The Girl Who Lived: A heart-pounding and gripping crime and suspense thriller

by Morgan Greene

Five girls were taken. Only she survived…

Twelve years ago, Detective Alexandra Marshall crawled out of her own grave—beaten and broken, with no memory of how she got there and a symbol carved into her skin that she doesn’t understand. The only survivor, she will never forget the piercing screams of the four girls who lost their lives that day.

But when two women are murdered and another is abducted from the mist-shrouded pine forests around the little mountain town of Newport, symbols left on the bodies, Alex knows the killer that has haunted her for years has returned…

No one in town is willing to talk. But Alex’s need for justice doesn’t stop because doors slam in her face. She won’t let this twisted monster kill another innocent soul. And soon, she will find herself fighting not just for the truth, but for her life…

A totally addictive and heart-pounding crime and mystery thriller from the bestselling author of Angel Maker . Fans of Mary Stone, Lisa Regan, Elle Gray and A.J. Rivers will not be able to stop turning the pages!

What readers are saying about Morgan

“Noooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!… Wow!… Fantastic read then BANG! What an ending! I even shouted out ‘NO, it can’t end there!’ Absolutely brilliant.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Amazing!!!… Stunning, page-turning, heart-stopping… Just brilliant!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Absolutely LOVED this! Gripping… A fantastic crime thriller that’s full of twists and turns… I genuinely had no idea of the murderer until the last page, stunning book.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“LOVED this!!!!… Soooo much action!!!… Took my breath away… LOVED IT!!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Heart-pounding!!… I could NOT stop reading… and the twist at the end???!!!… I did not expect it!!! LOVED IT!!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Wow! Unputdownable… Nail-biting and balanced on a hair-trigger, this is a book that won’t let you go.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I was sucked in from the very first page. Literally everything is perfect… Just wow. I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 31, 2026

About the author

Morgan Greene grew up in Wales, and works a copywriter, editor, and author. Morgan studied Creative Writing and English Literature at Swansea University with a focus on narrative structure and theory, and published the first crime novel in the Jamie Johansson series in 2020. Since its release, the series has gone on to reach bestseller status, with Detective Jamie Johansson quickly becoming a reader favourite.

The series blends classic Scandi-noir elements with modern and cinematic thriller writing to create a unique style that adds to the emerging Brit-noir genre. Jamie has many novels ahead of her, but Morgan is also working on a variety of other projects across crime, thriller, and mystery and plans to publish plenty more in 2022 and beyond.

Reviews

[Rary ⏾ ⛧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC: NetGallery & Bookouture

Pub Date Jul 31 2026

A great start to a new crime thriller series following Detective Alex as she arrives in a new town to assist with a case similar to her own past involving the Tarot killer.
The police unit Alex joins is young and inexperienced which leaves her increasingly frustrated without much help.
John Bell is the retired chief and has long played favourites with his daughter who is recently promoted to chief and now she’s gone missing and the Tarot killer has kidnapped her!
Each chapter is gripping and with a timeline making me feel as though I’m working the case alongside Alex. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in the next book!

[ANGELA L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

I’m a sucker for a thrilling small-town mystery, and that’s exactly what Morgan Greene delivered. This book kept me guessing from the very beginning, with plenty of suspense and twists along the way. I especially appreciated the strong female lead and found myself rooting for her to catch the culprit and get her man in the end.

This was an engaging start to a new series, and I’m already looking forward to reading Book 2 when it’s released!

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Who Lived by Morgan Greene is a highly recommended murder mystery/investigative thriller and is the first book in a new series featuring Detective Alexandra (Alex) Marshall from Washington states special investigations department.

The small town of Newport, WA, has two dead women with tarot symbols cut into their skin and their chief of police, Madeline (Maddy) Bell is missing. Alex Marshall requests the files and takes off for Newport, asking technicians Kevin Hsu and Dana Garcia to meet her there. Even though Alex's Captain Thomas (Tom) Doyle is concerned about her being on this specific case, she assures him that she will be able to handle it. His concern is because this could be the same killer who brutally tortured Alex twelve years ago, leaving her for dead with a tarot symbol carved into her skin too.

Once she arrives, Alex finds a small police department with young inexperienced officers Pendlebury, trench coat man, and Boon. The only experienced officer left is Tyler Hale who works with his dog Millie to track the killer. The two have found Maddy's jacket with a slash and blood on it but no sign of her. John Bell, former police chief and Maddy's father, is ever present, clashing with Alex at every turn, and inserting himself into the investigation. The clock is ticking, the killer is intelligent, and Alex has a personal stake in finding him before he kills again.

The writing is excellent as it creates a sinister, oppressive atmosphere in the rain drench forests while keeping the tension high. The opening scene in the novel is chilling as it depicts a lone survivor, mortally wounded, barely alive, and dumped with other bodies. In between the action are documents relating to Alex's personal experience and recovery. As the investigation is underway it becomes clear that Pendlebury is contacting John Bell with information uncovered and what Alex is looking into. Hsu and Garcia are keeping Tom Doyle up to date on how Alex is doing.

Alex is an intelligent, insightful investigator but she is also a very troubled, damaged woman, both physically and mentally. This investigation is personal and she is determined to find the killer and bring him to justice at all costs. Since this is the start of a new series, I expect further character development of both Alex and the supporting characters in the next book.

The Girl Who Lived is a great choice for anyone who enjoys atmospheric murder investigations and would like to get in at the start of a new 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...

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binge-able and gripping, The Girl Who Lived is the first in a new compelling series by Morgan Greene. I did not want to put this book down and couldn't read the next line fast enough! It's been a long time since I've devoured a book so quickly!

Greene opens with victims- plural- dumped and described with such gritty detail that we can almost feel the weight, smell the iron, and taste the dirt around us as we read. Readers feel like we are one of the victims, left with only one question, keeping us engrossed for the entire book: who is the girl?

Alongside Detective Alexandra Marshall, our protagonist, we feel the stress and paranoia increase as time drags on while Maddie remains missing. Greene's decision to include time and date stamps during the investigation in brilliant- readers follow along meticulously paying attention to every detail that could be a clue as we account for every minute.

Dispersed throughout the novel are provocative documents related to Alex's current circumstances. These intriguing morsels give readers outside, relevant information, making us question if the documents could be more than just background information- can it help us solve the case?

I wish I could include my favorite quotes from Chapter 62 here, but it would spoil the book! When you get there, I'm *right there* with you! Greene's writing is reminiscent of my favorite murder mystery author Tami Hoag who has all but retired: very glad to find he has more books to devour next!

Troupes: serial killer, troubled protagonist, small/incompetent/untrustworthy local police, bungled investigation, small town, red herring, premature suspect, ticking clock, big reveal, surprise ending, cliff hanger
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 3/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: serial killer, assault and battery, kidnapping

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Who Lived is a tense, atmospheric thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. Morgan Greene delivers a story that is both emotionally charged and relentlessly suspenseful, anchored by a protagonist whose trauma is as compelling as the mystery itself.

Detective Alexandra Marshall is a standout lead—resilient, haunted, and driven by a past she can’t fully remember. The opening premise alone is chilling: the lone survivor of a brutal crime, crawling out of her own grave with no memory of how she got there. Twelve years later, when new murders surface bearing the same eerie symbols, the past she’s tried to outrun comes crashing back with terrifying force.

The small mountain town of Newport adds a wonderfully claustrophobic backdrop. The silence of its residents, the mist‑shrouded forests, and the sense that everyone knows more than they’re willing to say all heighten the tension. Greene paces the story beautifully—each chapter tightens the knot, each clue deepens the unease.

What really elevates the book is the emotional undercurrent. Alex’s determination isn’t just procedural; it’s personal, raw, and deeply human. Her fight for justice feels urgent, and her vulnerability makes the danger feel even sharper.

Fans of Mary Stone, Lisa Regan, and A.J. Rivers will devour this. It’s twisty, atmospheric, and utterly addictive—a thriller that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to stop. A gripping start to a series I’ll definitely be following.

With thanks to Morgan Greene, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like a strong female lead in a police procedural. Detective Alexandra Marshall is exactly that.
She is pinpoint focused on locating and punishing the man who left her in a mass grave for dead, with a tarot card cut into her skin.
She can't recall who she was before the attack, but has flashbacks which are terrifying.

I have never read this author's books, but am definitely not disappointed in this one. There was a little too much descriptive text, but it didn't detract from the story.

The plot is simple. Find the monster that is killing young girls and etching symbols into their bodies.

There are red herrings and Alex knows that there is something she has missed.

The former police chief was a huge suspect in the case, but his daughter, the current chief is missing. Why would he take his own daughter? Did she get too close to finding out who it was who killed the girls?

Is it a copycat?

I didn't in my wildest dreams suspect who the killer was.... but he wasn't involved in Alex's case......... or was he? Read the book to find out. The reveal will stun you as much as it stunned me.

This is going to be a series of books featuring Alex and cannot wait for the next one.

I recommend. Fans of Angela Marsons and Lisa Regan will enjoy this series.

[IU_read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank you for netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

This is quite hard for me to rate, but i had decided it will be 4 stars from me.

I always love strong and independent women characters. Alex is a detective which she has her own past where she had been abducted and she did not know who she is. The experience is traumatising enough that she keep trying her best to appear okay in front of othe people.

This story occurred at a small town where Maddy (police chief) has been abducted and tortured. The killer will “scribe” a tarot card image on the victim skin which detective Alex also got one before. so this MO shows that the killer might be the same person or you know a copycats.

I chose 4 starts instead of 5 stars because there is some part that i feel repetitive and there is barely any POV from each of the characters. btw there would be sequels for this novel and im definitely going read it.

Do i recommend this book?: Yes, if you are into crime
Will i reread this book?: Yes, its a light reading for me.

[Teresia Fredriksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Alexandra Marshall lives under a name that is not her own and a last name that is also the name of the place where she rose from a serial killers mass grave without any recollection of who she was. All she remembers are flashes of extended abuse and torture. She cannot stand to be touched and bars her hotel room every night. Suddenly, a chief of police goes missing in a small town, and a series of murders with very similar MO as her own comes into light. Even earlier murders seem to have been covered up by the former chief of police who is now fighting to find his daughter aka the current chief of police, alive.
This is a really good and intriguing book. It was with frustration that I realized that all was not resolved in this book and that part of the mystery continues. Looking forward to the sequel!

Thank you Bookouture, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Marcie McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Morgan Greene for the advance review copy.

The mystery pulled me in from the start, but it was Alex herself who ultimately won me over. Her courage, determination, and the complexity of her character made her easy to root for, and I became invested in her story.

The atmosphere is dark and unsettling, with plenty of tension and a steady sense that something isn't quite right beneath the surface. While I found parts of the mystery a little predictable, that may be partly due to having recently read another crime novel with similar plot elements. Even so, the story remained engaging and kept me turning the pages.

The final chapters left me eager to find out what happens next, and I'm already looking forward to Book Two.

A gripping and entertaining start to the Alexandra Marshall series.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! It’s such a gripping, emotional thriller. The main character, Alex, is so strong—after surviving a horrible past, she doesn’t give up, even when people shut doors in her face. The book kept me on the edge of my seat—there was so much tension, and the setting in the mountain town was super eerie. What I really appreciated was how immersive it was—the writing style is easy to get lost in, and you can really feel the tension. I also loved how much focus there was on Alex’s growth—she’s more than just a tough detective; she’s got a lot of vulnerability underneath. Even though it’s a fast-paced thriller, it never felt rushed—everything was balanced really well. I gave it four out of five stars, and I’m so excited to see what happens next in the series!

[KDRBCK]

The Girl Who Lived by new to me author Morgan Greene is the first book in the Detective Alexandra Marshall Series. The book is published by Bookouture.
Detective Alex Marshall is a special investigator and her latest case brings her in a small town with people with kind of small minds, ritualistic victims and more. I just wanted to take a peek at the story, now, hours later I just read the last page and I can't. I just can't I loved the twists and turns, loved the build up in suspense, the drama and loved th pace the story has.
Recommend the book 5 stars.

[Namita Khanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Alex arrives in a new town to hunt down the Tarot killer , the same monster who brutally tortured her twelve years ago only to find an inexperienced police unit and a missing police chief. With a ticking clock, an oppressive rainy forest setting, and a former chief constantly interfering, the stakes and paranoia couldn't be higher!
The Girl Who Lived is a gripping, fast-paced crime thriller with a seed of dread, and the suspense which made the book a fantastic read. Looking forward to book no 2 in the series
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong start to a brand-new police procedural series. I found the pacing a little slow, but there was enough suspense and plenty of red herrings to keep me engaged. I guessed the killer's identity, but it was frustrating to discover that not everything was resolved by the end, with part of the mystery carrying over into the next book. Even so, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Bookouture and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Sarah Bloomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and Bookouture for approving my request to read this book.

This new series from Morgan starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the very end and is a cracking read. I do enjoy small town thrillers and this one was no exception with it's unsettling, twisty plot and an ending that has left me truly intrigued to see what is in store next for Alex, bring on the next installment!

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a dark twisted start to a series. I will say I’m intrigued. Who is Alex? She was not very likable at all. But really can you blame her. I will also say that I never saw this killer coming. And I am very curious to who got away. So many questions. I’m definitely going to read the next book.

[Sam Seaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling first book of the Detective Alexandra Marshall series. This is a story about a detective trying to escape her past and get justice for both herself and the less fortunate victims. Thrilling from start to finish and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Brilliant.

[Lynn Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling start to the Alex Marshall series. The Girl Who Lived is perfect for readers who love thrillers set in small towns, with an interesting, if a little bit mysterious, female detective. I did feel there was a bit too much of Alex thinking and not enough of Alex actually doing police work, but I hope that will change in the next book in the series!

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this review copy.