact that it’s happening in her local area (meaning her own children could be at risk) and that the case seems to have dropped off the police’s list of priorities.

It goes without saying that this wasn’t an easy read, and whether because I’m a mother as well (or you know, just a human being), I found myself at times feeling just as worked up and angry as the main character.

As confronting and uncomfortable as the storyline becomes, it’s handled with care and wrapped up in a really satisfying way, and I’m looking forward to catching up on books one and two!

Thank you to the author for the eARC.
Profile Image for Pru.
411 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 19, 2026
This book comes with some Trigger warnings so please be aware if starting it. As a mother, this book broke me and made me angry in parts. There were some parts that really scared me too, but all makes for a happy ending. Whilst this book has some heavy content, it is relatively short and has really good twists and red herrings so you should definitely read it.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews