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Runaway Girl: A beautiful girl. Trafficked for sex. Is there nowhere to hide?

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Fourteen-year-old Adrianna arrives on Casey’s doorstep with no possessions, no English, and no explanation. It will be a few weeks before Casey starts getting the shocking answers to her questions….

Brought to Casey as a short-term emergency placement, fourteen-year-old Adrianna arrives with nothing but her gratitude. Having ‘turned herself in’ to a social services office some hundred miles away, she has no possessions, no English and, apparently, no history – not that she’s willing to share, anyway. She is a beautiful young Polish girl, with the bearing of a ballerina, but is terrified, malnourished and unwell. And, having slept rough for some time (the little they do know about her) she spends much of her first days with Watsons asleep in bed.

Growing concerned about Adrianna’s wellbeing, and her persistent high temperature, Casey decides to call in the GP. But, to her surprise, Adrianna becomes almost hysterical about being examined and, given her refusal to talk – even via the interpreter they’ve brought in for her – Casey’s fostering antennae begin twitching. Where has she come from? And why is she so terrified to be touched? What has happened to make her so ill and scared?

It will be a few weeks before Casey starts getting answers to these questions. Shocking answers; ones that throw up a whole host of new questions and the beginnings of a journey to find justice for Adrianna, and, more importantly, a future, and a home…

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2016

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745 people want to read

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Casey Watson

97 books565 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for howsoonisnow.
336 reviews8 followers
March 10, 2019
Watson has a preachy, nagging, self-righteous, passive aggressive and often flippant tone, as she comments about the young trafficking victim's actions and perceived motivations e.g. sentences like "She finally decided to tell me the truth". Most of her storytelling is self-serving, intent on portraying herself as an eternally inhumanly patient individual. Unlike Cathy Glass, who is apt at slowly and juicily revealing details of a foster child's life, Watson unravels the entire story in one quick swoop, leaving little mystery to unfold. The dialogue between foster parent and foster child is also very stilted, as though she were clumsily inventing conversations had between the two. And most annoying of all, are her husband's many irritatingly asinine and self-important comments. Overall though, the content was relatively interesting, and it's always intriguing to gain an insider's perspective into fostering.
Profile Image for Lisa Bennett.
231 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2020
It's taken me months to read this. I just didn't find it interesting, so was a difficult one to read. I rarely quit a book so just took my time. I was expecting to read about her being trafficked, how she was trafficked, her life during this time, how she escaped and what happened next. Instead it told me very little about that and was all about the child she bore because she was trafficked and her fight to get him back. so the title and description is a misconception and therefore I found it tiresome and not very interesting.
Profile Image for Hazel.
549 reviews38 followers
November 11, 2016
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

Casey Watson is a specialist foster carer who temporarily houses vulnerable children in emergency situations. Since working in this field for decades, she has been documenting her experiences in a series of books, each one focusing on a different child. Her thirteenth, and most recent book is Runaway Girl, aptly named about a (supposedly) fourteen-year-old girl, running away from several distressing situations.

Adrianna arrives on Casey’s doorstep with no possessions, no English and no passport. Apart from knowing she is Polish, Adrianna is a complete mystery to the Watson family and the services involved. With her sixth sense tingling, Casey is certain there is something important that Adrianna is hiding and, despite all her attempts, it is not until an emergency hospitalization that the frightened Polish girl starts telling the truth.

With a background of abuse, homelessness and sex trafficking, Adrianna’s story will open readers’ eyes to the shocking situations many foreign children find themselves. Unfortunately, Adrianna is only one out of 5,000 girls in the last decade and a half to be brought to England illegally and forced into prostitution.

Fortunately, Adrianna is lucky to have escaped and found a safe place to stay in the Watson household. Without Casey’s care and determination to provide a future for her, Adrianna would have remained one of the “hidden children” that arrive in England every year.

Casey writes in a novel-like format, describing Adrianna’s circumstances from a carer’s point of view. Slowly revealing the secrets of Adrianna’s past, Casey keeps the reader interested in the same way a fiction author would with a clever plot line. Emphasising the difficulties Adrianna has, not only coming to terms with the abuse she has faced, but also worrying about whether authorities will allow her to remain in England, Casey appeals to the readers’ emotions, making it clear that, although here illegally, trafficked children have every right to be protected and looked after by British authorities.

Although Casey writes under a pseudonym, and assumedly alters all names within the book, it is not certain how much of the storyline is true, or whether the situation has been accentuated in order to capture the reader’s attention. This, however, is not important – people will read this for entertainment, therefore the accuracy of the content is not as significant as the way in which it is told. Runaway Girl, whilst shocking, is engaging and easy to read, with a satisfying ending.

Runaway Girl is the only book I have read from Casey Watson, yet I can tell she is a worthy and successful author. Her stories – at least the blurbs – seem similar to other authors, such as Torey Hayden, who also write about their experiences helping vulnerable children. Casey Watson’s book need not be read in any particular order; therefore Runaway Girl is as good a place as any to begin.
Profile Image for Grass monster.
579 reviews17 followers
October 20, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Casey Watson, and I will certainly read more from her.
Runaway Girl is about foster Carer, Casey Watson. Casey has a new arrival, 14 year old Polish girl Adrianna, on a short term emergency placement. Adrianna has nothing but the clothes she stands in, her English is not that great and she is not forthcoming about what has happened to her to get her to where she is with social services.
Despite being beautiful, Adrianna is cleary not well, she has been sleeping rough and looks like she hasnt had a good meal in a whille. After spending much of her time in bed on arrival, Casey decides to get a doctor visit. It seems Adrianna hates being touched by the doctor and screams blue murder.
As we learn more about Adrianna, we know she has been keeping alot of secrets and we start to get answers in the weeks that she is with Casey. Adrianna needs to fight for her future, her new life, and more importantly she needs justice.
Adrianna's story is incredibly well written and informative. Sadly it is a heart wreching protrayal of real life and real drama.
It wasnt too long and it was direct to the point. Despite it being a tough story, I thoroughly embraced Casey and Adrianna's journey.


Profile Image for Bookread2day.
2,574 reviews63 followers
September 25, 2016
RUNAWAY GIRL CASEY WATSON
I'm not quite sure why Runaway Girl is under a different title, I had a hard job finding this book to review.
I read Runaway Girl with tears in my eyes, it's so sad. Casey Watson is a foster career. Cathy Watson is one woman determined to make a difference. Adrianna is sent by social services to Casey's house with only the clothes she stands in. She is a beautiful Polish girl who tells Casey the she is only fourteen. When Casey realises that Adrian a is not well she calls for a doctor. Adrianna hates being touched by the doctor. It appears that Adrianna has been keeping lots of secrets I highly recommend all of Casey Waton's books about real lives, real situations and real drama.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews56 followers
October 21, 2016
Full review to follow but what an emotional read this was.
Profile Image for Reading Bee.
55 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2025
*contain spoilers*

Title: Runaway Girl
Author: Casey Watson

“…Not all chaotic beginning results in fractured life.”

As a fan of true crime, I was thrilled when a lady gave away this book on a Facebook page a couple of years ago. Runaway Girl tells the story of an independent Polish girl, Adrianna, who was sent to live with a foster family, the Watsons. Initially, she was reserved and secretive, but after a medical emergency, she finally opened up to her foster mother. Adrianna shared details of her past, how she arrived in the UK and ended up in the care system.

Upon “meeting” the real Adrianna, Casey Watson discovered that she was very different from her other foster kids. Adrianna was smart, self-conscious, considerate, and incredibly strong. Personally I think that is the result of her upbringing, which wasn’t chaotic, she did had a great life until she wasn’t.
If this were a fictional thriller, the thrill was not thrilling, as there are no in-depth details about Adrianna's trafficking or the abuse she suffered both in Poland and in the UK. However, according to Watson, Adrianna didn’t want to discuss those events, and they respected her choice. If it were me, I too wouldn’t want my trauma shared widely, even anonymously.

Some readers might find the book lacking in detail, but it’s important to remember that this is a real story about a real person. As humans, we shouldn’t seek entertainment in the horrible experiences of others. Instead, the book focuses on Adrianna reclaiming her freedom and proving to the world that she is capable of being a mother and a contributing member of society.
Reading this as a mother myself, I felt a deep sense of fear for the world we live in. Somewhere out there, people are being exploited and dehumanized. We see and read stories like this but for Adrianna and many others, this wasn’t just a story—it’s their life. I found myself crying and wishing I could hug this brave girl. I have immense respect for her. Amid chaos, she made wise decisions for her baby and herself. Even on the streets, she managed to stay clean. With the help of Casey, her social worker Jazz, John, the Watson family, other foster parents, and social services, Adrianna managed to get back on her feet.

It was fascinating to learn about how the UK’s social service system works. For instance, Adrianna’s placement with Casey was an emergency, temporary arrangement, but there are also specialized foster families for reuniting mothers with their babies. It made me wonder if a similar system can be implemented in Malaysia, perhaps it could help children and youth in need, potentially reducing homelessness. However, there’s always the risk of abuse within the system, as we often see on TV, foster families who neglect or mistreat the children for financial gain. Despite this, I can imagine myself wanting to be part of such a system, helping where I can.

Things I learnt:

1. Resilience - Adrianna’s strength and determination show that even in the face of trauma, it is possible to rebuild and thrive.
2. A good system is important to help troubled or in trouble kids recover and move forward.
3. Human trafficking’s harsh realities – it goes beyond screen like the movie Taken.

This story has a hopeful ending for Adrianna; she is living proof that a mother’s love knows no age. I genuinely wish her and Jakob a good life. Hopefully, one day, the traffickers will be brought to justice too.

#runawaygirl #truestory #illbeereading
39 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2018
I picked up a stack of Casey Watson books during a bought of illness. Needing something to occupy my thoughts, but not demand undue energy, or detour rest. Not my usual genre, these social-care mystery dramas, were an on choice. I’d relate them to lifetime movies, with a slower pace and narration. They fit my purpose well, and filled the restless silence.
This one in particular was the most interesting interesting, and stood out from the others in its slightly more international story line, calling out some very important social issues. It also breaks with the usual pattern the books take on, when read as a group. Though, I do still think of them as a batch of very alike stories.
These books approach the troubles of the children they feature from a perspective of what British society deems itself responsible for giving them. This is an intellectually interesting, yet frustrating feature. Perhaps this is productive — particularly in the case of this story. I found myself angry at their preoccupation with age - the “system’s” preoccupation. Realistic, as it is, I wanted them to focus on the victimization without the context of age. However, ultimately, the children / youth are championed. This is no exception. In fact, all of the happily-ever-afters are the hardest bit to believe are pure fact, but I am a cynic.
The narrator also passes herself off as the only slightly humble heroine. There is a great deal of humble bragging here. However, that may go hand in hand with discussing the grim attributes of the social services system. Not that the author degrades the system — acknowledges the downfalls, but often it’s merits are championed. So, while some readers may find the not so humble voice annoying, it is given some balance. Then again, maybe you just get use to it.
If foster care interests you at all, these books can provide interesting tidbits of information. However, not being British, or aquatinted with that society’s social services system, I can’t make any comment on accuracy. It’s food for thought, non the less.
Profile Image for Dan Stern.
952 reviews11 followers
September 26, 2020
This young girl has been through a hell that most people couldn't even imagine. In a strange, foreign land that even getting to came at a price, causing traumas and nightmares that would eventually bring her to be with Casey. Very much alone with secrets that no-one would have imagined, Adriana is very much an intelligent, brave and strong young teenage girl, who doesn't let her traumas and past distinguish, command or haunt her.
After illness caused by some of the secrets she is hiding puts her in hospital, her truth, trauma and the devasting secrets come tumbling out. At first to a wonderful nurse almost by mistake, but then to Casey.
This then starts Adriana's journey to get her life on track and recover the love that is breaking her heart.
This, as always, is led by Casey and her family supporting, guiding and helping at each and every turn, be it positive or negative. Also supported by the wider network of social services and shows the essential part that they play.
It was great to read about Tyler, a previous foster child of Casey's, now being a permanent part of the family and how much his friendship, kindness, love and support makes such a difference to Adriana.
Sometimes a childs trauma haunts them and causes many problems emotionally, mentally and behaviouraly. Adriana however is determined to use her traumatic past to make a better life and to make her the best she can be.
Another moving, gripping and well written book by Casey, and as always I didn't want to put it down.
Profile Image for Emily Maree.
135 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2019
This book was a sad but beautiful story about a teenager and her struggle of getting her life back on track.

This story has a trigger warning of sexual abuse and trafficking.
We follow Casey who is a foster carer and has been asked to watch a teenager who has showed up, who doesn't speak English that well, as she is Polish and no explanation on what has happened to her and where she has come from.
But Casey soon gets the answers she wants a few weeks later when an unfortunate event happens to Adrianna (the teenager) that leads her to telling the truth.

I really liked the characters and thought that the way Casey reacts to certain situations, is exactly how I would imagine she would, so it made her relateable and I had a lot of respect for her.
Adrianna was an intriguing character as she started off with secrets and when they unraveled I was shocked with the truth of her past and felt a lot of sympathy for her.

I thought that the ending was wrapped up beautifully.
Profile Image for Ghizlane Eddiba.
129 reviews8 followers
January 27, 2018
This is the story of Adrianna. The fostering agency brought her into Casey's house so she can take care of her. Adrianna could not speak english, wasn't presenting challenging behaviors, but was certainly hiding secrets. After few days, details were revealed about her, she is a polish girl of 16 years old, who escaped from human trafficking in London, had her child born in the streets and kept him in front of one of the police stations. Then was somehow found by the fostering care representatives. Casey ( the foster carer) was able to get more information about Adrianna's family and past. she also knew about how she came in to the UK. Casey was also able to help her find her son, get a job and get things on track. I will give this book 2 stars only, as there was not too much events in the book.
1 review
July 28, 2024
took like 5 hours to read and was pretty okay. hate how the author made it more about herself rather than the child. seems like she exaggerated her own actions and was trying to paint herself as perfect. seems like at the start she wasn’t attempting to relate to Adrianna by not focusing on her mental health too much and not even learning her mother tongue to communicate with her but expecting the trafficked child to know english? author of the book was too demanding for me so I didn’t enjoy her too much but I loved the feelings adrianna was describing and trying to explain how much it hurts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mary Burkholder.
Author 4 books42 followers
May 5, 2022
This was an interesting quick read about a young woman and her foster family, and more importantly, a social problem that goes on hidden in plain sight. The title is a bit misleading, since the trafficking is all prior to the story. I have to say one of the things I enjoyed most was all the British terms and expressions. Some objectionable language.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
191 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2024
I wanted to listen to all of Casey Watson's books just like I listened to all of Cathy Glasses books and Maggie Hartley's books. But I cannot. Because the narrator is awful. She makes it impossible to listen to. I'll have to try the kindle versions of her books I guess. I really prefer to listen though.
Profile Image for Jeanine.
2,439 reviews110 followers
November 5, 2016
Another excellent Casey Watson book.. I can't get enough of these books, what special people the Watsons are to be able to support and love these deeply damaged children.. I'm thrilled Adrianna was able to put her past behind her and focus on her future.
Profile Image for Crimelpoint.
1,622 reviews133 followers
January 4, 2020
Myślę, że tę książkę mogłabym opisać jednym zdaniem: dobra, ale są lepsze.

Podobnych książek naczytałam się już dość sporo i ta po prostu nie wywarła na mnie wrażenia. Nie będę ukrywać- podobała mi się, ale wciąż twierdzę, że jest kilka pozycji z podobną tematyką, które szokują bardziej.
Profile Image for Ietrio.
6,949 reviews24 followers
August 12, 2020
A moralist exploiting the story and pain of others to push a sermon against something that everybody knows it's wrong. So why this book? Probably because the agenda is wider and uglier than it's obvious. And probably because the author makes a pretty good living off the lives of others.
Profile Image for Lili.
6 reviews
August 23, 2022
It was heartwarming at the end and it made me really reflect on how horrible this world can be. The girl, Adrianna, was so nice and kind despite her trauma of being trafficked. It gives me motivation to try and do something charitable for others.
5 reviews
December 25, 2016
Very good book, although this isn't the type of books I would normally read, it was very enjoyable
It was great to know that not all children who have been abused end up ruining their lives
163 reviews
February 3, 2017
An interesting book about a very brave Polish girl who has been through so much in her short life.
This was the first book I have read of Casey Watson and it won't be the last!
Profile Image for Joy.
226 reviews17 followers
June 8, 2017
Thank God for amazing foster carers , for without them so many children wouls be lost. They make a huge impact on the lives of so many kids.
1 review
November 17, 2017
Heartbreaking true story

It was an amazing read with a rollercoaster of emotions. I wish them both all the luck for a very happy future.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Ray.
935 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2018
It is horrifying what this girl has gone through, but amazing what resilience she has. This book really warmed my heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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