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Elizabeth McClaine #1
The Candidate's Daughter
Twenty-two-year old car thief Kelsey Money thought kidnapping senate hopeful Richard McClaine’s kid was the worst plan Matt and his drug-fueled brother had ever come up with. But Matt's planned everything down to the last detail—nobody gets hurt, the kid goes home alive.
Then Kelsey discovers she’s only got half the plan. By the time she finds out the rest, she’s been framed for murder, and six-year-old Holly McClaine has less than a day to live.
Across town, Holly’s mother has no idea what her daughter was wearing when she disappeared. When Holly was born with Down syndrome and a cleft palate, Elizabeth McClaine placed her only daughter in the care of a nanny while she battled post-natal depression.
But when Holly is kidnapped and Elizabeth discovers the detective heading the hunt has already failed one kidnapped child, Elizabeth knows she cannot fail hers.
Now Kelsey and Elizabeth have twenty-four hours to find Holly. Because in twenty-five, she’ll be dead.
Then Kelsey discovers she’s only got half the plan. By the time she finds out the rest, she’s been framed for murder, and six-year-old Holly McClaine has less than a day to live.
Across town, Holly’s mother has no idea what her daughter was wearing when she disappeared. When Holly was born with Down syndrome and a cleft palate, Elizabeth McClaine placed her only daughter in the care of a nanny while she battled post-natal depression.
But when Holly is kidnapped and Elizabeth discovers the detective heading the hunt has already failed one kidnapped child, Elizabeth knows she cannot fail hers.
Now Kelsey and Elizabeth have twenty-four hours to find Holly. Because in twenty-five, she’ll be dead.
353 pages, ebook
First published May 29, 2013
889 people are currently reading
1212 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lea
13 books77 followersCatherine 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
August 1, 2016
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
A truly disturbing story on so many levels.
Kelsey Money, her boyfriend Matt Subritzski and his drug addicted brother, Lionel concocted and executed a scheme to kidnap the 6-year old daughter of Richard and Elizabeth McClaine. Richard is a candidate for Ohio's U. S. Senate seat and the ransom is outrageous. What ensues is a frightening escapade told through Kelsey's and Elizabeth's experience.
The plan was for the three to take the money and run. Kelsey's in love with Matt and they've been together for about ten years but brother Lionel has other plans. What was supposed to be a simple abduction/ransom turned out to be an inelegant situation. Also, Kelsey didn't count on bonding with little Holly and soon realizes that the child is in serious danger.
Holly's situation was awful and scary as there didn't seem to be a well functioning brain between the three. Her parents had their own issues as the optics impacting the campaign seemed to be given more consideration than Holly's safe return. There weren't many likable characters in this story, which made it an even tougher read. However, there was cause for redemption by the end. It was a harrowing ride with Kelsey and Elizabeth being very well developed, realistic characters, both providing unique, thought provoking perspectives as they raced against time to save Holly. Their stories made this worth my time.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
A truly disturbing story on so many levels.
Kelsey Money, her boyfriend Matt Subritzski and his drug addicted brother, Lionel concocted and executed a scheme to kidnap the 6-year old daughter of Richard and Elizabeth McClaine. Richard is a candidate for Ohio's U. S. Senate seat and the ransom is outrageous. What ensues is a frightening escapade told through Kelsey's and Elizabeth's experience.
The plan was for the three to take the money and run. Kelsey's in love with Matt and they've been together for about ten years but brother Lionel has other plans. What was supposed to be a simple abduction/ransom turned out to be an inelegant situation. Also, Kelsey didn't count on bonding with little Holly and soon realizes that the child is in serious danger.
Holly's situation was awful and scary as there didn't seem to be a well functioning brain between the three. Her parents had their own issues as the optics impacting the campaign seemed to be given more consideration than Holly's safe return. There weren't many likable characters in this story, which made it an even tougher read. However, there was cause for redemption by the end. It was a harrowing ride with Kelsey and Elizabeth being very well developed, realistic characters, both providing unique, thought provoking perspectives as they raced against time to save Holly. Their stories made this worth my time.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
February 21, 2014
This is a great story idea, but this book desperately needs both a copy editor and a content editor. Sadly there are no likeable characters until you are 2/3 through the book. No one to root for except the kidnapped child.
June 27, 2014
Very exciting, well written thriller about the unthinkable for any parent. I loved the honest look at the mixed emotions of the parents who never took the time to bond with their beautiful little girl.
I loved how details of their parenting and of all the character's lives were slowly revealed throughout the story.
I did not like the countless, horrible editing problems in the Kindle edition (including a paragraph being left out...how does that happen??)
Another complaint that kept taking me out of the story? It seemed as if the more the story went on, the more ridiculous and over the top it got. Also, a lot of side characters were introduced and then nothing came of it. For instance, whatever came of the detective or the inside man accused of being part of the kidnapping? How were the parents relationship with the grandparents after it all was said and done?
All of that aside, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. It had great suspense, thrills and good story telling. Also, beautiful, striking cover that drew me to the book in the first place.
I loved how details of their parenting and of all the character's lives were slowly revealed throughout the story.
I did not like the countless, horrible editing problems in the Kindle edition (including a paragraph being left out...how does that happen??)
Another complaint that kept taking me out of the story? It seemed as if the more the story went on, the more ridiculous and over the top it got. Also, a lot of side characters were introduced and then nothing came of it. For instance, whatever came of the detective or the inside man accused of being part of the kidnapping? How were the parents relationship with the grandparents after it all was said and done?
All of that aside, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. It had great suspense, thrills and good story telling. Also, beautiful, striking cover that drew me to the book in the first place.
February 20, 2016
Rating 3.5 Stars
A mother's redemption and an outcast final wrong made right.
Kelsey Malone has had it pretty rough. She can fight, strip a car, and drive better than most guys but now she is way over head with her boyfriend Matt.
Elizabeth McClaine and her husband Richard marriage is non existent. Richard is running for Senator while Elizabeth tends to her charities while their young daughter is emotionally neglected. They cannot handle that their daughter is not perfect. Having a down syndrome child was not what they signed up for. After wanting a child for so long, their dreams come crashing down when Holly was born.
Because of her past, Kelsey will do anything for Matt. Matt has a plan to take the Senator's daughter Holly however, in taking Holly, Kelsey's heart is taken by Holly. Now she is trying to save her with only 24 hours to do so.
These two women all centered around Holly begin to realize what really matters and make choices to make things right.
The plot was solid, execution at times weak. All in all it kept me turning the pages.
A Special Thank You to Brakelight Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A mother's redemption and an outcast final wrong made right.
Kelsey Malone has had it pretty rough. She can fight, strip a car, and drive better than most guys but now she is way over head with her boyfriend Matt.
Elizabeth McClaine and her husband Richard marriage is non existent. Richard is running for Senator while Elizabeth tends to her charities while their young daughter is emotionally neglected. They cannot handle that their daughter is not perfect. Having a down syndrome child was not what they signed up for. After wanting a child for so long, their dreams come crashing down when Holly was born.
Because of her past, Kelsey will do anything for Matt. Matt has a plan to take the Senator's daughter Holly however, in taking Holly, Kelsey's heart is taken by Holly. Now she is trying to save her with only 24 hours to do so.
These two women all centered around Holly begin to realize what really matters and make choices to make things right.
The plot was solid, execution at times weak. All in all it kept me turning the pages.
A Special Thank You to Brakelight Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 22, 2016
Couldn't put it down, which is odd because I don't usually like thrillers. This story has enough gentleness in it to make it both appealing and thrilling. And I liked the strong women.
January 1, 2019
Great character development. I enjoyed seeing how the characters changed throughout the book. Quite an adventure from beginning to end!
February 6, 2017
Oooh, I did enjoy this and the story's easily a 5* read but as per usual in e-format, it was let down by silly mistakes. I never used to happen across mistakes as I do in this era of reading on a device. Hardbacks and paperbacks were never constantly full of errors. I do wish Amazon or the publishers would fix it !!
This sentence lost to-...."she'd awoken from some ghastly nightmare, only find herself plunged"....then "What's this I hear about a hit and?run outside a school". I was lost with this passage-"...next to one of the front windows so she could and peek out"....could WHAT ? There were missing speechmarks and apostrophes here and there and I also struggled with the author's choice of names she used.....Du Plessis, Ressnick, Cressley along with chrissakes being used a lot. See the pattern ??? It did mean I had to flick back a few times to see who had which surname. I didn't believe young Tammy would speak the way she did at her age, either.
You had to wonder at the lack of parenting poor Holly has. When a kidnapper can understand her strange speech pattern perfectly and also notices that she signs, it's pretty bad her parents don't know !! Kelsey did get a wee bit repetitive keeping on asking about taking Holly home. That irritated ME so no wonder Matt got cheesed off with it !! Kelsey was easily my favourite character, though.
There were some very funny moments in it, my favourite being the guy whose driveway Kelsey parked in. There were a lot of twists 'n' turns, too, and I was dying to keep reading because I needed to know what happened. I was up till the early hours reading the first 40% !! It's really well-written and I will definitely get the second story in the series. I just hope that I can give that one the 5* that this one sadly missed out on all for want of a proper edit.
This sentence lost to-...."she'd awoken from some ghastly nightmare, only find herself plunged"....then "What's this I hear about a hit and?run outside a school". I was lost with this passage-"...next to one of the front windows so she could and peek out"....could WHAT ? There were missing speechmarks and apostrophes here and there and I also struggled with the author's choice of names she used.....Du Plessis, Ressnick, Cressley along with chrissakes being used a lot. See the pattern ??? It did mean I had to flick back a few times to see who had which surname. I didn't believe young Tammy would speak the way she did at her age, either.
You had to wonder at the lack of parenting poor Holly has. When a kidnapper can understand her strange speech pattern perfectly and also notices that she signs, it's pretty bad her parents don't know !! Kelsey did get a wee bit repetitive keeping on asking about taking Holly home. That irritated ME so no wonder Matt got cheesed off with it !! Kelsey was easily my favourite character, though.
There were some very funny moments in it, my favourite being the guy whose driveway Kelsey parked in. There were a lot of twists 'n' turns, too, and I was dying to keep reading because I needed to know what happened. I was up till the early hours reading the first 40% !! It's really well-written and I will definitely get the second story in the series. I just hope that I can give that one the 5* that this one sadly missed out on all for want of a proper edit.
December 22, 2015
Brakelight Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy, in exchange for an honest review.
Grabbing six year old Holly McClaine and ransoming her for millions was the plan, according to Matt, the ringleader of a ragtag group including car thief Kelsey and Matt's junkie brother Lionel. Kelsey soon discovers that she is in over her head and is sinking fast. Holly's father Richard is in the midst of campaigning to be State Senator, so uses his staff and their contacts to try and get his daughter back. Using the public to gain attention for the kidnapping, Richard and Elizabeth (Holly's mother) pleas for help might backfire on them as the situation starts to spiral out of control.
The author does a great job of unspooling the mystery behind the kidnapping, slowly but with enough momentum to create a feeling of suspense. Elizabeth's realizations and anguish are clearly felt, as well as Kelsey, for that matter. With great twists and turns, I was riveted to my seat until the final word. I would recommend this book to those who like mystery thrillers and I look forward to reading more by Catherine Lea in the future.
Grabbing six year old Holly McClaine and ransoming her for millions was the plan, according to Matt, the ringleader of a ragtag group including car thief Kelsey and Matt's junkie brother Lionel. Kelsey soon discovers that she is in over her head and is sinking fast. Holly's father Richard is in the midst of campaigning to be State Senator, so uses his staff and their contacts to try and get his daughter back. Using the public to gain attention for the kidnapping, Richard and Elizabeth (Holly's mother) pleas for help might backfire on them as the situation starts to spiral out of control.
The author does a great job of unspooling the mystery behind the kidnapping, slowly but with enough momentum to create a feeling of suspense. Elizabeth's realizations and anguish are clearly felt, as well as Kelsey, for that matter. With great twists and turns, I was riveted to my seat until the final word. I would recommend this book to those who like mystery thrillers and I look forward to reading more by Catherine Lea in the future.
July 22, 2016
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
This was well-written and interesting the whole way through. The action started right away, which was great. There were quite a few things going on, but it all worked & came together in the end.
The narrator was excellent. Narrating a child with speech difficulties could be a challenge, but it was done wonderfully.
I have the next book in the series on my TBR list
This was well-written and interesting the whole way through. The action started right away, which was great. There were quite a few things going on, but it all worked & came together in the end.
The narrator was excellent. Narrating a child with speech difficulties could be a challenge, but it was done wonderfully.
I have the next book in the series on my TBR list
May 27, 2016
This novel reads like a fast-paced action movie, and for the most part, I enjoyed the ride. I found the perspective characters very complex and full of contradictions, which I loved, but they were also mostly unlikeable. Great twist at the end and and satisfying read overall.
September 17, 2016
This is a suspense thriller. A candidate's daughter is kidnapped and a ridiculously large ransom is asked. Action is medium paced and drags a little at times. What made this a 2 star instead of 3 or 4 was the amount of vulgar language. I won't choose to read the sequel because of this.
March 17, 2016
pretty good. I almost stopped early on, but didn't and thoroughly enjoyed the ending.
June 15, 2016
Story was compelling, but I disliked all the characters. Not a book I would recommend.
February 16, 2025
New Zealand author Catherine Lea’s The Candidate’s Daughter is a gripping thriller that not only delivers high-stakes tension but also provides a moving portrayal of disability representation. Set against a backdrop of crime, politics, and betrayal, the novel weaves an intense and emotional story that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.
The novel centers around Kelsey Money, a 22-year-old car thief who gets entangled in a kidnapping gone terribly wrong. What initially seems like a straightforward ransom plan quickly unravels when Kelsey realizes she’s been double-crossed. Now, not only is she being framed for murder, but six-year-old Holly McClaine—who has Down syndrome—is in grave danger. With only 24 hours to save the girl, Kelsey must fight against impossible odds to bring her home safely.
At the heart of this novel is the complex dynamic between Kelsey and Holly. Despite being one of the so-called ‘kidnappers,’ Kelsey forms a profound bond with the child. Her protectiveness over Holly goes beyond obligation—she genuinely cares for her in a way that even Holly’s own parents seem to struggle with. This aspect of the novel is particularly compelling; in the short time they are together, Kelsey arguably loves and understands Holly more than her own mother does. It is this unexpected yet deeply touching connection that elevates the novel beyond a standard thriller.
Holly’s mother, Elizabeth McClaine, is another fascinating character. She has spent much of her daughter’s life at a distance, leaving Holly in the care of a nanny due to post-natal depression. However, when Holly is kidnapped, Elizabeth’s maternal instincts kick in, and she is forced to confront not only the horrors of the present but also her past shortcomings as a mother. Her desperate determination to save Holly and rectify her mistakes adds an emotional depth to the narrative.
Overall, The Candidate’s Daughter is a thrilling, emotionally charged novel that masterfully blends crime, drama, and heartfelt character development.
The novel centers around Kelsey Money, a 22-year-old car thief who gets entangled in a kidnapping gone terribly wrong. What initially seems like a straightforward ransom plan quickly unravels when Kelsey realizes she’s been double-crossed. Now, not only is she being framed for murder, but six-year-old Holly McClaine—who has Down syndrome—is in grave danger. With only 24 hours to save the girl, Kelsey must fight against impossible odds to bring her home safely.
At the heart of this novel is the complex dynamic between Kelsey and Holly. Despite being one of the so-called ‘kidnappers,’ Kelsey forms a profound bond with the child. Her protectiveness over Holly goes beyond obligation—she genuinely cares for her in a way that even Holly’s own parents seem to struggle with. This aspect of the novel is particularly compelling; in the short time they are together, Kelsey arguably loves and understands Holly more than her own mother does. It is this unexpected yet deeply touching connection that elevates the novel beyond a standard thriller.
Holly’s mother, Elizabeth McClaine, is another fascinating character. She has spent much of her daughter’s life at a distance, leaving Holly in the care of a nanny due to post-natal depression. However, when Holly is kidnapped, Elizabeth’s maternal instincts kick in, and she is forced to confront not only the horrors of the present but also her past shortcomings as a mother. Her desperate determination to save Holly and rectify her mistakes adds an emotional depth to the narrative.
Overall, The Candidate’s Daughter is a thrilling, emotionally charged novel that masterfully blends crime, drama, and heartfelt character development.
October 30, 2023
A fast paced crime thriller set over a 24 hour period.
Such fantastic character development that Catherine Lea manages to make you root for not only the victim. My heart strings were pulling for the beautiful and innocent Holly which kept me on the edge of my seat. Twist and turns that you don’t see coming.
When Holly is kidnapped with terrifying consequences, in order to get her daughter back, Elizabeth must face her inexcusable past behaviour and claim her power back.
Elizabeth’s life was running to her plan. Married to a prominent man with ambitions for politics, choosing to have a perfect child later in life to fit into her perfect world, her plans derail when her beautiful daughter Holly is born with Down Syndrome and a cleft palate. This change in her well constructed world causes Elizabeth to suffer from postnatal depression and rather than choosing to accept help she wallows in her own personal grief and chooses alcohol to soothe her pain.
Kelsey, a young woman who has suffered untold trauma in her life is dragged into a scheme to gain financial freedom by taking a child that isn’t hers. However, Kelsey soon discovers that she has not been privy to the entire outline of this plot and now has to devise her own deception in order to keep Holly safe.
Absolutely brilliant.
✨gifted
Such fantastic character development that Catherine Lea manages to make you root for not only the victim. My heart strings were pulling for the beautiful and innocent Holly which kept me on the edge of my seat. Twist and turns that you don’t see coming.
When Holly is kidnapped with terrifying consequences, in order to get her daughter back, Elizabeth must face her inexcusable past behaviour and claim her power back.
Elizabeth’s life was running to her plan. Married to a prominent man with ambitions for politics, choosing to have a perfect child later in life to fit into her perfect world, her plans derail when her beautiful daughter Holly is born with Down Syndrome and a cleft palate. This change in her well constructed world causes Elizabeth to suffer from postnatal depression and rather than choosing to accept help she wallows in her own personal grief and chooses alcohol to soothe her pain.
Kelsey, a young woman who has suffered untold trauma in her life is dragged into a scheme to gain financial freedom by taking a child that isn’t hers. However, Kelsey soon discovers that she has not been privy to the entire outline of this plot and now has to devise her own deception in order to keep Holly safe.
Absolutely brilliant.
✨gifted
September 22, 2025
Spoiler free review of The Candidates Daughter by @author_catherine_lea
I have read Catherine’s thrillers that were set in NZ but this is the first one I have read that was set in the US and it was a treat to read!
I read the first 35% of this in one night because I couldn’t put it down and I needed to know what happened!
In this book we follow two POVs over a 24 hour period after a young girl has gone missing. There was suspense, twists and turns and I really didn’t know how the book was going to end!
Overall I really enjoyed this one and I found it really helped me get my reading mojo back which is great after the slump I was in last month!
I have read Catherine’s thrillers that were set in NZ but this is the first one I have read that was set in the US and it was a treat to read!
I read the first 35% of this in one night because I couldn’t put it down and I needed to know what happened!
In this book we follow two POVs over a 24 hour period after a young girl has gone missing. There was suspense, twists and turns and I really didn’t know how the book was going to end!
Overall I really enjoyed this one and I found it really helped me get my reading mojo back which is great after the slump I was in last month!
July 24, 2025
This thriller immediately starts with a kidnapping. Holly McClaine is a 6 year old girl with Downs Syndrome when she is kidnapped by Kelsey and her boyfriend Matt, along with his brother. The story is told from both Kelsey and Holly’s mother’s point of view. I especially liked reading Kelsey’s side of the story. The character development was quite good, and I found it easy to sympathize with Kelsey, who, on the surface is simply a criminal, but then you start to see her trying to protect the little girl she has bonded with. This book is really well written and fast paced.
December 24, 2016
Totally Gripping Read
This was a very gripping read from start to finish. The daughter of a US Senate candidate has been kidnapped and demands are made but the kidnappers even know exactly what is going on and will it take more than just the police to find her and bring her home?
An extremely well written novel with characters that can sustain future stories, I highly recommend this novel and have the next one on my wish list.
This was a very gripping read from start to finish. The daughter of a US Senate candidate has been kidnapped and demands are made but the kidnappers even know exactly what is going on and will it take more than just the police to find her and bring her home?
An extremely well written novel with characters that can sustain future stories, I highly recommend this novel and have the next one on my wish list.
March 9, 2018
Very entertaining
I truly appreciated the portrayal of the mother and daughter characters in this book. The heartache and challenges of having a Down Syndrome child is all too often downplayed or, indeed, romanticized. This book makes it real. The blind ambition for power is exemplified by several lesser characters. Violence, evil, wrongdoing, and greed contrast with the overwhelming desire to "do good" . I will read the next in this series.
