Child of the State

Elizabeth McClaine #2

by Catherine Lea

**ASIN: B0199SDJ70 shared with alternate cover edition https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...**

"He's first, you're next."

That's the message someone scribbled on a photo of Stacy May Charms' six-year-old son, two days before her release from prison.

Stacy knows why. She doesn't know who.

When Stacy May breaks parole and goes on the run only two hours after her release, Elizabeth McClaine's reputation is left in ruins. Contracted to oversee Stacy's early release through the governor's new initiative, Elizabeth’s reputation depends on Stacy's success.

If Elizabeth is to clear her name, and save Stacy, she must figure out why Stacy ran, and who she's running from.

And all the clues point back to those who were supposed to be saving her.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

314 pages, ebook

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

Catherine lives with a rescue dog who's the love of her life. In past lives, she has sold international satellite capacity, worked in IT recruitment, and run her own communications store.

When Catherine isn't writing, she's dog-wrangling, wrestling with technology, or going crazy trying to maintain control of the yard.

THE CANDIDATE'S DAUGHTER is her first published work, followed by the sequel in the Elizabeth McClaine series, CHILD OF THE STATE, and A STOLEN WOMAN.

Her latest book in the DI NYREE BRADSHAW SERIES, set in the beautiful Far North of New Zealand, is THE DEEPER THE DEAD: A DI Nyree Bradshaw Crime Thriller, out now.

She also writes gritty thrillers under the pen name C.J. Lea.

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve done it again. This is book 2 in a series.

Hey ho, this time it didn’t make much difference because it’s worked well on its own merits.

Stacey has been in prison for 3 years. It explains why but I’m sure it’s initially from book 1 that would round the events off, however, it was easy to pick the story up.

Her son has been in care for that period of time. Any mum would jump through hoops to be reunited with her son. Which she does with filling in paperwork after paperwork.

Something happens. She knows why but not who.
She has to take her son and run.

It’s a breathless catch and mouse from then on with Stacey needing to keep one step ahead.

I thought it was a very well written book, enough to keep me on edge.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy Charms has been in prison for 3 years. She assaulted a social worker who was trying to take her disabled son away from her. Her son, Tyler, is now in a very good foster home. While in prison, Stacy is given the chance for early release. There's a lot of paperwork and interviews, but she would do anything ...anything at all ... to be free and with her son again.

But someone has left her a message .. a picture of her and her son .... caught in the crosshairs of a gun with a written note ... First him, you're next.

Twenty minutes after leaving the prison, she is on the run. She knows what will happen if the law finds her .. but nothing is as important as finding her son and getting somewhere safe.

It's a complex tale of prison life, corrupt prison guards, drugs, and fraud .. with Stacy in the middle of it all. The first 40% of the book deals with how she manages to stay one step ahead of all those who are looking for her. She is smart... and she has friends .. and she has people who are trying to help but getting no co-operation from the young lady.

The rest of the book is like grabbing a tiger by the tail ... you know its dangerous, but you have no choice. The pages seem to turn themselves while you race to catch up with all the action. There are so many characters ... but which ones can she trust?

Catherine Lea is a new author to me. I definitely will be looking for the first one in this series. CHILD OF THE STATE does well as a stand-alone.

My thanks to the author / Brakelight Press / NetGalley who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Lynn Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy a prisoner is given a chance to be released early and get her young son back from foster care but stacy seems to do all the wrong things and this causes her difficulties.
Elizabeth McClaine is the custodian of the foundation responsible for helping stacy but somebody wants to hurt stacy's son so she breaks her parole and tries to find out who it is meanwhile Elizabeth races to find stacy to save the program.
Well written.

Thank you Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read this book.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl's love of her son causes her problems. She is sent to prison because she assaulted a children services agent who wanted to take her child from her. While in prison she and her friend discover something they shouldn't and her friend is killed to keep her from investigating further. The plot deals with drugs that are brought into the prison and threats of death to her and her child.
Fortunately, someone believes her and helps her un ravel the mystery.

[Michele Amedee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot. Sometimes I felt the author was overly descriptive of what seemed to me to be simple things, which makes me impatient because I want to skip to the interesting stuff, but it turned out the little details were pretty important. I figured out the "who" did it easily enough but the "how" and "why" took longer. Very enjoyable mystery/thriller.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

An amazing read that has you guessing at every twist and turn. Catherine Lea has a way with words and makes reading them so enjoyable.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He’s first, you're next." That's the message someone scribbled on a photo of Stacy May Charms' six-year-old son, two days before her release from prison. Stacy knows why. She doesn't know who. And she's not waiting around to find out. Her plan is to grab her child and run. For Elizabeth McClaine—custodian of the Charles McClaine Trust—Stay May’s release has consumed her for the past six months. Contracted to oversee the early release program for young incarcerated mothers, Elizabeth alone is responsible for selection of the first successful applicant. But when Stacy May breaks parole and disappears only two hours after her release, Elizabeth finds herself flung into social and political exile, her reputation in ruins. With their fates now irrevocably linked, both women must figure out who Stacy’s running from and why. And all the clues point back to those who were supposed to be saving her.
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   I won this book in a Goodreads Giveway over a month ago but as I have tons of things to read for college, I had to put it aside for a while. While I was studying I decided to take a break and I saw this book waiting for me on my bookshelf. "I'll read a few pages and then I continue reading for Spanish Grammar," I thought. BIG MISTAKE. I couldn't stop reading it. I read half of the book during that long long break and then the need to know how this story was going to end was burning my brain and didn't allow me to freaking concentrate as much as I needed to.   
    The story itself is so well-written that you can go through pages and pages without even noticing how much you have read. The suspense is so incredibly built that readers, of course including myself, will find hard to leave this book aside.
   
    A huge point in favour was the fact that this story follows two characters at the same. You can see what's going on with Stacy and what's going on in her mind, and at the same time you can see how her decisions have an impact on Elizabeth's life and Elizabeth's decisions. I know this book will be on my rereads of this year.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Elizabeth McClaine series, and having read the first one, I was keen to find out more about this character and join her for another adventure. I really enjoyed this, it was both thrilling and touching in places with Stacy May Charms, a convict, doing everything she can to get out of jail in order to have her young son returned to her so she can give him the home he deserves. Elizabeth McClaine goes above and beyond to help this girl secure her release and at the same time solve the mystery which has caused the death of another young inmate and the conviction of an innocent woman. The action is intense as more people appear to become part of an illegal business smuggling drugs into the prison and Elizabeth is shocked to discover who is behind is, nearly losing her life in the process. This book is beautifully written and so hard to put down. I highly recommend this author and have already purchased the 3rd book in the series.

[Mrs Moa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Once again, Elizabeth throws herself into the investigation, which uncovers corruption, deceit, manipulation .

It is everything you want in a crime thriller, such a great story.

You can read these books standalone, you don't have to read them in order. But some things that are referred to in this book are explained in book one.

I was sent this book by the author and all opinions are my own.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

—Not a grabber or a page turner. A different story line, but not my kind of writing. I did read the whole thing but I kept putting it down and it took me more than a week which is not my normal 2-3 days, that should reveal how I felt about it.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy was in jail and got the chance to be in a program to learn to sew and could get out of jail a little earlier. She became a fast learner and made 25 cents an hours and became good at sewing. She had a son who was in foster care while she was in jail. He had some disabilities since birth. His mom told him she would one day come to get him. Then a friend of her was believed to have over dosed on drugs and died. Stacy knew she didn't. Some one or somehow drugs were gotten into the jail. They claimed it was the wardens sister.But Stacy believed it was someone else. She was threatened on a picture of her son laying in her bed. Who put that there , she didn't know but it said thats she was next after her son. She got out and broke her ankle bracelet off. She had to get her son before they did. She tried telling certain people in jail about what she knew but most people didn't believe her, So she did some investigating on her own. She wanted her son back.

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if your child was threatened? Stacy, recently released from prison on a special program, makes a dash for freedom to save her son. Her adventure takes her into the scarier parts of the city, yet she finds kindness in many. Elizabeth is hot on Stacy's heels, trying to determine what would make Stacy bolt. She understands there must be a reason. The mystery is compelling and not what I expected. It was pretty clear who the bad person was pretty early on, (though not for the reasons you would think) so I gave this story 4 stars. Also I thought a murderer would not hesitate to kill Stacy, not just knock her out. So that subtracted the 5th star.

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale from start to finish. Written with compassion and deep insights into human nature. Why did Stacy run away on the first day of her release from prison ? What is so important that she seems willing to risk her freedom for it ? Who is threatening her life, and the life of her son ? Elizabeth McClaine was responsible for Stacy's early release; because Stacy had taken part in a special program. Now Stacy is on the run, and Elizabeth wants to know why. There are many twists and turns in this book. People who seemed to be allies were actually enemies with dark secrets. The conclusion of the book is satisfying and complete.

[Barbara J Maich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent noval

I thoroughly enjoy this novel. It was hard to put down. Just a glimpse of the penal system that was privately owned that needs donations of money to pay the bills. A under staffed women's correctional facility that started a sewing program that not only trained inmates paying them .25 cents an hour. This is where the corruption starts and our story begins. A young mother in early release trying to save her son so she removes her monitor and skips our on her probation officer and sets out to save her son before she is captured again.. Corruption involves the rich and the political system . Good novel

[Bouke Sieperda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child of the state!
A special crime thriller!A thriller story which has so much in it!
Crime .tention , intriques, but foremost unbearalbe love!
Ao much love from a young mother who was prisoned! love for her young son!
As she did everything for hime to get close so that she could give him her love!
I found it extraordinairy story .very fast paced! and dynamic!
A exllent story to read and everytime wondering what would happen next!
page turner till the very end!
thanks to the author for the great book!
for me worth a 4.8 star!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy May Charms is being released from prison early through a special program for mothers with young children. The rules for her release are very strict which is why Elizabeth McClaine, the Director of the program is mystified when Stacy sneaks out of her mother’s house, takes her car and cuts her monitoring bracelet off. Desperate to get to Tyler, her son, she meets a variety of people who help her in various ways. Meanwhile Elizabeth is still trying to figure out what is going on to determine why she ran. Full of interesting characters and some great twists.

[Frances Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to give this 5 stars...not because it was such great literature but because it was just darn exciting. I can't say much more about the plot without giving it away.

One positive is that even though it is the 2nd book in a series , it can be read as a "stand alone"

Some swearing but it does fit in with the character. After all, Stacy was in prison and it was something that she heard all too often.

[Pennie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book!

Wow! This mystery starts with a bang and never quits. I loved seeing a strong, smart and courageous woman as the main character. Or should I say, characters? Both of these women share a bond that impels them to push through dangerous situations; namely, the love of a mother for her child. The fact that there are special needs people in this story really brings heart and realism to the book. I recommend this as a Must Read!

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the first in this series but wasn't enjoying this one at all. The beginning seems to be trying to cram so much into a first few pages and it meant too much was going on too fast, I thought, making it none too believable to me. And it was all coming across similar to an episode of Cell Block H, which I never watched because it's just not my thing. So it's not for me.
I got as far as 16% in and hadn't seen one mistake, though, which is rare these days.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

2nd book in the series it can be read as a standalone as it is a completely separate case but some characters have carried through from book one and its good to know their history. Another fast paced read that I didn't want to put down. The police are not portrayed well in these stories, they seem unwilling to deviate from their first deduction no matter what information is provided. They do get there in the end though.

[MARY JANE CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as the last one!

Although the plot is quite different, the same themes of good vs evil, love vs greed, a mother's devotion to a child with special needs, carry through. The main character is developed further and the other characters are brought to life. Now on to the third in this series.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent Investigation Tale

Not an officer of the law, but a do-gooder in a private program to break the cycle of recidivism among mothers in prison, the protagonist takes it upon herself to uncover the motivation behind her chosen candidate’s flight from supervision, uncovering corruption and murder most foul. 3.5 stars.

[Kara Dunnagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really hard to put down

New twist on the escaped convict theme. Very interesting characters with so many u expected twists and turns. Could not predict the ending just hoped it came out with a positive result.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real Page Turner

Stacy made some bad choices, landed in prison and then discovers crimes being committed inside the prison walls. Tho she manages to get out thru a special program, her troubles continue, placing her and her son in danger. An exciting read.

[Karen & Gerard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was interesting, exciting, suspenseful and moved along well. The only part I really didn't understand completely was the drug operation with the prison. I liked the ending. Although it is book 2 of a series, it can also be read as a stand alone. (Karen's review)

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, fast paced story with strong characters. The story provides readers a tale of a young mother, an escaped parolee who directs exhaustive efforts to protect and reunite with her child despite being hunted by law enforcement, supporters and those who intend harm. Recommended read.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

Fast moving, easy to follow and relatable characters. I read this every chance I got. While I did figure out the " bad" character, was still entertained by their demise.

[Ashley Stafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay

This book was okay. It had a good story line. I think I would've liked it more if I hadn't been reading it for 5 months.

[Sandra Casile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story.

It is definitely a fantastic who done it. Really keeps you interested to see if it is the one that you think it could be what an ending. Thanks

[Jennifer Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Brilliant from start to finish. Fully developed characters with an interesting plot and storyline throughout. Well worth a read. Moral challenges throughout