The Girl Who Lived

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, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genres: Crime, Audiobook, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published 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

[Marcie McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗲.

Revisiting Alex's story in audio reminded me how much I enjoyed it the first time. Knowing the twists didn't lessen the experience—it let me appreciate the characters, atmosphere and steady tension from a fresh perspective.

Elise Roth's narration added warmth, vulnerability and determination to Alex, making the story feel just as engaging the second time around.

🎉 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗲! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲! 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲. 🎧💙

Thank you to Morgan Greene, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant start to a new series by an author I am a huge fan of. It's off to a flying start.

Alex is a traumatised detective still trying to cope with events in her past when she is tasked with finding a missing police chief in a small town in Washington, where two young women have also been murdered and tarot symbols carved into their bodies.

It's an unfortable read which makes it more riveting throughout. For a small place, it has a lot of secrets and every character seems to be economical with the truth. I did guess some of the reveal but there's a further twist that leaves more questions. I can't wait for the next book to come along.

[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!

[Claire - TheBookendReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen years after surviving a serial killer who left her for dead, Detective Alexandra Marshall finds herself investigating a series of murders that appear to mirror her own attack. It's a premise that immediately grabbed my attention, and I was hooked from the opening chapters.

Alex is a compelling protagonist, and I really liked how her past was woven into the investigation without overshadowing the mystery itself. The small-town setting, surrounded by the vast forests of Washington, created a constant sense of unease, while the fragmented memories, case files, and recurring tarot symbolism added extra layers to the story. There were plenty of suspects, enough twists to keep me second-guessing, and I enjoyed piecing everything together alongside Alex.

Although I had a few theories about where the story was heading, that didn't stop me racing through the pages to find out if I was right. A gripping, fast-paced start to a new crime series, and I'll definitely be picking up the next Alexandra Marshall book.

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

What a brilliant start to a new police procedural/thriller series! The main character, Alex Marshall, has a history that nobody knows about; not even Alex herself. Now a police detective, Alex is investigating the disappearance of the young police chief from a neighbouring town.

As I got to know Alex and her situation, I liked her more and more; I admire her grit, her determination and her humanity, despite the horrific experiences she appears to have suffered. The plot was fantastic with well developed characters. I particularly found John to be, perhaps not likable, but certainly very interesting and I hope that he returns in future books now that he and Alex have forged a professional relationship of sorts.

The ending was a jaw dropper, with clever twists and quite the cliffhanger at the end. The plot is fast paced and super immersive. I can't wait for book 2.

⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Morgan Greene and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Marshall survived a horrific ordeal that should have killed her. Perhaps it partly did.
She’s now in the hunt for whom she believes is the same perp who damaged her 12 years before.
The book is edgy and tight. Messy but methodical.
Alex is so damaged I don’t know if she can even form a friendship but she’s almost like the Terminator in that she w8nt stop until she flushed out the killer.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

The Girl Who Lived by Morgan Greene was a 5 star read for me! I absolutely devoured it. I loved the small town setting, the well developed characters, and the way the story unfolded from beginning to end. It was gripping, atmospheric, and kept me hooked the entire time. If you enjoy suspenseful, character driven thrillers, I highly recommend this one.

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

The Girl Who Lived grabbed me immediately because it starts with one of my favorite thriller premises: a woman survives something absolutely horrific, grows up, becomes a detective, and then gets handed a case that basically says, "Hey remember that life-destroying trauma? Good news. It's back."

Twelve years ago, Alexandra Marshall was one of five girls abducted. Four never made it home. Alex crawled out of a grave with no memory of what happened, a strange symbol carved into her skin, and what I can only describe as the world's worst origin story. Now she's investigating murders connected to those same symbols in a tiny mountain town where every resident acts like answering a question will immediately summon a demon.

I spent most of this book looking at every new character like I was judging contestants on a reality dating show. Too friendly? Murderer. Too quiet? Murderer. Local cop? Extra murderer. There is something about a small-town thriller that turns me into a deeply paranoid conspiracy theorist. By chapter ten I was ready to accuse a tree.

The thing that really worked for me was Alex. She has all the ingredients I love in a detective. Smart. Stubborn. Carrying enough emotional baggage to qualify for its own baggage claim carousel. The case isn't just another assignment for her. Every clue is tangled up with the worst day of her life, and that gives the whole investigation an extra layer of tension because she's not only hunting a killer, she's hunting answers she's been missing for over a decade.

And listen, this woman cannot leave anything alone. Doors slam in her face. People refuse to talk. Leads disappear. Alex responds to every obstacle with the energy of somebody who has already crawled out of a grave once and therefore isn't particularly interested in being told no. It's honestly kind of inspiring. Unhealthy. But inspiring.

The atmosphere is doing some serious work here too. The misty forests, the isolated town, the feeling that everybody knows something but nobody wants to be the first person to say it out loud. The whole book has that cold, damp vibe where you feel like every conversation should be happening under a flickering streetlight while someone ominously watches from a distance.

I did think there were moments where Alex spent a little too much time in her own head. Not enough to lose me, but enough that I occasionally wanted to gently rotate her shoulders toward the active investigation and remind her that there was, in fact, a killer running around. The good news is that she's an interesting enough character that even her spirals usually worked for me.

What surprised me was how emotional some of it felt underneath all the murder and mayhem. Alex isn't just dealing with what happened to her. She's dealing with what survival actually costs. Most stories end when the final girl escapes. This one starts there. That's such a fascinating place to build a series because surviving something awful doesn't magically make you okay. It just means you have to figure out how to keep living afterward.

And the twists? Look, I had theories. I always have theories. I watch one season of Only Murders in the Building and suddenly think I'm qualified to investigate crimes. This book repeatedly took my little theories, crumpled them up, and threw them directly into the forest.

By the end I was completely invested in Alex and immediately understood why people are already excited about this series. Four stars. Dark, twisty, addictive, and full of the kind of suspicious townspeople who make you wonder if Zillow should start including "active serial killer energy" in neighborhood descriptions.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Side-Eye Every Single Person In Newport Including People Who Had Barely Spoken

And thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC, which once again enabled my favorite reading experience: telling myself I'll read one chapter before bed and then suddenly finding myself several hours deep into a murder investigation with absolutely no regard for tomorrow's responsibilities.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Morgan Greene, and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I've been reading Morgan Greene for years and have thoroughly enjoyed both his standalone thrillers and his series work, so I was eager to see what he would do with a brand-new protagonist. This opening novel introduces Detective Alexandra "Alex" Marshall and wastes little time throwing readers into a dark, unsettling investigation that promises plenty more to come.

Twelve years ago, Alex crawled out of a shallow grave with no memory of how she got there. Four others died that day, while a mysterious symbol carved into her skin became the only clue to the nightmare she survived. When two young women are brutally murdered and the police chief disappears in the isolated mountain town of Newport, Washington, Alex immediately recognizes the same signature. Convinced the man who nearly killed her has resurfaced, she inserts herself into an investigation where outsiders are unwelcome and silence is almost as dangerous as the killer himself.

Greene delivers exactly what I've come to expect from his writing with a fast-paced, tightly plotted thriller that keeps the tension high from beginning to end. Short chapters and crisp pacing make this an easy book to devour, while each revelation pushes the investigation forward without sacrificing suspense. The mystery unfolds naturally, building toward a satisfying climax while leaving enough unanswered questions to make me eager for the next installment.

Alex Marshall immediately establishes herself as a very different lead from Solomon Church or Jamie Johansson. She carries a rough edge born from trauma, but it never defines her. Instead, it fuels an unwavering determination to uncover the truth, even when every obstacle seems designed to drive her away. Greene reveals just enough of her past to deepen the intrigue without slowing the momentum, leaving me invested in both the larger mystery surrounding her survival and the personal journey still ahead. The supporting cast is equally well handled. One of Greene's strengths has always been making even minor characters feel like they matter, and that talent is on full display here. Whether they'll return in future books remains to be seen, but several left enough of an impression that I'd be happy to encounter them again.

The investigation itself is layered with enough twists and surprises to avoid the familiar serial-killer formula. Rather than relying on genre clichés, Greene crafts a story that feels gritty, tense, and character-driven. Every development raises the stakes, and Alex's personal connection to the case gives the novel an emotional weight that keeps the pages turning.

This is an impressive debut for what already feels like a series with tremendous potential. Morgan Greene has once again created a compelling protagonist and a world I'm eager to revisit. With the next book already on the horizon, I won't have to wait too long to see where Alex Marshall's pursuit of answers takes her next. Longtime Greene readers will find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers have discovered another excellent place to begin.

Kudos, Mr. Greene, for impressing me with this series debut.

Love/hate the review?
An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[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...

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for providing an advance listening copy of The Girl Who Lived in exchange for my honest review.

⭐ 4.5 stars, rounded to 5

Well, I was completely wrong about this one. 😂 I went in thinking I might DNF by 30%, and instead I finished it ready to request the next Alexandra Marshall book the second I see it.

The Girl Who Lived gave me exactly what I want from a crime thriller: a mystery I could actively participate in solving. I could build theories, notice repeated details, reject red herrings, and occasionally get ahead of Alex without feeling like the book was handing me the answers.

I was right enough to feel smart and wrong enough to still be surprised.

One of my favorite clue chains involved a detail I noticed well before I understood why it mattered. When the eventual explanation arrived, it wasn’t a random twist—it was confirmation that the clues had been there all along. That’s the kind of mystery construction I love. Let me pay attention. Let me theorize. Let me be right sometimes!

Alexandra Marshall is also a fantastic series lead. She’s abrasive, impatient, hypervigilant, emotionally guarded, and deeply affected by what happened to her. The story doesn’t pretend those traits are automatically strengths simply because she’s a detective. Her trauma can make her unusually perceptive while also affecting her judgment, relationships, and need for control.

And her history is dark. Very dark. I strongly recommend checking detailed content warnings before reading. The descriptions of Alex’s past torture and injuries can be graphic and extensive.

I also loved the way this works as a series opener. The immediate investigation provides a satisfying payoff, while Alex’s own unsolved history becomes the larger mystery carrying forward. I finished with answers, new questions, and a very strong reason to come back.

The audiobook narration worked well for Alex overall, although audible inhalations became a recurring sensory distraction for me, particularly during quieter passages. I spent an unreasonable amount of time trying to convince myself I wasn’t hearing them. 😂 That’s ultimately what kept this at 4.5 rather than a full 5.

The cover is beautiful, although after finishing, I do think it’s a mismatch for the actual reading experience. The book repeatedly describes a much more drab, bleak environment, and the story itself is considerably darker than the lush cover suggests.

If you enjoy crime thrillers, true crime, complicated female detectives, darker mysteries, ongoing series arcs, and especially mysteries that reward you for paying attention, this is absolutely worth checking out.

And apparently I’m hooked on another series now. 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

[bookedupnurse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five girls were taken, only one survived …

Twelve years ago, Detective Alex Marshall crawled out of her own grave with no memory of how she got there or who inflicted the scars upon her body. As the only survivor, she carries guilt, trauma and a need for justice.

Despite calls for her to be removed from Police Service, her captain takes a shot on her and when two more women are killed and another high profile officer is abducted form the little mountain town of Newport, Alex recognises the pattern and scar symbols and knows the killer who has haunted her for years has returned.

In a small town where no one wants to talk, she will find herself not just fighting for the truth, but for her life once again …

Wow. The prologue alone was insane for this story! A gripping story of survival, with so much suspense, suspects, twists and turns throughout and a powerful ending that left me shook!

Despite the size of Washington state, the story is claustrophobic. The small town feel supports this as it’s as if they are surrounded by vast mountainsides and a killer could attack or disappear at any moment. The beginning of each chapter also highlights the date and time; so much is happening in such a short period of time! It is like you are there alongside the investigation and I loved this addition.

Some areas felt a little slow as if we were in Alex’s head for a long time and over descriptive but did not detract from the overall sinister story and where we were headed. I do believe this is to help set up for further stories and is building up a background.

A great female lead character that isn’t infallible, takes matters (and sometimes the rules) into her own stubborn hands and keeps everyone at arms length, this is a brilliant start to what I think will be an excellent detective series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Morgan Greene for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[Julianne Harkleroad · 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!

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely brilliant first read this was from a new to me author in a genre that I love.

 

This is the first book in the Detective Alexandra Marshall series and I am completely obsessed and in need of book 2 already - and that's before this book has even published - sorry, no pressure!

 

I'm so glad that I came to this series right in the beginning though as this gives us the best opportunity to really get to know our characters and Alexandra was certainly a brilliant character to explore.

 

Having been abducted and tortured over a decade earlier - the only survivor to have escaped from a mass grave - she now comes to town to investigate the disappearance of the local police chief.

When two more local murders link to both the disappearance and potentially her own abduction, she finds that there are clues everywhere and yet no suspects at all.

 

I was totally hooked right from the start and loved following the investigation and making my own theories about who to trust, especially as more came to light.

I found the links to tarot cards intriguing as this is something I've studied before.

 

This was so well written and I really felt as though I connected well with both Alex and the other characters.

It was fast paced and I raced through the chapters desperate to find all the answers.

 

What I hadn't anticipated though, was the way this would end.

I'm used to series like this continuing an overall story arc - but I really felt that this one was a little more high stakes - it's hard to explain without giving spoilers, but when this came to an abrupt end, I was left stunned and screaming in my head for more!

 

I cannot wait to find out what happens next and think that I'll be thinking about this book and its characters for a while yet ....

 


 

[Bo.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen years after surviving a serial killer who left her for dead, Detective Alexandra Marshall is called to investigate a series of murders that appear to mirror her own attack. With the case so closely tied to her past, I was keen to see how the mystery would develop.

The setting ended up being one of the highlights for me. Newport may be a tiny mountain town, but it's surrounded by vast Washington forests that make every search feel like finding a needle in a haystack. The sheer scale of the landscape creates the impression that the killer could disappear at any moment, adding to the tension as the case unfolds. I also liked the inclusion of Alex's fragmented memories and the case files woven throughout the story, which slowly revealed more about her past without giving everything away too early.

Alex is a capable detective carrying plenty of emotional baggage, and because the case is so closely connected to her own experience, there's always more at stake. The recurring tarot symbolism also helped the murders stand out and became another piece of the puzzle I found myself trying to work out alongside her.

The investigation itself is relatively straightforward, but there were enough red herrings and potential suspects to hold my interest. I had a few ideas about where the story was heading, so while the final reveal didn't completely catch me off guard, I was still invested in seeing how everything came together.

Although this one didn't completely surprise me, it was a solid introduction to Alex Marshall, and I'm interested to see how the events of this case shape her moving forward.

3.5⭐️

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you very much to Net Galley for an advanced listener copy of this story, these are my own honest honest thoughts… I have to say, I really wanted to like this book, but from the get-go, I did not find our main character/ investigator likable at all. She was far too aggressive, quick to become defensive (there was even a moment where she got defensive because someone had a coffee shop said that she looked like a black coffee person?), and she just did not do things in a very smart way- for example, not trusting her own team when she suspected a certain killer. I was not surprised that she did not trust the local officers, but the ones she traveled with?
I was extremely annoyed by the local police, which I guess should have made me more sympathetic to the main character? But all around it was a bit frustrating. The retired captain getting in the way and possibly tampering with crime scene evidence? Personally, I felt like the perpetrator was really sauce from pretty early on, especially the way that both are narrator and some of the staff acted/felt at crime scenes…
And to be completely honest, this was not my favorite narrator after all. I felt like they did a great representation of the main character with a very solid demeanor and I could picture her without a lot of enthusiasm, but I didn’t feel like the narrator was not engaging enough to keep me really involved in the story. I did listen in it’s entirety for completeness sake, but unfortunately I don’t feel that I will be picking up future sequels, despite how much I would like to see what shakes out from the second man theory.
I still wanna say thank you so much to NetGalley. While this story was a bit slow paced for me, and there are a lot of people/characters that I just could not vibe with, I definitely think there’s a lot more people that would have enjoyed the story. It’s worth a listen/read for sure.

[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

[Lani Bausewein · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ALC Review**
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reading Method: 🎧
Length: 10 hr 59 min
Genre: Thriller

Thank you NetGalley, Morgan Greene, and Hachette UK – Bookouture for the ALC of The Girl Who Lived.

Plot: Detective Alexandra Marshall is the lone survivor of a serial killer - crawling out of the grave with 4 other bodies in it. She has no memory of how she got there, who did it, or how she survived. Now, 12 years later, she is investigating a case with eerily similar vibes. The local detective who was the primary investigator has gone missing, and Alex has taken over. Is it the same person? Will Alex solve the current case and find the missing detective? Will this also bring resolution to her own troubled past?

Review:
I really enjoyed the story - Well written, great twists, and engaging characters. The atmosphere was fully described; I could picture everything in my mind as the book was developing. The locations, the people - well developed. I love that I was not able to guess 'whodunit' before the reveal occurred. I'm excited to read more from Morgan Greene. 4 Stars for the book.

The narrator left a lot to be desired. She was very dull and not engaging. I think I would have enjoyed the book a whole lot more with a different narrator, who was energetic, who made the characters come alive (vs. just reading from a script). 2.5 Stars for the Narration.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book - I'd probably recommend reading vs. listening, though. However, check out a preview of the narrator - you might like her. It can certainly be a 'me' issue!

IG @lit.fic.lani

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW- 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

STORYLINE :
The storyline was kinda okay. I felt like it was split in two; the actual murder case that the detective went to solve and the detective's part. The latter was more focused on than the former, and it was my favourite. It was well written and I liked reading it.
However, the police case she went to solve in Newport was disappointin, and I don't like thrillers like this. I didn't like that the culprit was just revealed like that. No concrete evidence nor motive were found in my opinion.
The author focused more on Alexandra's past than the future.

CHARACTERS:
The FMC, Detective Alexandra Marshall, was a complex character, and the surface has not been scratched yet. She's confident, arrogant, no nonsense, brave, filled with trauma, and hates being touched. Considering her past, all this is perfectly understandable.
I liked her, and I'm rooting for her. I can't wait to see what's up with her!

WRITING STYLE:
It was okay.

SETTINGS:
I liked the small town it was set in. The descriptions were up to par, and when they were in the forests, it felt as if I was there with them.

OVERALL:
I enjoyed Alex's past, not so much about her present, nor the case she solved. But, it was still an easy read, and I'll definitely be continuing the series because I want to know what Alex is up yo next and if she recovers her past.

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good start to what promises to be an interesting series.

Alexandra Marshall (Alex), many years back, escaped from a place where four other girls died. She is now part of the state police force. She is called to assist with a case where two women aged 23 and 28 are found strangled and stabbed. Tarot symbols are carved on their skins. This brings back memories for Alex and she wonders if it might be the same killer she managed to survive (the past case was unsolved). The local police chief, Madeleine Bell (Maddy, age 32) is also missing. Alex’s boss Captain Thomas Doyle is initially hesitant to have her investigate the case but there is no stopping her. John Bell, is Maddy’s dad who was the previous police chief. He is desperate to find Maddy and is constantly trying to get himself into the investigation.

This book partly resolves the crime, leaving quite a bit open. That is clearly left to future books in the series. Alex is a strong character, with steely resolve to crack the case despite the traumas of her past. The middle sections are quite slow – mirroring the real world where procedures often take long to yield results. The plot itself is quite straightforward – I personally prefer this to over-the-top twists.

Definitely look forward to read more books to come in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.

[TenshiMari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing a digital review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review

This was my first book by this author. I enjoyed the mystery that kept me guessing at every turn.
What I didn't enjoy however, was the narration. I felt like the delivery of Alex her lines and internal thoughts was done in a very detached and clinical matter, monotonous and robotic, describing gruesome scenes of violence as if describing the weather. I'm not sure if this is done intentionally, because Alex is a protagonist with many issues, and she seems to lack the emotional layers and responses that a normal, less traumatized person would have. I found it really hard to relate to Alex because I felt myself reading the book with the same clinical detachment that Alex seems to experience it. If this was done intentionally, it's done masterfully so. That being said, with all the complaints I have about Alex and the delivery of this book, Alex is a very strong female lead with a lot of determination and it was very refreshing to read a protagonist in a thriller not stumbling around like a bumbling idiot. Since this is book one in a new series, I'm interested to read more books in this series and see if maybe Alex grows on me over time. The mystery/thriller aspect was done well and while I didn't love this book, it was an enjoyable read.

[Andria Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author.

The Girl Who Lived is a first book in a new detective series. The main character is Detective Alexandria Marshall who twelve years ago suffered a traumatic event where four others lost their lives.

In the present day, Detective Marshall receives a call about two ritualistic murders with symbols marked on the women's bodies and along with that information, the Chief of Police, a young woman, is also missing. There are similarities to what happened in her case all those years ago, which was never solved. She goes to the small town to investigate the cases where she is met with several obstacles, but she's persistent and intelligent and isn't going to give up the fight to stop a killer even if it puts herself in grave danger.

I was hooked in going along on the investigation with her, theories bouncing around inside of my head as to who the killer could be and who to trust and not trust. There are twists and turns, a reveal and a cliffhanger. I must admit I generally steer clear of investigative detective/police thrillers liking more the psychological thriller, but I found this one interesting and well written and I will be reading the next book in the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the complimentary copy of the story.

[Marharyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

💕 I wasn’t sure where this story would take me at first, but by the end, I couldn’t put it down - figuratively speaking - considering it was an audiobook. New author, new series, not sure what to expect.

The book starts off like any other book. Small town serial killer brings in a state detective. But Alex Marshall isn’t just any detective. This killer could be the very one that mutilated her, broke her, and left her for dead in a ditch with 4 dead women 12 years ago. I call them women because frankly, the term girl makes me think they are young children and not women in their 20s.

This book is one of crime fiction, a thriller. It starts off slow, but steady. You meet the characters. You like some, you dislike others, and some you just wait and see. Alex is rigid, cold, and blunt - not a people person. She flinches when people try to touch her. She doesn’t sleep - haunted by a past she can’t remember, but for minute fragments. But she’s a great detective.

With time, she begins to peace together the puzzle. As a reader, you begin to wonder who the killer could be. Is it someone we’ve met? Is this killer the same as the one that hunted Alex all those years ago? And you wonder if the answer is yes, will she catch the killer? Because this is only book 1…

I wasn’t exactly hooked from the beginning, but I love how this book has set up what I think could be a great series. And I’ll be here for Book 2 when it drops.

Audiobook 01Aug2026

[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.

[Abookaday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Marshall, an investigator with the Spokane Field Office’s Special Investigations Unit, is sent to Newport, Washington, after a brutal multiple homicide leaves several victims marked with tarot-like symbols and the town’s police chief missing. The case hits close to home for Alex, who survived a similar ritualistic attack 12 years earlier and woke with no memory of who she was or what happened during her captivity.

When she arrives, she’s frustrated by the inexperienced local officers, who are clearly overwhelmed by the crime scene. Aside from Hail and his K-9 partner, Maddie, Alex feels like she’s working alone. With few leads, she turns to the missing chief’s father—a former police chief who also happens to be her prime suspect.

The story unfolds over three days, broken down hour by hour, which highlights Alex’s determination and investigative skill. While I wasn’t completely surprised by the outcome, I enjoyed following the case and am curious to see where the next book takes Alex, especially as she continues searching for the truth about her own past. She’s a strong, driven detective who keeps everyone at arm’s length, making her an intriguing lead.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the advance listening copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacquelyn Dohoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good unlikeable character, and Alex certainly was that. It’s one of the things that made this book so good. Once you realize all of the insane things that have happened to her, you can’t help but identify with her even though she can be pretty brash. Because of her trauma, she has a really hard time in social situations, but she does her job well. The other characters were great, although some were the type where you want to scream, “Your helping is not helping!” The book was engaging throughout, and very entertaining. The only thing I had issue with is the glaringly obvious things that took her way too long to figure out (for example the cell phone). I also had a hard time believing that she didn’t suspect who the killer was. I guessed it right off the bat, but then again, I’m pretty cynical. I’m also pretty sure I know the OTHER things about the case, but I guess we have to wait until the next book to find that out! Aside from wanting to throttle Alex a couple of times for not figuring something out sooner, I really liked it. It was a great listen and I’m looking forward to the next book!

Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

[Rach]

The Girl Who Lived follows victim turned detective, Alexandra Marshall, who experienced being taken and tortured amongst 4 other girls, but was the only one who escaped alive. She was marked with a mysterious symbol on her skin, which is the same fate as recent women murdered in the mountainous town of Newport...

This one started off really strong and immediately captured my interest, but then lost it a bit throughout the middle. I enjoyed the narrator’s voice but am not sure whether the somewhat stagnant tone contributed to me not exactly finding the storyline continuously gripping and tuning out at times, or perhaps I couldn’t quite immerse myself in it after that initial part, but this one took a while to get through and subsequently felt never ending at times. I did, however, enjoy how detailed everything was (and yet how simple it was to follow the timeline), and trying to piece all the moving pieces and clues together with the characters. The FMC was definitely persistent in her search for the truth! I think this was a promising start to the series and am intrigued to see where it goes next.

Thank you to Bookouture Audio, Morgan Greene and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.

Twelve years ago, Detective Alex Marshall was the sole survivor of a horrific serial killer, left with no memory of the attack and a mysterious tarot symbol carved into her skin.

When a missing police chief and two murdered women are found in a remote mountain town-bearing the exact same tarot markings- Alex rushes to the scene to lead the investigation.


From the synopsis, this sounded exactly like my kind of thriller a dark, gripping mystery with a exciting premise. Unfortunately, the execution didn't quite live up to my expectations.
​I found the overall pacing to be quite slow and drawn out. While the backstory is central to the mystery and very little is told about it. I felt like I was missing pieces to the story and in turn I struggled to connect with the main character, Alex.
​The storyline finally started to gain some real momentum and pick up around the 65% mark, but by that stage, it had unfortunately already lost my attention. While the concept had a lot of potential it was too stretched out to keep me engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

[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.