I truly appreciated the portrayal of the mother and daughter characters in this book. The heartache and challenges of having a Down Syndrome child is all too often downplayed or, indeed, romanticized. This book makes it real. The blind ambition for power is exemplified by several lesser characters. Violence, evil, wrongdoing, and greed contrast with the overwhelming desire to "do good" . I will read the next in this series.
October 23, 2018
Politics, Money and Drugs...
Holly, the special needs daughter of Richard and Elizabeth is abducted and held for ransom. Her daddy is running for political office and her mommy spends her free time in the bottle. Kelsey, one of her abductors, is drawn to Holly and regrets her part in the kidnapping and as the story unfolds, does her best to keep Holly safe. Twists and turns until finally the plotter is revealed.
Holly, the special needs daughter of Richard and Elizabeth is abducted and held for ransom. Her daddy is running for political office and her mommy spends her free time in the bottle. Kelsey, one of her abductors, is drawn to Holly and regrets her part in the kidnapping and as the story unfolds, does her best to keep Holly safe. Twists and turns until finally the plotter is revealed.
October 27, 2018
Such tragedy and heartache a wrong woman goes through when she is in an abusive relationship and not having a moral compass that one gets from having family.
The dynamics of the plot were for the most part good. However too many people involved in the kidnapping where I’m not sure even the writer knew who exactly planned this and how the kidnapping escalated out of control.
I did bread up the last page so bravo.
The dynamics of the plot were for the most part good. However too many people involved in the kidnapping where I’m not sure even the writer knew who exactly planned this and how the kidnapping escalated out of control.
I did bread up the last page so bravo.
July 15, 2017
Good story!
I really liked this story and the characters. The only part I didn't like was the constant taking the Lord's name in vain. I completely get that these particular characters need to cuss but all the Jesus and Jesus Christ was really too much. Otherwise I thought the handling of the down syndrome was excellent.
I really liked this story and the characters. The only part I didn't like was the constant taking the Lord's name in vain. I completely get that these particular characters need to cuss but all the Jesus and Jesus Christ was really too much. Otherwise I thought the handling of the down syndrome was excellent.
March 1, 2024
Great book and great story. I couldn't put it down.
However, it really got over the top of reality in so much of it I found myself rolling my eyes. Also, so many characters were introduced that never had a point and too many events that didn't really give any substance to the story.
I am hoping to see this author grow and really take off. The potential is there.
However, it really got over the top of reality in so much of it I found myself rolling my eyes. Also, so many characters were introduced that never had a point and too many events that didn't really give any substance to the story.
I am hoping to see this author grow and really take off. The potential is there.
January 23, 2017
A good fast-paced thriller about a kidnap of a politician's daughter..but even that is not as straightforward as it seems.
Believable characters in a realistic setting, and even though some of the padding could be cut, it was a suspenseful read.
Worth a look.
Believable characters in a realistic setting, and even though some of the padding could be cut, it was a suspenseful read.
Worth a look.
August 8, 2017
This was the first book I've read by Catherine Lea, and I have to say this story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. What a great thriller about a kidnapped downs syndrome little girl and rival gangs. I couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend reading it.
September 5, 2018
The Candidate's Daughter
Really good thriller. Oh kept you in suspense all the way thru. This is the first book in this series and I hope the next book in this series is just as good. I recommend this book.
Really good thriller. Oh kept you in suspense all the way thru. This is the first book in this series and I hope the next book in this series is just as good. I recommend this book.
July 6, 2019
Recommended
I can say I loved this book but I’m not sure how to review it without adding spoilers. It did take me a couple of chapters to get a feel for the characters but then I was hooked. I will be reading more books by Catherine Lea.
I can say I loved this book but I’m not sure how to review it without adding spoilers. It did take me a couple of chapters to get a feel for the characters but then I was hooked. I will be reading more books by Catherine Lea.
May 20, 2017
This was a free ebook, enjoyed the book very suspenseful and the author did not sugar coat the end.
June 28, 2017
Enjoyed the story, could not wait to see what happened next. Not the best mystery I've ever read, but good story line and characters.
October 9, 2017
This book was very realistic. It gave a picture of how some women are abused and how some parents struggle to cope with their children's handicaps - all during a stress filled situation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews