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Child Taken
How could such a thing happen? But it did happen. I wasn't one of the others, observing. It happened to me.
One hot summer's day, two-year-old Jessica Preston disappears from the beach. The police are convinced she drowned, but Sandra Preston won't give up hope that her daughter is still alive. How can she?
Twenty years later, another child goes missing, and Sandra is approached by a young journalist who raises questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston all those years ago. But when the journalist discovers someone with an explosive secret, it threatens not only to reveal what's been covered up for so long, but puts both their lives in danger.
One hot summer's day, two-year-old Jessica Preston disappears from the beach. The police are convinced she drowned, but Sandra Preston won't give up hope that her daughter is still alive. How can she?
Twenty years later, another child goes missing, and Sandra is approached by a young journalist who raises questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston all those years ago. But when the journalist discovers someone with an explosive secret, it threatens not only to reveal what's been covered up for so long, but puts both their lives in danger.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 20, 2017
As most of you know I am a huge fan of “missing children” novels so I was very intrigued by the blurb of Child Taken and knew I had to read it as soon as possible. What I hadn’t been expecting though was that this book would stand out from the crowd, giving me a more thought provoking storyline than the usual psychological suspense. Using a journalist to uncover the truth surrounding the disappearance of two-year old Jessica Preston was a interesting alternative to the normal police investigations used in similar books.
I think it’s every mothers nightmare that all it takes sometimes is just a couple of seconds for your child to disappear from your line of sight. That feeling of utter panic when you can’t see them where you thought they would be is one I’m sure many parents are familiar with! I feel sick just thinking about it! And that’s what happens at the beginning of Child Taken. Moving forward to the present day, we meet with a feisty young journalist who becomes intrigued by the missing child that has been forgotten by everyone….except her mother. Interspersed with her investigations are short chapters narrated by a man who’s wife one day brings home a child who isn’t theirs and also a mum, who one day at the beach loses sight of her young daughter. For me, having those two POV alongside the main narrative was what I found so refreshing about this book. There was no mystery as to what happened to Jessica-we know she has been taken – but as we watched the years pass by we are able to understand how her disappearance has affected those closest to her through their own eyes. This gave me more of an insight to the emotions felt by everyone affected by this tragedy.
I tried to feel some sympathy for the woman who takes Jessica from that beach but nothing could make up for what she did in my eyes and I became so frustrated with the husband! Why didn’t he stop what was happening? I did feel as though I never really got to know the woman who actually took Jessica as well as I did her husband. She stayed a shadowy figure adrift on the periphery of what she had done. By contrast, I found Jessica’s mothers POV utterly heartbreaking and as the years crept by, it was her story I was drawn to more than any other.
Darren Young has crafted his characters well here, building them slowly as he drip feeds us information about them. This isn’t a fast paced thriller but it has a carefully constructed plot that is driven by the need to discover the truth no matter what the cost. I found myself thinking about the storyline even when I didn’t have the book in front of me, and even had an “alternative reality” running through my mind where I could see the life Jessica would have lead if she hadn’t been taken. And that’s why Child Taken worked so well for me, I connected with the characters and became so emotionally attached to them that I found them hard to let go of once I had read the ending.
This is an accomplished debut novel from Darren Young. He is a natural storyteller and has such an engaging writing style that I could lose myself in his words all day long. Definitely a name to look out for in the future.
I think it’s every mothers nightmare that all it takes sometimes is just a couple of seconds for your child to disappear from your line of sight. That feeling of utter panic when you can’t see them where you thought they would be is one I’m sure many parents are familiar with! I feel sick just thinking about it! And that’s what happens at the beginning of Child Taken. Moving forward to the present day, we meet with a feisty young journalist who becomes intrigued by the missing child that has been forgotten by everyone….except her mother. Interspersed with her investigations are short chapters narrated by a man who’s wife one day brings home a child who isn’t theirs and also a mum, who one day at the beach loses sight of her young daughter. For me, having those two POV alongside the main narrative was what I found so refreshing about this book. There was no mystery as to what happened to Jessica-we know she has been taken – but as we watched the years pass by we are able to understand how her disappearance has affected those closest to her through their own eyes. This gave me more of an insight to the emotions felt by everyone affected by this tragedy.
I tried to feel some sympathy for the woman who takes Jessica from that beach but nothing could make up for what she did in my eyes and I became so frustrated with the husband! Why didn’t he stop what was happening? I did feel as though I never really got to know the woman who actually took Jessica as well as I did her husband. She stayed a shadowy figure adrift on the periphery of what she had done. By contrast, I found Jessica’s mothers POV utterly heartbreaking and as the years crept by, it was her story I was drawn to more than any other.
Darren Young has crafted his characters well here, building them slowly as he drip feeds us information about them. This isn’t a fast paced thriller but it has a carefully constructed plot that is driven by the need to discover the truth no matter what the cost. I found myself thinking about the storyline even when I didn’t have the book in front of me, and even had an “alternative reality” running through my mind where I could see the life Jessica would have lead if she hadn’t been taken. And that’s why Child Taken worked so well for me, I connected with the characters and became so emotionally attached to them that I found them hard to let go of once I had read the ending.
This is an accomplished debut novel from Darren Young. He is a natural storyteller and has such an engaging writing style that I could lose myself in his words all day long. Definitely a name to look out for in the future.
March 2, 2019
I received a physical ARC of Child Taken for review via the publishers!
Holy heck, I really didn't see that ending coming at all. Darren's debut thriller novel is about a young girl called Jessica, who goes missing one day from the beach twenty years ago. Since then, the case has grown cold, until now. Young reporter Laura Grainger is writing an article about another missing child case and stumbles across Jessica's story on the internet. When she decides to try and bring this cold case back to life, it's clear that someone doesn't want her to bring it into the public limelight...
It is a slow-burn thriller, which is normally not my cup of tea. However, it was a generally scary read, particularly towards the last 100 pages or so. I did enjoy the writing style and could visualise most of the surroundings. I would read more books by this author!
Holy heck, I really didn't see that ending coming at all. Darren's debut thriller novel is about a young girl called Jessica, who goes missing one day from the beach twenty years ago. Since then, the case has grown cold, until now. Young reporter Laura Grainger is writing an article about another missing child case and stumbles across Jessica's story on the internet. When she decides to try and bring this cold case back to life, it's clear that someone doesn't want her to bring it into the public limelight...
It is a slow-burn thriller, which is normally not my cup of tea. However, it was a generally scary read, particularly towards the last 100 pages or so. I did enjoy the writing style and could visualise most of the surroundings. I would read more books by this author!
April 3, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Child Taken is the debut novel from Darren Young, and I’m pleased to report it’s a hell of a debut, it’s twisted and definitely makes for an intriguing read. As the book suggests two year old Jessica Preston disappears on a day out with her family. Twenty years later another missing child gets the attention of trainee journalist Laura Grainger, which leads to questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston? What follows is an intricate tale shrouded in mystery and deception.
There are have been numerous books that deal with this theme, but what sets this book apart was the authors decision not to concentrate on one particular character, he deftly explores the long term impact on everyone involved, after all each character involved lost something when Jessica was taken. At first I found the style of narrative confusing to follow as the story is told from four POV, but once I got into the swing things I realised just how cleverly woven the narrative is as it follows the journey past and present of the abductors and the family whose child was taken.
The author presents the reader with a tangled and intriguing tale which draws the reader in from the very first chapter. As a parent myself I found my sympathies lay very much with Jessica’s mother, as the author describes her thoughts and feelings at loosing a child with conviction and empathy. As for the abductors I couldn’t raise an iota of sympathy for their predicament, but to see why I felt like this you will just have to read the book for yourself, as in explaining my reasons I may give away major spoilers which is never my attention. I had one small niggle with Child Taken I did feel this book could have been shorter, as at times it felt the author was padding out the story and wasn’t really relevant to the plot.
I really thought I had Child Taken figured out around the halfway mark, but OMG Darren Young deviously leads the reader a merry dance, and I can honestly say I never thought for one minute the novel would end the way it did. This is a dark, twisting thriller that shows all too well how you can never escape the sins of your past. Child Taken is a terrific, gripping, page-turning debut by a talented new voice in suspense. A great read that I would highly recommend.
Child Taken is the debut novel from Darren Young, and I’m pleased to report it’s a hell of a debut, it’s twisted and definitely makes for an intriguing read. As the book suggests two year old Jessica Preston disappears on a day out with her family. Twenty years later another missing child gets the attention of trainee journalist Laura Grainger, which leads to questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston? What follows is an intricate tale shrouded in mystery and deception.
There are have been numerous books that deal with this theme, but what sets this book apart was the authors decision not to concentrate on one particular character, he deftly explores the long term impact on everyone involved, after all each character involved lost something when Jessica was taken. At first I found the style of narrative confusing to follow as the story is told from four POV, but once I got into the swing things I realised just how cleverly woven the narrative is as it follows the journey past and present of the abductors and the family whose child was taken.
The author presents the reader with a tangled and intriguing tale which draws the reader in from the very first chapter. As a parent myself I found my sympathies lay very much with Jessica’s mother, as the author describes her thoughts and feelings at loosing a child with conviction and empathy. As for the abductors I couldn’t raise an iota of sympathy for their predicament, but to see why I felt like this you will just have to read the book for yourself, as in explaining my reasons I may give away major spoilers which is never my attention. I had one small niggle with Child Taken I did feel this book could have been shorter, as at times it felt the author was padding out the story and wasn’t really relevant to the plot.
I really thought I had Child Taken figured out around the halfway mark, but OMG Darren Young deviously leads the reader a merry dance, and I can honestly say I never thought for one minute the novel would end the way it did. This is a dark, twisting thriller that shows all too well how you can never escape the sins of your past. Child Taken is a terrific, gripping, page-turning debut by a talented new voice in suspense. A great read that I would highly recommend.
December 26, 2017
It happened not very often to me, but it happens from time to time. I can’t give a book that I read almost in one sitting not more than 3 stars, and I can’t even reasonably explain why.
There are some possible reasons:
Nevertheless it was a quick read and a felicitous debut. Even if I didn’t find it particularly good, I could not stop reading.
***Copy provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
There are some possible reasons:
In spite of a fast-paced suspense I can’t say I enjoyed the writing style, it was not bad, but not convincingly good.
Nevertheless it was a quick read and a felicitous debut. Even if I didn’t find it particularly good, I could not stop reading.
***Copy provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
February 1, 2018
His wife went out to do some shopping and she returns holding the hand of a small child. What?!? He knows his wife is out of control but he loves her and this child will make her happy. Jessica went to the beach with her family, they were out there somewhere, when this woman speaks to her. This woman is going to help her but first, they are going to have the best ice cream ever. They walk towards the parking lot. Ice cream first, then they will look for Jessica’s mommy. That’s all it took to get Jessica buckled in this stranger’s car heading off to who-knows-where.
With many different points of view, this story has many twists and turns and was one novel, that I couldn’t put down. Jessica’s new parents were bound and determined to keep their new child’s identity a secret and starting over was the safest bet. Jessica’s mother thought the search for her daughter was insufficient yet the police closed Jessica’s case. Jessica’s mother felt that her daughter was still alive and she fought against everyone else who had buried the small child thus creating more tension in an already difficult situation. Years later, a young news reporter happens upon this case. She takes it upon herself to investigate the evidence of this event to see what she can find. Little does she know what she is about to uncover.
My emotions were all over the place with the characters in this novel. I kept asking myself, who acts like this given this situation? Yet, this novel had me so drawn into his grips, I saw it. It was how they each coped with it. The author did an excellent job setting up the novels with the chapters and the characters point-of-views. I thought this was an excellent novel.
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and RedDoor Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this arc.
With many different points of view, this story has many twists and turns and was one novel, that I couldn’t put down. Jessica’s new parents were bound and determined to keep their new child’s identity a secret and starting over was the safest bet. Jessica’s mother thought the search for her daughter was insufficient yet the police closed Jessica’s case. Jessica’s mother felt that her daughter was still alive and she fought against everyone else who had buried the small child thus creating more tension in an already difficult situation. Years later, a young news reporter happens upon this case. She takes it upon herself to investigate the evidence of this event to see what she can find. Little does she know what she is about to uncover.
My emotions were all over the place with the characters in this novel. I kept asking myself, who acts like this given this situation? Yet, this novel had me so drawn into his grips, I saw it. It was how they each coped with it. The author did an excellent job setting up the novels with the chapters and the characters point-of-views. I thought this was an excellent novel.
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and RedDoor Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this arc.
January 1, 2018
My first read of 2018 and it was a good one!
2 year old Jessica Preston went missing 20 years ago. Her mother never stopped believing that she was still alive
... But she is the only one.... until youmg journalist Laura hears the story and is determined to get to the bottom of it..at any cost.
Thank you to Netgalley and and Red Door Publishing for approving my request for this book and allowing me to read and express my honest opinions
2 year old Jessica Preston went missing 20 years ago. Her mother never stopped believing that she was still alive
... But she is the only one.... until youmg journalist Laura hears the story and is determined to get to the bottom of it..at any cost.
Thank you to Netgalley and and Red Door Publishing for approving my request for this book and allowing me to read and express my honest opinions
May 21, 2017
One summer’s day, two year old Jessica Preston disappears from a beach. She’s believed to have drowned but her mother, Sandra, is convinced her daughter was taken.
Twenty years later, another child goes missing and Laura, a journalist, stumbles upon the case of Jessica Preston, who was never found. Laura soon finds herself in way over her head but she’s determined to see things through, no matter the danger she’s putting herself and her family in.
When I realised Child Taken was Darren Young’s debut novel, you could have knocked me over with a feather. This psychological thriller does what so little of them in this genre have done lately. It’s different and like other reviewers have said before me, it stands out from the crowd.
From the very beginning of the book, you know Jessica was taken. That in itself is a novel way of telling a story. Each part of the story kicks off with the point of view of the man who’s raising Jessica and the mother who lost her. I could have read an entire book with just those chapters as they are incredibly thought-provoking. This is one of those books that will keep you up at night as you keep going over things in your head, asking yourself what you would have done.
What we have here, is an incredibly well constructed plot that has you flipping the pages in a desperate attempt to find out the truth. It’s a harrowing story of how the kidnapping of a child affects everyone. And even if, like me, you figure out where it’s going, it in no way detracts from the tense ride this story takes you on.
Darren Young is a brilliant new voice in the genre of psychological thrillers and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!
Twenty years later, another child goes missing and Laura, a journalist, stumbles upon the case of Jessica Preston, who was never found. Laura soon finds herself in way over her head but she’s determined to see things through, no matter the danger she’s putting herself and her family in.
When I realised Child Taken was Darren Young’s debut novel, you could have knocked me over with a feather. This psychological thriller does what so little of them in this genre have done lately. It’s different and like other reviewers have said before me, it stands out from the crowd.
From the very beginning of the book, you know Jessica was taken. That in itself is a novel way of telling a story. Each part of the story kicks off with the point of view of the man who’s raising Jessica and the mother who lost her. I could have read an entire book with just those chapters as they are incredibly thought-provoking. This is one of those books that will keep you up at night as you keep going over things in your head, asking yourself what you would have done.
What we have here, is an incredibly well constructed plot that has you flipping the pages in a desperate attempt to find out the truth. It’s a harrowing story of how the kidnapping of a child affects everyone. And even if, like me, you figure out where it’s going, it in no way detracts from the tense ride this story takes you on.
Darren Young is a brilliant new voice in the genre of psychological thrillers and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!
February 10, 2017
Well, I think I managed to read this book in two days which us quite an achievement as I work full time!
The start of this book sucked me in and two days later it spat me out. I had a raging headache but was so enthralled in what was happening that I just couldn't put it down.
The story is told from several characters points of views and are over a timescale starting with a young girl disappearing from a crowded beach on a hot summer day and moves to the present combining with another child abduction. I enjoyed the interwoven storylines of the two main characters, one a journalist who stumbles across the long forgotten abduction of Jessica and Dannii who is convinced her parents are hiding something from her......but what?
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and this book certainly kept my attention up until the last page.
Really enjoyable read from an author who I hope gets the praise he deserves.
The start of this book sucked me in and two days later it spat me out. I had a raging headache but was so enthralled in what was happening that I just couldn't put it down.
The story is told from several characters points of views and are over a timescale starting with a young girl disappearing from a crowded beach on a hot summer day and moves to the present combining with another child abduction. I enjoyed the interwoven storylines of the two main characters, one a journalist who stumbles across the long forgotten abduction of Jessica and Dannii who is convinced her parents are hiding something from her......but what?
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and this book certainly kept my attention up until the last page.
Really enjoyable read from an author who I hope gets the praise he deserves.
October 29, 2017
A brilliant debut novel that captures both the psychological as well as the chilling side of a child gone missing. I am really looking forward to Darren Youngs next novel.
March 19, 2018
A small child called Jessica Preston is only 2 years old and she’s disappeared from the beach .20 years later another girl is disappeared and the journalist explains in the secret .
February 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last.
It kept me guessing when I thought I knew the ending. Excellent thriller, with loads of twists and turns and very believable even though it is about the very rear occurrence of child abduction.
It does happen, however, and brought to mind the Madeline McCann story and the unfinished nature of real life events and the anguish of the parents left without a child and no satisfactory answer to help them gain any kind of closure to move on in the grieving process. The destructive grief of the Preston family is painful to read, but in switching from past to the present, it is obvious there is more to it, in that, Jessica is still alive as her mother always believed.
Very moving, very well written, very believable. More please, if possible?!
It kept me guessing when I thought I knew the ending. Excellent thriller, with loads of twists and turns and very believable even though it is about the very rear occurrence of child abduction.
It does happen, however, and brought to mind the Madeline McCann story and the unfinished nature of real life events and the anguish of the parents left without a child and no satisfactory answer to help them gain any kind of closure to move on in the grieving process. The destructive grief of the Preston family is painful to read, but in switching from past to the present, it is obvious there is more to it, in that, Jessica is still alive as her mother always believed.
Very moving, very well written, very believable. More please, if possible?!
May 7, 2017
I liked the front cover with the little girl in a pretty yellow dress on the beach, that is related to this story of Child Taken.
How can a mother not know where her little girl was on the beach? Absolutely chaotic on the sand, people everywhere, noise everywhere.
When Jessica went missing, strangers kept telling the mother their find her and that she couldn't have gone far.
The mother might not have known where she was, but she knew her little girl had been taken.
The woman who took Jessica said 'Hello sweetheart, are you lost?' 'Don't get upset, we'll find her.' Tell you what, why don't we get you a nice big ice-cream and then go and look for your mummy?'
Why did this woman take a child from the beach? Was she in control of her actions on that beach? And what about the shell-shocked mother on that beach, wandering around looking this way and that, with out a clue where to look next for her precious little girl. The poor mother would hardly be able to sleep at night knowing that someone has taken her.
It is hard to write a book and get it published, your all are most probably like me we will never bother trying with all the long hours, countless re-reads and edits and repeated rejection that knocks back your confidence.
I am so glad that Darren Young persevered and chased his dream to give us readers an excellent thrilling page turning novel of a unthinkable crime for us crime thrillers lovers.
How can a mother not know where her little girl was on the beach? Absolutely chaotic on the sand, people everywhere, noise everywhere.
When Jessica went missing, strangers kept telling the mother their find her and that she couldn't have gone far.
The mother might not have known where she was, but she knew her little girl had been taken.
The woman who took Jessica said 'Hello sweetheart, are you lost?' 'Don't get upset, we'll find her.' Tell you what, why don't we get you a nice big ice-cream and then go and look for your mummy?'
Why did this woman take a child from the beach? Was she in control of her actions on that beach? And what about the shell-shocked mother on that beach, wandering around looking this way and that, with out a clue where to look next for her precious little girl. The poor mother would hardly be able to sleep at night knowing that someone has taken her.
It is hard to write a book and get it published, your all are most probably like me we will never bother trying with all the long hours, countless re-reads and edits and repeated rejection that knocks back your confidence.
I am so glad that Darren Young persevered and chased his dream to give us readers an excellent thrilling page turning novel of a unthinkable crime for us crime thrillers lovers.
May 3, 2017
A beautifully written novel about a harrowing subject which is sensitively handled by Young. Child Taken centres around two strong female protagonists; firstly there is Laura who is a budding journalist for the local paper. Upon reporting upon a child who has gone missing locally, she discovers the story of Sandra whose daughter has been missing for two decades. Sandra still vehemently believes that her child was taken by someone from the beach rather than the official line of thought that Jessica was taken away by a rip-tide and drowned.
When Jessica disappeared, there was very little coverage within the national press relating to the search therefore Laura decides to share Sandra’s story now. Upon seeing this story, Danni believes that she may be missing Jessica. Danni has recently lost her mother and her father is acting very shifty to say the least therefore Danni and Laura join forces to seek out the truth – despite the fact that someone is trying pretty hard to warn Laura off. This only provides Laura with more fight as she takes this as evidence that she is on the right tracks to find out the truth for Sandra and produce a massive scoop! What I particularly liked in this book was the relationship between these 2 young women, they have no connection other than this story but they are both determined to find out the truth, no only for themselves but also for Sandra.
Young has written a novel in which the reader really gets to know the characters, he shares the thoughts, feelings and concerns of both Danni and Laura which really brings these two to life. Young also includes within his narrative the voice of the husband who aided and abetted his wife in the abduction of Jessica as well as that of Sandra from the day it happened through to present day which gave another side of the story. Right from the outset, the reader is aware as to the circumstances around Jessica’s abduction and the rationale behind the event itself from the abductors.
This is a stunning debut novel which is not afraid of tackling a difficult subject. It is exceptionally plotted out and includes great detail into the events and the personal stories of all involved.
When Jessica disappeared, there was very little coverage within the national press relating to the search therefore Laura decides to share Sandra’s story now. Upon seeing this story, Danni believes that she may be missing Jessica. Danni has recently lost her mother and her father is acting very shifty to say the least therefore Danni and Laura join forces to seek out the truth – despite the fact that someone is trying pretty hard to warn Laura off. This only provides Laura with more fight as she takes this as evidence that she is on the right tracks to find out the truth for Sandra and produce a massive scoop! What I particularly liked in this book was the relationship between these 2 young women, they have no connection other than this story but they are both determined to find out the truth, no only for themselves but also for Sandra.
Young has written a novel in which the reader really gets to know the characters, he shares the thoughts, feelings and concerns of both Danni and Laura which really brings these two to life. Young also includes within his narrative the voice of the husband who aided and abetted his wife in the abduction of Jessica as well as that of Sandra from the day it happened through to present day which gave another side of the story. Right from the outset, the reader is aware as to the circumstances around Jessica’s abduction and the rationale behind the event itself from the abductors.
This is a stunning debut novel which is not afraid of tackling a difficult subject. It is exceptionally plotted out and includes great detail into the events and the personal stories of all involved.
July 25, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this debut thriller by Darren Young from Real Readers.
Child Taken tells the story of a young journalist who uncovers the unsolved story of two year old Jessica Prestons abduction. When the story hits headlines again, the case resonates with Dani, who suspects that her parents are hiding a dark secret from her, and she begins to wonder if she could be the missing girl. Both women work together to try and solve the mystery and determine what really happened to Jessica Preston and if she is closer to home than they could ever have imagined.
This is one of the most well-written, gripping debut novels I have read. There are plenty of twists and turns which leave you unable to put the book down. I did not see the massive twist at the end of the book in a million years! The book is based on the sensitive issue of a young child being taken whilst her parents sat only a few minutes away. Young handles this topic brilliantly and also gives an insight into the media’s inner workings during a child abduction.
The chapters are short and are based on multiple characters viewpoints and this allows for the narrative to be told in a punchy and relative way and also means you are left in suspense at the end of pretty much every chapter.
The main characters are well developed and I found each one easy to relate to. The abductor has a dedicated chapter told from their viewpoint at the beginning of each part, this gives the reader an insight into their mindset without ever giving away any clues as to their identity.
Whilst the book is quite long it does a great job of not being over descriptive or dragging out the plot longer than necessary. Every chapter feels important to the story, something which other books often lack.
I am looking forward to the next book by Darren Young and place Child Taken very high up on my favourite reads list.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers or mysteries, particularly those with a keen interest in missing persons fiction. In my opinion, the book would also appeal to those who usually don’t read thrillers as it is not necessarily frightening or violent (something which can put people off thrillers). If you are looking for a good read that keeps you on your toes until the very end then Child Taken is for you.
Child Taken tells the story of a young journalist who uncovers the unsolved story of two year old Jessica Prestons abduction. When the story hits headlines again, the case resonates with Dani, who suspects that her parents are hiding a dark secret from her, and she begins to wonder if she could be the missing girl. Both women work together to try and solve the mystery and determine what really happened to Jessica Preston and if she is closer to home than they could ever have imagined.
This is one of the most well-written, gripping debut novels I have read. There are plenty of twists and turns which leave you unable to put the book down. I did not see the massive twist at the end of the book in a million years! The book is based on the sensitive issue of a young child being taken whilst her parents sat only a few minutes away. Young handles this topic brilliantly and also gives an insight into the media’s inner workings during a child abduction.
The chapters are short and are based on multiple characters viewpoints and this allows for the narrative to be told in a punchy and relative way and also means you are left in suspense at the end of pretty much every chapter.
The main characters are well developed and I found each one easy to relate to. The abductor has a dedicated chapter told from their viewpoint at the beginning of each part, this gives the reader an insight into their mindset without ever giving away any clues as to their identity.
Whilst the book is quite long it does a great job of not being over descriptive or dragging out the plot longer than necessary. Every chapter feels important to the story, something which other books often lack.
I am looking forward to the next book by Darren Young and place Child Taken very high up on my favourite reads list.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers or mysteries, particularly those with a keen interest in missing persons fiction. In my opinion, the book would also appeal to those who usually don’t read thrillers as it is not necessarily frightening or violent (something which can put people off thrillers). If you are looking for a good read that keeps you on your toes until the very end then Child Taken is for you.
January 25, 2018
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Wait, can I have more?? I just finished, and I’m not ready for it to be over!
This book not only held my attention, but kept me on the edge of my seat! I would love to rad more from this author.
Read this book!
Wait, can I have more?? I just finished, and I’m not ready for it to be over!
This book not only held my attention, but kept me on the edge of my seat! I would love to rad more from this author.
Read this book!
February 14, 2018
Twenty years ago a three year old girl goes missing from a packed beach. Everyone thinks she has drowned but her mother today still insists that she was abducted. Laura, a budding journalist, is assigned to a recent story of a missing young girl. She discovers the similar case from twenty years ago and decides to give this story some current coverage. Danni, who has recently lost her mother and is suspicious of her father, contacts Laura as she thinks she maybe the little girl taken from the beach. They both then join forces to try and solve this case. Their stories are told from their points of view in short chapters.
This is a compelling and intriguing thriller, a fantastic debut novel. I did anticipate what the twist would be but still enjoyed every chapter. Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is a compelling and intriguing thriller, a fantastic debut novel. I did anticipate what the twist would be but still enjoyed every chapter. Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 25, 2017
She's not my little girl any more.
She's no one's little girl any more.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Wow, what a thrilling, quick and atmospheric winter read!
It was the perfect time to pick up this story that happens in Britain, with the promise of snow heavy in the air and a dark force waiting to strike. I've been on a thriller kick lately and I'm happy to report Child Taken did not disappoint.
Another NetGalley pick, Child Taken drew me in with the striking cover and intriguing description and only took 3 days or so to read (I'm a slow reader so this is great for me). We're thrown into the story of two women, one who's just lost a mother, and the other, who is a struggling journalist trying to make a name for herself. The opportunity arrives when she least expects it to, in the form of a story about a missing girl, a cold case that has been left unopened for twenty years.
What follows is a fast-paced, thrilling ride that will leave you guessing until the very last moment. I figured out the twist beforehand but it didn't stop me from enjoying this book at all.
A great thriller to read in the wintertime and comes with a seal of approval from yours truly!
Would recommend for: fans of British thrillers and domestic noir. This is my first 'missing child' novel but I think it would be suitable both for complete newbies as well as fans of the genre.
July 14, 2017
Child Taken is Darren Young’s debut novel and it has quickly become one of my favourite books of the year. I love a debut novel, the chance to discover the voice of a new author and a story you don’t know what to expect from, but whilst I enjoyed both those aspects to this book, the writing was so extremely compelling right from the beginning and the writing style was so fresh and original that really this felt like reading a book from an accomplished, favourite author instead. This was a book I was desperate to get back to whenever I put it down and a book I had to read into the early hours of the morning as I couldn’t sleep for thinking about the characters. And if Darren Young can write a debut that has me hooked as much as Child Taken did, I am very excited to read what’s next.
Jessica Preston is just two years old when she goes missing on the beach. Everybody believes she must have drowned. Everybody except her mother Sandra, who twenty years later is still convinced her daughter is alive and that on that unthinkable day on the beach, she was taken by somebody else. As if Sandra’s life wasn’t terrible enough when her daughter went missing, following on from then her husband drank himself to his death and their son was put into foster care. Now she’s in a mental institution, still hoping that one day her daughter might come back and find her…
In Child Taken, we also meet Danni and Laura. Danni’s parents are keeping a secret from her. She’s heard them arguing about it. Danni has also found something unusual hidden away in their home and she’s not sure what it means but as stress and grief takes its toll on her family, she’s beginning to wonder where she really belongs. Laura is a young journalist working at the local paper. Work which mostly involves filing, filing and more filing, as well as being shouted at by her boss on a daily basis. Until one day, when there’s a bug going around her work, she’s given a case of a missing child to work on. A similarly young girl has gone missing, and this case leads Laura to seek more answers on the Jessica Preston case. But what she discovers could put more than just her own life in danger…
The writing style of the author is really striking from the opening chapter. This book is split into several parts and short and snappy chapters. It is mostly told in third person as we focus on both Laura and Danni, but at times there is a first person viewpoint as we learn more about the Jessica Preston case and the impact that had on her mother. I found the way the author constructed his story to be really engaging and with the end of every chapter I was left impatient and eager to read another to discover more about both missing children cases. The further into the book I was, the more engrossed I became and so despite this being quite a long book, I raced through it in just two days.
I found the theme of this book to be utterly fascinating. The idea of child abduction is put into the reader’s mind straight away as Sandra is convinced it couldn’t be anything else. It almost feels a little bit wrong to find a case like that so absorbing, as you can’t even begin to imagine how the family missing their child are feeling, but the way the author writes this book had me very involved in the story from the other side too, which surprised me. I know that missing children has become a common theme of psychological thrillers recently, and I know that could put some readers off, but honestly I found this book to be completely unlike all the rest and absolutely well worth reading. I haven’t been this intrigued by a book in a while now but Child Taken left me completely satisfied.
The characterisation in this book was done really well too. Laura and Danni came across as realistic and believable characters. I could relate to both of them in certain ways. But they weren’t the only characters well written by this author. Every character had something about them and I found them all interesting and engaging. Then there was the content of the narrative which I also loved. The plot was layered and tightly written, with a heartfelt story and incredible twists and turns throughout. The author surprised me many times as I read and re-read things that I just did not see coming. Overall I found this book to be fantastically compelling with a level of unpredictability and some tense, nail-biting moments throughout. Child Taken is as close to unputdownable as books come.
Jessica Preston is just two years old when she goes missing on the beach. Everybody believes she must have drowned. Everybody except her mother Sandra, who twenty years later is still convinced her daughter is alive and that on that unthinkable day on the beach, she was taken by somebody else. As if Sandra’s life wasn’t terrible enough when her daughter went missing, following on from then her husband drank himself to his death and their son was put into foster care. Now she’s in a mental institution, still hoping that one day her daughter might come back and find her…
In Child Taken, we also meet Danni and Laura. Danni’s parents are keeping a secret from her. She’s heard them arguing about it. Danni has also found something unusual hidden away in their home and she’s not sure what it means but as stress and grief takes its toll on her family, she’s beginning to wonder where she really belongs. Laura is a young journalist working at the local paper. Work which mostly involves filing, filing and more filing, as well as being shouted at by her boss on a daily basis. Until one day, when there’s a bug going around her work, she’s given a case of a missing child to work on. A similarly young girl has gone missing, and this case leads Laura to seek more answers on the Jessica Preston case. But what she discovers could put more than just her own life in danger…
The writing style of the author is really striking from the opening chapter. This book is split into several parts and short and snappy chapters. It is mostly told in third person as we focus on both Laura and Danni, but at times there is a first person viewpoint as we learn more about the Jessica Preston case and the impact that had on her mother. I found the way the author constructed his story to be really engaging and with the end of every chapter I was left impatient and eager to read another to discover more about both missing children cases. The further into the book I was, the more engrossed I became and so despite this being quite a long book, I raced through it in just two days.
I found the theme of this book to be utterly fascinating. The idea of child abduction is put into the reader’s mind straight away as Sandra is convinced it couldn’t be anything else. It almost feels a little bit wrong to find a case like that so absorbing, as you can’t even begin to imagine how the family missing their child are feeling, but the way the author writes this book had me very involved in the story from the other side too, which surprised me. I know that missing children has become a common theme of psychological thrillers recently, and I know that could put some readers off, but honestly I found this book to be completely unlike all the rest and absolutely well worth reading. I haven’t been this intrigued by a book in a while now but Child Taken left me completely satisfied.
The characterisation in this book was done really well too. Laura and Danni came across as realistic and believable characters. I could relate to both of them in certain ways. But they weren’t the only characters well written by this author. Every character had something about them and I found them all interesting and engaging. Then there was the content of the narrative which I also loved. The plot was layered and tightly written, with a heartfelt story and incredible twists and turns throughout. The author surprised me many times as I read and re-read things that I just did not see coming. Overall I found this book to be fantastically compelling with a level of unpredictability and some tense, nail-biting moments throughout. Child Taken is as close to unputdownable as books come.
May 9, 2017
Ok, I am going to say it: this is the best thriller I have read. Full stop. As a mother myself, I was very anxious about this terrifying and emotional topic and worried that I might not be able to read it, but Darren Young has such a flawless way with words, that I became completely submerged in the story and time stood still as Laura, Danni, Sandra, and Jessica's story finally became clear.
On a busy beach, little Jessica Preston wanders off into the crowd and is never seen again. The police believe she drowned, but her mother knows she was taken. Twenty years later and Jessica's mother is in a psychiatric unit, her father is dead, and her brother, who went into foster care, has his own life. But where is Jessica?
Laura Grainger is working as a trainee reporter but knows that all it takes is one big break to make her career skyrocket. When she comes across the case of Jessica Preston from twenty years ago, it fascinates her, and after talking to Sandra, Jessica's mother, she believes her. Somebody took Jessica all those years ago, and Laura will do whatever it takes to find out the truth.
Danni Edwards had what many would call the perfect childhood, but now in her early twenties, her life just seems to be spiralling downhill. Her beloved mother has tragically died in an accident, her father has shut down and seems to be hiding something, and her ex-boyfriend is stalking her. And when Danni finds a slip of paper in the back of her mother's address book, it leaves her with more questions than answers.
As the individual characters start to piece the past back together, there are shocking revelations and devastating secrets revealed, some of which may even be deadly.
CHILD TAKEN by Darren Young is excellently paced with short, snappy chapters telling the story from different characters point of view. Laura and Danni are strong, determined and headstrong characters who want the truth and I really admired them, especially Laura. Reading Sandra's story broke my heart as her life passed before her eyes, waiting and hoping that some day her little girl would find her way back to her. Sandra lost everything the day Jessica disappeared. Her entire life fell apart. And I definitely held my kids a little longer and tighter after reading this novel.
This novel got everything right but it was the emotional element that really stood out for me - I felt their fear, despair, sadness, and terror and for me, that's what makes a novel really outstanding. While I did suspect some of the twists and turns, it is so fantastically written that I continuously second-guessed myself throughout, and oh my God what an ending. The suspense, the devastation, the betrayals, and lies, are all on point in this extraordinary debut (Yes, it is a DEBUT!!) and it gave me chills from beginning to end. You have to read CHILD TAKEN by Darren Young - you just have to read it!!!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
On a busy beach, little Jessica Preston wanders off into the crowd and is never seen again. The police believe she drowned, but her mother knows she was taken. Twenty years later and Jessica's mother is in a psychiatric unit, her father is dead, and her brother, who went into foster care, has his own life. But where is Jessica?
Laura Grainger is working as a trainee reporter but knows that all it takes is one big break to make her career skyrocket. When she comes across the case of Jessica Preston from twenty years ago, it fascinates her, and after talking to Sandra, Jessica's mother, she believes her. Somebody took Jessica all those years ago, and Laura will do whatever it takes to find out the truth.
Danni Edwards had what many would call the perfect childhood, but now in her early twenties, her life just seems to be spiralling downhill. Her beloved mother has tragically died in an accident, her father has shut down and seems to be hiding something, and her ex-boyfriend is stalking her. And when Danni finds a slip of paper in the back of her mother's address book, it leaves her with more questions than answers.
As the individual characters start to piece the past back together, there are shocking revelations and devastating secrets revealed, some of which may even be deadly.
CHILD TAKEN by Darren Young is excellently paced with short, snappy chapters telling the story from different characters point of view. Laura and Danni are strong, determined and headstrong characters who want the truth and I really admired them, especially Laura. Reading Sandra's story broke my heart as her life passed before her eyes, waiting and hoping that some day her little girl would find her way back to her. Sandra lost everything the day Jessica disappeared. Her entire life fell apart. And I definitely held my kids a little longer and tighter after reading this novel.
This novel got everything right but it was the emotional element that really stood out for me - I felt their fear, despair, sadness, and terror and for me, that's what makes a novel really outstanding. While I did suspect some of the twists and turns, it is so fantastically written that I continuously second-guessed myself throughout, and oh my God what an ending. The suspense, the devastation, the betrayals, and lies, are all on point in this extraordinary debut (Yes, it is a DEBUT!!) and it gave me chills from beginning to end. You have to read CHILD TAKEN by Darren Young - you just have to read it!!!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
May 6, 2017
As debuts go, this is pretty spectacular; it must be one of the best debuts I have EVER read. It drew me in from the very start and I found it impossible to put down, finding myself reading far later into the night than I usually would.
2 year old Jessica Preston was taken from a crowded beach one sunny day. Everyone searching for her was convinced that she had drowned, everyone that is except for her mother. Her mother, Sandra, never gave up hope that one day she would be reunited with Jessica and her absolute surety in this has resulted in her being incarcerated in a mental institution after her husband drank himself to death and her son went into foster care.
Aspiring journalist, Laura Grainger picks up a story of a child going missing in a shopping centre. Whilst doing her research, she stumbles on the 20 year anniversary of Jessica's disappearance and wants to interview Sandra Preston as part of her story. Although the missing child from the shopping centre is quickly found, Laura presses on with her urge to visit Sandra and pick up the unsolved mystery of Jessica Preston.
Danni Edwards reads Laura's story just after she heard her parents having an argument about whether they should tell her something or not. Danni contacts Laura and they look into the possibility of Danni being missing child Jessica Preston. Danni knows her parents are hiding something but if she's wrong it could blow their whole relationship apart. Will Jessica ever be found or is this one mystery that is destined to remain unsolved?
I loved the way this was written in parts, with each part starting with a passage from the current 'father' and the birth mother of Jessica Preston. As I was reading I was looking for clues and although I formed an opinion early on, it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book one bit. I raced through this book as if my life depended on it and really liked the way that the author put the question: 'what would you do?'. It's so easy to judge people without knowing the whole story and, not that I would condone child abduction for a second, but you can see how one bad decision can spiral out of control until you have no choice but to go whichever way the wind takes you. Darren Young has written characters who are not monsters but simply parents looking to give their love to a child, which unfortunately is not always the ending that you get with child abductions.
Keep an eye on Darren Young, if this is the standard of his debut I have no doubt that there are many more mouthwatering novels to come from his pen. A definite recommended read from me and worthy of every single one of the 5 stars I have awarded.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
2 year old Jessica Preston was taken from a crowded beach one sunny day. Everyone searching for her was convinced that she had drowned, everyone that is except for her mother. Her mother, Sandra, never gave up hope that one day she would be reunited with Jessica and her absolute surety in this has resulted in her being incarcerated in a mental institution after her husband drank himself to death and her son went into foster care.
Aspiring journalist, Laura Grainger picks up a story of a child going missing in a shopping centre. Whilst doing her research, she stumbles on the 20 year anniversary of Jessica's disappearance and wants to interview Sandra Preston as part of her story. Although the missing child from the shopping centre is quickly found, Laura presses on with her urge to visit Sandra and pick up the unsolved mystery of Jessica Preston.
Danni Edwards reads Laura's story just after she heard her parents having an argument about whether they should tell her something or not. Danni contacts Laura and they look into the possibility of Danni being missing child Jessica Preston. Danni knows her parents are hiding something but if she's wrong it could blow their whole relationship apart. Will Jessica ever be found or is this one mystery that is destined to remain unsolved?
I loved the way this was written in parts, with each part starting with a passage from the current 'father' and the birth mother of Jessica Preston. As I was reading I was looking for clues and although I formed an opinion early on, it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book one bit. I raced through this book as if my life depended on it and really liked the way that the author put the question: 'what would you do?'. It's so easy to judge people without knowing the whole story and, not that I would condone child abduction for a second, but you can see how one bad decision can spiral out of control until you have no choice but to go whichever way the wind takes you. Darren Young has written characters who are not monsters but simply parents looking to give their love to a child, which unfortunately is not always the ending that you get with child abductions.
Keep an eye on Darren Young, if this is the standard of his debut I have no doubt that there are many more mouthwatering novels to come from his pen. A definite recommended read from me and worthy of every single one of the 5 stars I have awarded.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 21, 2017
How could such a thing happen? But it did happen. I wasn't one of the others, observing. It happened to me.
One hot summer's day, two-year-old Jessica Preston disappears from the beach. The police are convinced she drowned, but Sandra Preston won't give up hope that her daughter is still alive. How can she?
Twenty years later, another child goes missing, and Sandra is approached by a young journalist who raises questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston all those years ago. But when the journalist discovers someone with an explosive secret, it threatens not only to reveal what's been covered up for so long, but puts both their lives in danger.
It’s definitely every mother's worst nightmare, and I think most mothers have been there, for those few heart-stopping seconds when your child has gone out of your line of sight and that feeling of utter panic as you search for them. This is the basis of Child Taken, when two year old Jessica Preston wanders off from her mother on the beach and disappears.
The story moves back and forward between present day and the hours, days and years after Jessica was taken. It is told from the POV of the husband of the abductor and from Jessica's mother in the wake of the abduction and 20 years later from present from a trainee journalist, Laura Grainger and Dannii who is convinced her parents are hiding something from her......but what is it? It was interesting reading from the POV of the husband of the abductor and Jessica's mother and how it affected both families through the years.
While the writing and the story-line were face-paced and there were plenty of twists and turns throughout, I found that I had guessed who Jessica was quite early on and that was quite disappointing. I would considering reading another book by this author as the style of writing is excellent, I just hope that there is a bigger suspect pool in the next one.
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One hot summer's day, two-year-old Jessica Preston disappears from the beach. The police are convinced she drowned, but Sandra Preston won't give up hope that her daughter is still alive. How can she?
Twenty years later, another child goes missing, and Sandra is approached by a young journalist who raises questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston all those years ago. But when the journalist discovers someone with an explosive secret, it threatens not only to reveal what's been covered up for so long, but puts both their lives in danger.
It’s definitely every mother's worst nightmare, and I think most mothers have been there, for those few heart-stopping seconds when your child has gone out of your line of sight and that feeling of utter panic as you search for them. This is the basis of Child Taken, when two year old Jessica Preston wanders off from her mother on the beach and disappears.
The story moves back and forward between present day and the hours, days and years after Jessica was taken. It is told from the POV of the husband of the abductor and from Jessica's mother in the wake of the abduction and 20 years later from present from a trainee journalist, Laura Grainger and Dannii who is convinced her parents are hiding something from her......but what is it? It was interesting reading from the POV of the husband of the abductor and Jessica's mother and how it affected both families through the years.
While the writing and the story-line were face-paced and there were plenty of twists and turns throughout, I found that I had guessed who Jessica was quite early on and that was quite disappointing. I would considering reading another book by this author as the style of writing is excellent, I just hope that there is a bigger suspect pool in the next one.
To read this and other reviews like and follow me at
https://crimeandmysterybookreview.wor...
www.twitter.com/crimemysteryboo
www.facebook.com/crimeandmysterybooks...
May 9, 2017
Books about children being involved in something terrible are always a tough read for me. I have two young children of my own so novels where the plot revolves around evil things happening to little people are the stuff my nightmares are made of. I always feel a little apprehensive when I first start on a book of this sub-genre and it can go either way. I’ll either really enjoy it or it will leave me feeling cold. Child Taken I thoroughly enjoyed. As much as it is about a child being snatched from her parents and the heartache and devastation that brings, it’s also about love. It’s very difficult for me to expand on this statement without giving hefty spoilers away so please forgive me for being a bit vague on this one!
The book is divided into several parts, each part starting with the thoughts and feelings of the abductor and Jessica’s mother, Sandra. Although the main body of the book is set very much in the present, these short emotional insights span the course of 20 years (one year after Jessica was taken, five years after Jessica was taken, etc.). These sections really added to the emotional weight of the story. I went from feeling anger at Jessica’s kidnappers to my heart aching for her desperate mother. I grew to thoroughly dislike the husband. This mysterious, nameless character however never felt psychologically unstable to me. His love for his wife never felt obsessive or perverse in any way. He came across as a perfectly normal bloke who knows the decision they, as a couple, have made is wrong but given the choice between committing a crime and making his wife happy, he chooses his wife.
But what we all want to know is what exactly happened to Jessica that day. We discover more of her story thanks to Laura, a trainee reporter. Due to a bout of illness at the newspaper offices Laura is thrown head first into a current missing child investigation. She scours the internet for similar cases and discovers that Jessica Preston went missing 20 years earlier down on the south west coast. Laura arranges to see the distraught mother and get another perspective, exactly how does it feel to have your child taken from you? But before heading off on the four hour drive to the south, the missing child is found and the meeting cancelled. Laura feels distraught at letting Sandra, Jessica’s mother, down so arranges to meet with her in her own time. Before long Laura is also convinced that Jessica is still alive and vows to find her and write the story of her career. Only when Danni contacts Laura does she have her lead. Danni is highly suspicious that her father is keeping something life changing from her. Having recently lost her mother in a horrific accident, Danni’s father suddenly becomes secretive and withdrawn, less of a dad and more of a stranger. Memories of a conversation she shouldn’t have overheard suddenly slip into place like a missing jigsaw puzzle piece. And despite searching, there is no proof that her parents are actually HER parents. No birth certificate, no photographs of her as a baby, no proof. Without realising it, Laura and Danni start to uncover something that someone desperately wants to remain a closely guarded secret. And they are prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure it stays that way…
This is a great story about ordinary people thrown into extraordinary situations and I really enjoyed it. The story was great but oh my, I loved those closing chapters. They, for me, made this book. I was completely hypnotised by what I was reading and there was no way I was going to put Child Taken down. I was mesmerised and appalled in equal measure by how far one of the characters went to keep their secret. Incredibly dark and wonderfully tense writing from the author.
In typical damppebbles style I was trying to work out the twist from the moment I met the first character. I always feel sorry for the author when I’m successful and I felt especially bad this time because it’s such a well written and clever story that I didn’t actually want to be right. But I was. Sorry Darren Young. Being able to predict what was going to happen certainly didn’t spoil the reading experience for me though. I think, by reading only from the crime genre, I’ve become an overly suspicious person (whoops!) which probably isn’t a good thing. Probably…
Would I recommend this book? I would. It’s a great debut and I look forward to reading more from Darren Young in the future. Whilst this is a tense and foreboding crime novel, the most overwhelming theme for me was how far some will go for the person they love. And how completely terrifying that can be.
Four out of five stars.
The book is divided into several parts, each part starting with the thoughts and feelings of the abductor and Jessica’s mother, Sandra. Although the main body of the book is set very much in the present, these short emotional insights span the course of 20 years (one year after Jessica was taken, five years after Jessica was taken, etc.). These sections really added to the emotional weight of the story. I went from feeling anger at Jessica’s kidnappers to my heart aching for her desperate mother. I grew to thoroughly dislike the husband. This mysterious, nameless character however never felt psychologically unstable to me. His love for his wife never felt obsessive or perverse in any way. He came across as a perfectly normal bloke who knows the decision they, as a couple, have made is wrong but given the choice between committing a crime and making his wife happy, he chooses his wife.
But what we all want to know is what exactly happened to Jessica that day. We discover more of her story thanks to Laura, a trainee reporter. Due to a bout of illness at the newspaper offices Laura is thrown head first into a current missing child investigation. She scours the internet for similar cases and discovers that Jessica Preston went missing 20 years earlier down on the south west coast. Laura arranges to see the distraught mother and get another perspective, exactly how does it feel to have your child taken from you? But before heading off on the four hour drive to the south, the missing child is found and the meeting cancelled. Laura feels distraught at letting Sandra, Jessica’s mother, down so arranges to meet with her in her own time. Before long Laura is also convinced that Jessica is still alive and vows to find her and write the story of her career. Only when Danni contacts Laura does she have her lead. Danni is highly suspicious that her father is keeping something life changing from her. Having recently lost her mother in a horrific accident, Danni’s father suddenly becomes secretive and withdrawn, less of a dad and more of a stranger. Memories of a conversation she shouldn’t have overheard suddenly slip into place like a missing jigsaw puzzle piece. And despite searching, there is no proof that her parents are actually HER parents. No birth certificate, no photographs of her as a baby, no proof. Without realising it, Laura and Danni start to uncover something that someone desperately wants to remain a closely guarded secret. And they are prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure it stays that way…
This is a great story about ordinary people thrown into extraordinary situations and I really enjoyed it. The story was great but oh my, I loved those closing chapters. They, for me, made this book. I was completely hypnotised by what I was reading and there was no way I was going to put Child Taken down. I was mesmerised and appalled in equal measure by how far one of the characters went to keep their secret. Incredibly dark and wonderfully tense writing from the author.
In typical damppebbles style I was trying to work out the twist from the moment I met the first character. I always feel sorry for the author when I’m successful and I felt especially bad this time because it’s such a well written and clever story that I didn’t actually want to be right. But I was. Sorry Darren Young. Being able to predict what was going to happen certainly didn’t spoil the reading experience for me though. I think, by reading only from the crime genre, I’ve become an overly suspicious person (whoops!) which probably isn’t a good thing. Probably…
Would I recommend this book? I would. It’s a great debut and I look forward to reading more from Darren Young in the future. Whilst this is a tense and foreboding crime novel, the most overwhelming theme for me was how far some will go for the person they love. And how completely terrifying that can be.
Four out of five stars.
December 2, 2017
Good read
Quite enjoyable and I couldn't put it down. Lots of twists in the story but most I worked out but had to keep reading to see if I was right. Basically a child goes missing from a packed beach and for over 20 years everyone but her mother think she drowned. Then another child goes missing in a different town miles from the original abduction. Laura a young trainee reporter is given the story as basically half the office is sick and she's only one available. While doing research for the story she comes across the story of Jessica a little girl who went missing 21 years ago. Laura is sidelined from the story and a more established reporter is put on the story. Laura decided to go to a human interest angle to the story and the editor agreed to her writing an article on what it like for a parent when a child goes missing and is never found. However this idea never makes it into the paper as they find the other child. However Laura is drawn to Jessica's story and goes ahead with a meeting with Jessica's mother and writes her story which is published in a national paper. Danni a young woman the same age as Jessica and from the same town see the story. Danni mother has just died and she's convinced her parents where keeping something from her Danni is convinced she is Jessica. The book basically takes you on a journey with these young woman on a quest for the truth. One trying to make her way in world of journalism who wants to make her big breakthrough story. The other trying to find where she belongs. Is Danni little Jessica? Will Laura get the story she so desperately wants? Why is someone trying to stop them getting at the truth if Jessica drowned like everyone believes?
Quite enjoyable and I couldn't put it down. Lots of twists in the story but most I worked out but had to keep reading to see if I was right. Basically a child goes missing from a packed beach and for over 20 years everyone but her mother think she drowned. Then another child goes missing in a different town miles from the original abduction. Laura a young trainee reporter is given the story as basically half the office is sick and she's only one available. While doing research for the story she comes across the story of Jessica a little girl who went missing 21 years ago. Laura is sidelined from the story and a more established reporter is put on the story. Laura decided to go to a human interest angle to the story and the editor agreed to her writing an article on what it like for a parent when a child goes missing and is never found. However this idea never makes it into the paper as they find the other child. However Laura is drawn to Jessica's story and goes ahead with a meeting with Jessica's mother and writes her story which is published in a national paper. Danni a young woman the same age as Jessica and from the same town see the story. Danni mother has just died and she's convinced her parents where keeping something from her Danni is convinced she is Jessica. The book basically takes you on a journey with these young woman on a quest for the truth. One trying to make her way in world of journalism who wants to make her big breakthrough story. The other trying to find where she belongs. Is Danni little Jessica? Will Laura get the story she so desperately wants? Why is someone trying to stop them getting at the truth if Jessica drowned like everyone believes?
May 12, 2017
The blurb of this book appealed to me instantly. The story of a child taken one day from a crowded beach and largely forgotten about, and also the story of a budding journalist who wants to get to the truth, make for a fascinating premise.
Danni's and Laura's stories are told in short chapters from each point of view. Danni is a young woman who, after suffering a tragedy, feels that something isn't quite right in her life. Laura is the journalist who starts to look into the disappearance of Jessica Preston that day twenty years earlier.
For some reason I preferred Laura's chapters and I'm not sure why. Maybe because she was the one doing the investigating. She's hungry for the truth to the point that sometimes she did some very silly things and I really wanted to shout at her through my book (not that it would have done any good!).
I don't know how this book is being marketed but I had the feeling it was going to be a psychological thriller. In reality I think it was more of a family drama and there was a lot of background and information about the family life of the two young women. A bit too much information really. I think there was a lot of superfluous detail given in this book and it could have been shorter than its 438 pages. And yet, despite that I couldn't wait to pick it up and read some more. The short chapters worked really well to keep up the pace and I rattled through it much quicker than I would have expected given its length.
Child Taken is an absorbing story and a real page turner, a cross between a thriller and an emotional drama. I think it is a really skilfully plotted debut novel from an author I would definitely read again.
Danni's and Laura's stories are told in short chapters from each point of view. Danni is a young woman who, after suffering a tragedy, feels that something isn't quite right in her life. Laura is the journalist who starts to look into the disappearance of Jessica Preston that day twenty years earlier.
For some reason I preferred Laura's chapters and I'm not sure why. Maybe because she was the one doing the investigating. She's hungry for the truth to the point that sometimes she did some very silly things and I really wanted to shout at her through my book (not that it would have done any good!).
I don't know how this book is being marketed but I had the feeling it was going to be a psychological thriller. In reality I think it was more of a family drama and there was a lot of background and information about the family life of the two young women. A bit too much information really. I think there was a lot of superfluous detail given in this book and it could have been shorter than its 438 pages. And yet, despite that I couldn't wait to pick it up and read some more. The short chapters worked really well to keep up the pace and I rattled through it much quicker than I would have expected given its length.
Child Taken is an absorbing story and a real page turner, a cross between a thriller and an emotional drama. I think it is a really skilfully plotted debut novel from an author I would definitely read again.
March 14, 2018
There is not a lot of Spoiler Free comments I can make for this review.
I read it in a couple of days. My personal rule of thumb is how long it takes me to read a book, and this book caught me so much that I really didn’t want to put it down.
A young girl Jessica went missing. Despite appeals and searches, no one seems to know anything, or care. Apart from the child’s mother Sandra. Until twenty years later another young girl goes missing and a young journalist, with a nose for a story, reviews Jessica’s missing persons story to reignite interest. Danni reads the story, and believes that she is Jessica. She contacts Laura and both women find themselves fighting for their lives in a cat and mouse chase from someone who does not want the truth to come out.
This story is unusual in the case of missing persons though as we the reader know what happened to Jessica. We also get the alternative POVs of Jessica’s mother Sandra, and the husband of the woman who took Jessica. The husband POV I found hard to read as for me, he should have taken her back and there was no justification for keeping her.
This is a rollercoaster ride of a read, and you come bumping to the end thinking What? In fact, I have had to go back and re-read the last few chapters just to make sure I picked it up right.
Recommended, and looking forward to more from Darren Young.
Thank you to Netgalley and Red Door books for their arc in return for an honest review.
I read it in a couple of days. My personal rule of thumb is how long it takes me to read a book, and this book caught me so much that I really didn’t want to put it down.
A young girl Jessica went missing. Despite appeals and searches, no one seems to know anything, or care. Apart from the child’s mother Sandra. Until twenty years later another young girl goes missing and a young journalist, with a nose for a story, reviews Jessica’s missing persons story to reignite interest. Danni reads the story, and believes that she is Jessica. She contacts Laura and both women find themselves fighting for their lives in a cat and mouse chase from someone who does not want the truth to come out.
This story is unusual in the case of missing persons though as we the reader know what happened to Jessica. We also get the alternative POVs of Jessica’s mother Sandra, and the husband of the woman who took Jessica. The husband POV I found hard to read as for me, he should have taken her back and there was no justification for keeping her.
This is a rollercoaster ride of a read, and you come bumping to the end thinking What? In fact, I have had to go back and re-read the last few chapters just to make sure I picked it up right.
Recommended, and looking forward to more from Darren Young.
Thank you to Netgalley and Red Door books for their arc in return for an honest review.
January 21, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the Red Door Publishing for providing me with a copy of this novel for an honest review . After two-year-old Jessica Preston goes missing while spending a day at the beach with her family, the police are convinced that she must of drowned. However, her mother does not agree and holds out hope that one day Jessica will find her. After another girl goes missing 20 years later, a novice journalist is determined to solve Jessica's case, hoping it might lead to a big break in her career. As she gets closer to the answer, lives become threatened, and she finds herself in serious danger. Instead of deterring her, it only makes her more determined to find the truth.
This book started off strong with the abduction right at the beginning and grabbed my attention. I will say that the next 30 percent of the book was a little slow for me. Once I hit that point, I could not put the book down! The action kept coming, and I was anxious to see how it was going to end! At one point, I thought I had figured out who Jessica was, but the author did a great job of a swaying me in a different direction! I would definitely read more books by Darren Young. If you like a mystery that keeps you hooked and throws you a twist, I think that you will enjoy this one!
This book started off strong with the abduction right at the beginning and grabbed my attention. I will say that the next 30 percent of the book was a little slow for me. Once I hit that point, I could not put the book down! The action kept coming, and I was anxious to see how it was going to end! At one point, I thought I had figured out who Jessica was, but the author did a great job of a swaying me in a different direction! I would definitely read more books by Darren Young. If you like a mystery that keeps you hooked and throws you a twist, I think that you will enjoy this one!
January 27, 2023
Child Taken by Darren Young.
The last thing a man expects his wife to bring back when she 'popped to the shops' is a young child. They should have taken her back, faced the consequences...done the right thing. But what happens when that innocent child instantly begins to mend a broken wife, and fix all that seemed unfixable? It's not quite so easy then. Twenty years later, another missing child, a lucky interview and the curiosity of a story-hungry trainee journalist throws up questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston when she disappeared from that beach all those years ago. When the journalist comes across someone with a secret from their past, it threatens to reveal what's been covered up for so long. Child Taken is a thrilling debut that explores the long-term impact on the lives of everyone involved in an unthinkable crime, one in which everyone has lost something. The cleverly-woven narrative follows the journey, past and present, of the abductors and the family from whom the child was taken, as well as those, who twenty years on, who just want to find out the truth. The answers seem obvious but then again, it all depends on your perspective. What would you have done?
Wow. That was a twist I didn't see coming. It certainly threw me. 5*.
The last thing a man expects his wife to bring back when she 'popped to the shops' is a young child. They should have taken her back, faced the consequences...done the right thing. But what happens when that innocent child instantly begins to mend a broken wife, and fix all that seemed unfixable? It's not quite so easy then. Twenty years later, another missing child, a lucky interview and the curiosity of a story-hungry trainee journalist throws up questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston when she disappeared from that beach all those years ago. When the journalist comes across someone with a secret from their past, it threatens to reveal what's been covered up for so long. Child Taken is a thrilling debut that explores the long-term impact on the lives of everyone involved in an unthinkable crime, one in which everyone has lost something. The cleverly-woven narrative follows the journey, past and present, of the abductors and the family from whom the child was taken, as well as those, who twenty years on, who just want to find out the truth. The answers seem obvious but then again, it all depends on your perspective. What would you have done?
Wow. That was a twist I didn't see coming. It certainly threw me. 5*.
January 27, 2023
Child Taken by Darren Young.
The last thing a man expects his wife to bring back when she 'popped to the shops' is a young child. They should have taken her back, faced the consequences...done the right thing. But what happens when that innocent child instantly begins to mend a broken wife, and fix all that seemed unfixable? It's not quite so easy then. Twenty years later, another missing child, a lucky interview and the curiosity of a story-hungry trainee journalist throws up questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston when she disappeared from that beach all those years ago. When the journalist comes across someone with a secret from their past, it threatens to reveal what's been covered up for so long. Child Taken is a thrilling debut that explores the long-term impact on the lives of everyone involved in an unthinkable crime, one in which everyone has lost something. The cleverly-woven narrative follows the journey, past and present, of the abductors and the family from whom the child was taken, as well as those, who twenty years on, who just want to find out the truth. The answers seem obvious but then again, it all depends on your perspective. What would you have done?
Wow. That was a twist I didn't see coming. It certainly threw me. 5*.
The last thing a man expects his wife to bring back when she 'popped to the shops' is a young child. They should have taken her back, faced the consequences...done the right thing. But what happens when that innocent child instantly begins to mend a broken wife, and fix all that seemed unfixable? It's not quite so easy then. Twenty years later, another missing child, a lucky interview and the curiosity of a story-hungry trainee journalist throws up questions about what really happened to Jessica Preston when she disappeared from that beach all those years ago. When the journalist comes across someone with a secret from their past, it threatens to reveal what's been covered up for so long. Child Taken is a thrilling debut that explores the long-term impact on the lives of everyone involved in an unthinkable crime, one in which everyone has lost something. The cleverly-woven narrative follows the journey, past and present, of the abductors and the family from whom the child was taken, as well as those, who twenty years on, who just want to find out the truth. The answers seem obvious but then again, it all depends on your perspective. What would you have done?
Wow. That was a twist I didn't see coming. It certainly threw me. 5*.
September 24, 2018
This is the first book I have ever read or come across by this author. However after reading this I am pretty sure it will not be my last.
20 Years a go 2 year old Jessica Preston disappeared from the beach while there on a day out with her family. Everyone assumes that she's drowned in the see however Mother Sandra believes that she's still alive and has been abducted. 20 Years later a young Journalist approaches Sandra to question her about Jessica's case as she comes across it while doing research on another missing child case. She believes that there is something more being hidden about Jessica's disappearance and decides to investigate further. However there is someone who does not want the truth to come out putting both there lives in danger. This was a book that was skilfully written. The author was very good at spinning what looked like an obvious very and it looked like it was going to be easy to figure out. However I found that the author was adding to the suspense and even I did not figure out the truth until it actually came out. An excellent and one of the most gripping books I have read in a long time.
20 Years a go 2 year old Jessica Preston disappeared from the beach while there on a day out with her family. Everyone assumes that she's drowned in the see however Mother Sandra believes that she's still alive and has been abducted. 20 Years later a young Journalist approaches Sandra to question her about Jessica's case as she comes across it while doing research on another missing child case. She believes that there is something more being hidden about Jessica's disappearance and decides to investigate further. However there is someone who does not want the truth to come out putting both there lives in danger. This was a book that was skilfully written. The author was very good at spinning what looked like an obvious very and it looked like it was going to be easy to figure out. However I found that the author was adding to the suspense and even I did not figure out the truth until it actually came out. An excellent and one of the most gripping books I have read in a long time.
May 17, 2017
This stunning debut from Darren Young looks at the impact on everyone affected by the abduction of Jessica Preston, through several different points of view in past and present. I really like the way that the POV of the abductor and the mother got closer and closer to the present day. It felt like I was gradually managing to close in on finding out who took Jessica Preston and it helped to keep me engaged and create anticipation which built up even more tension.
The pace moved along perfectly, the characters had brilliant depth and I found that the book was an ideal length. Child Taken was an absolute pleasure to read.
I was hooked until the very end. Speaking of the end, it definitely didn't let me down! It was fantastic and I thought the twist was brilliant and perfectly written too.
This is the kind of book I'd want to write if I wrote a book!
Overall, I have to give this book five out of five and add it to my Five-star Favourites shelf! I couldn't possibly give it anything less. It was extremely engaging with a fabulous twist and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
The pace moved along perfectly, the characters had brilliant depth and I found that the book was an ideal length. Child Taken was an absolute pleasure to read.
I was hooked until the very end. Speaking of the end, it definitely didn't let me down! It was fantastic and I thought the twist was brilliant and perfectly written too.
This is the kind of book I'd want to write if I wrote a book!
Overall, I have to give this book five out of five and add it to my Five-star Favourites shelf! I couldn't possibly give it anything less. It was extremely engaging with a fabulous twist and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
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