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Have You Seen Her
Bonfire Night. A missing girl.
Anna only takes her eyes off Laurel for a second. She thought Laurel was following her mum through the crowds. But in a heartbeat, Laurel is gone.
Laurel’s parents are frantic. As is Anna, their nanny. But as the hours pass, and Laurel isn’t found, suspicion grows.
Someone knows what happened to Laurel. And they’re not telling.
Have You Seen Her is the breath-taking new thriller with a killer twist from bestseller Lisa Hall.
Anna only takes her eyes off Laurel for a second. She thought Laurel was following her mum through the crowds. But in a heartbeat, Laurel is gone.
Laurel’s parents are frantic. As is Anna, their nanny. But as the hours pass, and Laurel isn’t found, suspicion grows.
Someone knows what happened to Laurel. And they’re not telling.
Have You Seen Her is the breath-taking new thriller with a killer twist from bestseller Lisa Hall.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2019
190 people are currently reading
1325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
June 27, 2019
Have You Seen Her by Lisa Hall is a book that just runs from the first pages untill the last,it has so many twists that just as you think ah ha I've figured it out it sends you another twist.
This book shows us how manipulative, cruel and twisted people can be plus it shows we only see what we want to see.
From the first page untill the last you sit with that sick uneasy feeling in the pit of the stomach with the need to find the answer and when you do you won't believe it 😮
I definitely recommend this 📖
This book shows us how manipulative, cruel and twisted people can be plus it shows we only see what we want to see.
From the first page untill the last you sit with that sick uneasy feeling in the pit of the stomach with the need to find the answer and when you do you won't believe it 😮
I definitely recommend this 📖
February 21, 2026
➡️ Are you HUNGRY for an unsettling missing child thriller?
If so, this book serves up what you're craving.
➡️ More Red Herrings Than A Fish Market. 🐟🐠🍣🎣
CRAVING FISH? This ultra-compelling thriller is a masterclass in misdirection. The storyline's relentless streams of twists were strategically placed, producing top-tier suspense. Just when you thought you’d pieced it together, you haven't.
➡️ More Holes Than Swiss Cheese.🧀🧀🧀🧀
CRAVING CHEESE? Even though this gripping thriller was pacey and unputdownable, the book's surprisingly thin police investigation was riddled with holes. It was baffling that the cell phones and computers of family and friends close to the abducted child were never scrutinized—a standard move that felt ignored for the sake of the plot.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Kristen Atherton.
Kristen Atherton was, as always, a total powerhouse, perfectly capturing the frantic emotional stakes of all of the protagonists.
4.5 Stars
April 9, 2019
Addictive!
As always with this author the story grabs you and doesn’t let you go, not even for a second as the suspense goes up a gear each chapter
Laurel goes missing, at a local bonfire, she is there with her Mum and Nanny ( Anna ) and should be safe, she isn’t, one minute shes there, the next gone, vanished, without a trace.....no one has a clue where she is??....but they do of course but I bet like me you wont guess who knows whats happened and even if you do you will
swop and change and change and swop until the culprit is ‘unmasked’
The story is full of lies and cheats and people pretending they are something they arent....the characters are flawless for the role they play yet all flawed! ( if makes sense?)
The ending is really a 3 pronged affair and each prong shocks just that bit more!
In a ‘busy’ field of missing children thrillers there needs to be every single element of a good story to make the book stand out and also something new to add to it....this book has it, and more
One of those reads you feel satisfied when finished like a good meal, thoroughly enjoyable
10/10 5 Stars
March 9, 2020
4 stars** audio
narrated by Kristin Atherton
3.75 stars** story
narrated by Kristin Atherton
3.75 stars** story
April 28, 2019
A Young girl goes missing at the local bonfire night. She was there with her mother and her nanny. One minute she was there, the next she had disappeared. The longer it takes to find out what happened to Laurel, it just makes everyone more suspicious. The story is told from Anna's (the nanny's) point of view. I didn't like Laurels mum and dad (Fran & Dominic), they were too self entered for my liking. There are many curve balls in this quite pacy read. This is a well written book, with a realistic plot with a more than satisfactory ending.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Lisa Hall for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Lisa Hall for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2019
Another fantastic book from Lisa Hall. I listened to this on audible and finished it in a day at work. A little girl missing, a nanny with a secret and parents who are not who they seem. Sucks you right in!
February 13, 2019
Anna only looked away for one tiny second but that second was all it took for little Laurel to vanish, without a trace.
Now Anna and Laurel's parents Fran and Dominic find themselves trapped in every parents worst nightmare.
As time passes and there is no trace of Laurel, suspicion grows and secrets and lies begin to surface.
Someone knows what happened to Laurel and they are not telling.
This enthralling story is told from the perspective of the nanny Anna. It is obvious that Anna adores young Laurel and is prepared to do everything in her power to uncover what has happened to her. But Anna also has a secret from her past that she is terrified will be uncovered once the police start digging into their lives.
Fran and Dominic were a materialistic,selfish couple who I found very unlikable and struggled to feel any sympathy for despite the nightmare that they were going through.
So many of the vivid,realistic characters were not who they appeared to be,came across as very sinister, untrustworthy and had hidden secrets. I suspected almost all of them as the story unfolded of having something to do with Laurel's disappearance.
Have You Seen Her is a mesmerising,gripping thriller that had me hooked in from very first page. I genuinely didn't want to put this fast paced,page turner down. After drawing you in with a Intreguing prologue,the story then hits the ground running at break neck speed. The reader is hardly given any chance to breath as you are launched from one twist to another until you get to the jaw dropping epilogue. Where you are left breathless and exhausted but very very disappointed that the thrill ride is over. I loved this well written thriller and would love to watch a film adaptation of this book. Worth far more than five stars and will definitely be one of my favourite reads of this year.
Many thanks to HQ for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Now Anna and Laurel's parents Fran and Dominic find themselves trapped in every parents worst nightmare.
As time passes and there is no trace of Laurel, suspicion grows and secrets and lies begin to surface.
Someone knows what happened to Laurel and they are not telling.
This enthralling story is told from the perspective of the nanny Anna. It is obvious that Anna adores young Laurel and is prepared to do everything in her power to uncover what has happened to her. But Anna also has a secret from her past that she is terrified will be uncovered once the police start digging into their lives.
Fran and Dominic were a materialistic,selfish couple who I found very unlikable and struggled to feel any sympathy for despite the nightmare that they were going through.
So many of the vivid,realistic characters were not who they appeared to be,came across as very sinister, untrustworthy and had hidden secrets. I suspected almost all of them as the story unfolded of having something to do with Laurel's disappearance.
Have You Seen Her is a mesmerising,gripping thriller that had me hooked in from very first page. I genuinely didn't want to put this fast paced,page turner down. After drawing you in with a Intreguing prologue,the story then hits the ground running at break neck speed. The reader is hardly given any chance to breath as you are launched from one twist to another until you get to the jaw dropping epilogue. Where you are left breathless and exhausted but very very disappointed that the thrill ride is over. I loved this well written thriller and would love to watch a film adaptation of this book. Worth far more than five stars and will definitely be one of my favourite reads of this year.
Many thanks to HQ for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 29, 2019
After reading “Between You And Me” and “The Party” other books by Lisa Hall. I was very excited to receive a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Fran is at a Bonfire night event with her daughter Laurel and Nanny Anna when Laurel goes missing. It’s every parents worst nightmare, you take you’re eye off you’re child for 1 second and they disappear, forgetting that’s all it takes!! They soon realise someone has taken her.
The parents Fran and Dominic seem the perfect couple, they have a beautiful daughter, big house and are admired by all. Who would want to take their daughter?
This book had me gripped from the start. There are lots of secrets and red herrings along the way. I love when you read a book and you keep changing you’re mind on who the bad guy is, for me everybody seemed guilty and dishonest with their own secrets to hide.
A must read that’s fast paced and is a thrilling book to read with its twists and an ending that won’t disappoint!! I’m almost disappointed I’ve finished this book as I was so drawn into this story.
I have read several books about children going missing,but this has to be 1 of my favourites!!
Fran is at a Bonfire night event with her daughter Laurel and Nanny Anna when Laurel goes missing. It’s every parents worst nightmare, you take you’re eye off you’re child for 1 second and they disappear, forgetting that’s all it takes!! They soon realise someone has taken her.
The parents Fran and Dominic seem the perfect couple, they have a beautiful daughter, big house and are admired by all. Who would want to take their daughter?
This book had me gripped from the start. There are lots of secrets and red herrings along the way. I love when you read a book and you keep changing you’re mind on who the bad guy is, for me everybody seemed guilty and dishonest with their own secrets to hide.
A must read that’s fast paced and is a thrilling book to read with its twists and an ending that won’t disappoint!! I’m almost disappointed I’ve finished this book as I was so drawn into this story.
I have read several books about children going missing,but this has to be 1 of my favourites!!
June 30, 2019
"Have You Seen Her" is my first Lisa Hall book, although I do already own "The Party" (her third novel) which I intend to read very soon, after having been enticed by the author's compelling and ingenious writing.
Blurb - "Anna only takes her eyes off Laurel for a second. She thought Laurel was following her mum through the crowds. But in a heartbeat, Laurel is gone. Laurel’s parents are frantic. As is Anna, their nanny. But as the hours pass, and Laurel isn’t found, suspicion grows. Someone knows what happened to Laurel. And they’re not telling."
Any parent will confess that it's a nightmare keeping an eye on your children when in crowds or public places and anyone who's ever experienced losing sight of their child, for just one minute, will appreciate how the characters feel when Laurel goes missing and at just how distressing it is. This story really got to the heart of me, being a parent myself and although a simple storyline - child goes missing, nanny has a secret, everyone is blamed - this totally got under my skin.
Very addictive and one I didn't want to finish, I read this book almost in one sitting. I personally think it needs to be read that way to keep the pace, as it does labour in a couple of places but on the whole is a decently fast moving thriller. With curve balls, red herrings and a very satisfying ending that had me smiling at the inventiveness of it, this was a hugely enjoyable read.
I liked the ease of reading this book, it was uncomplicated, enjoyable with flawed, devisive characters, that although were not endearing, were engaging and well developed.
Would I recommend? Definetly. Although set in autumn/winter this is a perfect summer, lazy weekend read that I loved from start to finish.
Lisa Hall is the bestselling author of "Between You and Me" and is a rising star in the crime community.
4 stars
Blurb - "Anna only takes her eyes off Laurel for a second. She thought Laurel was following her mum through the crowds. But in a heartbeat, Laurel is gone. Laurel’s parents are frantic. As is Anna, their nanny. But as the hours pass, and Laurel isn’t found, suspicion grows. Someone knows what happened to Laurel. And they’re not telling."
Any parent will confess that it's a nightmare keeping an eye on your children when in crowds or public places and anyone who's ever experienced losing sight of their child, for just one minute, will appreciate how the characters feel when Laurel goes missing and at just how distressing it is. This story really got to the heart of me, being a parent myself and although a simple storyline - child goes missing, nanny has a secret, everyone is blamed - this totally got under my skin.
Very addictive and one I didn't want to finish, I read this book almost in one sitting. I personally think it needs to be read that way to keep the pace, as it does labour in a couple of places but on the whole is a decently fast moving thriller. With curve balls, red herrings and a very satisfying ending that had me smiling at the inventiveness of it, this was a hugely enjoyable read.
I liked the ease of reading this book, it was uncomplicated, enjoyable with flawed, devisive characters, that although were not endearing, were engaging and well developed.
Would I recommend? Definetly. Although set in autumn/winter this is a perfect summer, lazy weekend read that I loved from start to finish.
Lisa Hall is the bestselling author of "Between You and Me" and is a rising star in the crime community.
4 stars
April 25, 2025
A little girl goes missing on bonfire night, her parents and nanny are frantic, suspicion is growing…
April 10, 2019
Have You Seen Her by Lisa Hall is an intense thriller that centers around a young girl who goes missing and the aftershock her nanny and parents face.
Having your child disappear is every parent’s worst fear. For Laurel’s parents, it becomes a reality. When Laurel scampers off after her mother the night of a bonfire, her nanny, Anna, thinks nothing of it.
Until the mother returns without her daughter.
Where is Laurel? Where did she go?
As the investigation ramps up, it’s clear that someone knows more than they’re letting on. The secrets are thick, and the swirl of controversy is thicker.
I thought Have You Seen Her by Lisa Hall was a brilliant thriller. As a parent, it played on my own fears! The storyline was well-executed, delightfully twisted, and kept me guessing until the very end.
Told from the perspective of Anna, Laurel’s nanny, Anna is heartsick with grief trying to find the missing girl. At the same time, as the investigation gets closer and closer to her, it’s evident that Anna has secrets of her own. Could Anna be the missing piece to the puzzle?
I found Anna’s character to be incredibly relatable. She genuinely seemed like she wanted to do the right things in the book, but her character was off just enough to keep me questioning her.
Laurel’s parents were a mess. Both had ulterior motives and neither one seemed fit to be parents. I enjoyed their characters, because I enjoyed disliking their characters! Some people should not be parents.
Watching the investigation play out was fascinating. I honestly had no idea which direction the book was going to go and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. It’s not what I was expecting! And that’s a good thing. I love when thrillers surprise me.
The audiobook’s narrator did a fantastic job. She had a pleasing voice and injected the right amount of emotions throughout the book.
If you’re fan of audiobooks, I highly recommend you check out Have You Seen Her by Lisa Hall. You won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to HarperCollins for providing an audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having your child disappear is every parent’s worst fear. For Laurel’s parents, it becomes a reality. When Laurel scampers off after her mother the night of a bonfire, her nanny, Anna, thinks nothing of it.
Until the mother returns without her daughter.
Where is Laurel? Where did she go?
As the investigation ramps up, it’s clear that someone knows more than they’re letting on. The secrets are thick, and the swirl of controversy is thicker.
I thought Have You Seen Her by Lisa Hall was a brilliant thriller. As a parent, it played on my own fears! The storyline was well-executed, delightfully twisted, and kept me guessing until the very end.
Told from the perspective of Anna, Laurel’s nanny, Anna is heartsick with grief trying to find the missing girl. At the same time, as the investigation gets closer and closer to her, it’s evident that Anna has secrets of her own. Could Anna be the missing piece to the puzzle?
I found Anna’s character to be incredibly relatable. She genuinely seemed like she wanted to do the right things in the book, but her character was off just enough to keep me questioning her.
Laurel’s parents were a mess. Both had ulterior motives and neither one seemed fit to be parents. I enjoyed their characters, because I enjoyed disliking their characters! Some people should not be parents.
Watching the investigation play out was fascinating. I honestly had no idea which direction the book was going to go and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. It’s not what I was expecting! And that’s a good thing. I love when thrillers surprise me.
The audiobook’s narrator did a fantastic job. She had a pleasing voice and injected the right amount of emotions throughout the book.
If you’re fan of audiobooks, I highly recommend you check out Have You Seen Her by Lisa Hall. You won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to HarperCollins for providing an audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2019
This was such a good read. I was hooked from the first page to the last. There were a lot of twists and turns and I was desperate to find out what happened. I thought the ending was really good which is really important in a book. The characters weren’t particularly likeable but that didn’t change the book. I had my suspicions and I eventually figured out what happened about half way through despite changing my mind a million times. A really brilliant read and I can’t wait to read more from this author. I definitely recommend this book.
April 22, 2019
I normally dont like to read books about missing children, but I make the exception when it's by an author I admire. I've been hooked on Lisa's books since the release of Between You and Me. Have you seen her centres around Laurel, who goes missing on Bonfire night when being looked after by her nanny, Anna. The disappearance of the girl highlights problems and untruths, allowing suspicion to grow. 3 stars
January 27, 2019
A story that is every parents worst nightmare, your child going missing. As with the characters in the story, when they realise Laurel is missing, I could feel the sense of dread and fear rising in me.
Anna is the little girls nanny and you can tell just how much she loves Laurel also. It soon becomes clear that Anna has run away from something in her past which she is keeping secret and I was dying to know just what that secret was.
Laurel’s parents are not the most likeable of people. They are both self absorbed and more than the odd occasion I wanted to give them both a slap. It was hard at times feeling empathy for them as they were so wrapped up in themselves.
I enjoyed seeing how much FLO’s do within this instance, working with the family and generally trying to be there whilst also hoping to find out more information. I loved how the author focuses more on this aspect than the general detective side that we so often see in these sort of books.
As I have come to expect with this authors books, nothing is ever quite what it seems. There are lots of red herrings to steer you off course, having you second guessing at everyone and everything.
Have You Seen Her is an enthralling, twisty read and a guaranteed page turner. I was hooked from the off and the author ensured I stayed there until the very last page. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers.
My thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Anna is the little girls nanny and you can tell just how much she loves Laurel also. It soon becomes clear that Anna has run away from something in her past which she is keeping secret and I was dying to know just what that secret was.
Laurel’s parents are not the most likeable of people. They are both self absorbed and more than the odd occasion I wanted to give them both a slap. It was hard at times feeling empathy for them as they were so wrapped up in themselves.
I enjoyed seeing how much FLO’s do within this instance, working with the family and generally trying to be there whilst also hoping to find out more information. I loved how the author focuses more on this aspect than the general detective side that we so often see in these sort of books.
As I have come to expect with this authors books, nothing is ever quite what it seems. There are lots of red herrings to steer you off course, having you second guessing at everyone and everything.
Have You Seen Her is an enthralling, twisty read and a guaranteed page turner. I was hooked from the off and the author ensured I stayed there until the very last page. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers.
My thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 28, 2019
Terrible book. Completely unoriginal, slow, and boring with the most obvious twist at the end. The protagonist was written to be an idiot, unable to figure things out when they're glaringly obvious to the reader. Don't waste your time with this one.
March 9, 2019
Another twisty psychological thriller from my good friend and occasional partner in crime Lisa Hall and blimey it was a great one too. A proper page turner. Trust me I would have pointedly glared at her if I’d been disappointed.
A girl goes missing and literally everyone is hiding something- nobody, let’s face it, would look entirely morally incorruptible when under such intense scrutiny – but which secret might lead to Lauren’s safe return. Well you’ll certainly be avidly scurrying through the read to find out.
Love to hate protagonist’s are one of Lisa’s writing super powers so be prepared for Fran and trust no-one, even Fox Mulder might have struggled with this one with its great pacy plotting.
Divisive characters, unpredictability in events and one of this author’s now trademark brain bending endings make “Have You Seen Her ” an addictive read I’m happy to recommend.
A girl goes missing and literally everyone is hiding something- nobody, let’s face it, would look entirely morally incorruptible when under such intense scrutiny – but which secret might lead to Lauren’s safe return. Well you’ll certainly be avidly scurrying through the read to find out.
Love to hate protagonist’s are one of Lisa’s writing super powers so be prepared for Fran and trust no-one, even Fox Mulder might have struggled with this one with its great pacy plotting.
Divisive characters, unpredictability in events and one of this author’s now trademark brain bending endings make “Have You Seen Her ” an addictive read I’m happy to recommend.
May 26, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and HQ for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Anna was the nanny for four year Laurel Jessop. Her parents were `celebrity` couple Fran an actress and heart surgeon Dominic.
Anna and Fran took Laurel to a bonfire fire at their local primary school. Dominic had to work late but promised Laurel he would join them at the party. When Fran went to the toilet Laurel said she would go too, leaving Anna to watch the fireworks.
Later Fran returned alone thinking Laurel was with Anna. In a panic Anna rang the hospital but they said Dominic had left hours earlier. When Anna finally got through to Dominic on his mobile he told her not to tell Fran he had not been working.
Anna was hiding a secret of her own and was living under an alias. As the police started to investigate Laurel`s disappearance, Anna was scared her secret would be discovered, and peop!e would jump to the wrong conclusion as they had years earlier.
This story was atmospheric and I felt like I was waiting for Laurel along with Anna. The plot was tightly woven, I was sure I knew who had taken Laurel but then my mind would change as the story progressed.
I liked Anna who loved Laurel and was genuinely worried about her. I initially didn't like Fran who spent little time with Laurel and often went to parties at night. I did feel sorry for Fran when her actress facade faded, and felt her dismay when she found that people had been keeping secrets from her.
The epilogue was jaw dropping clever, I did not see that coming.
After enjoying Have You Seen Her and The Party, Lisa Hall is now on my go to author list. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for her next one.
Anna was the nanny for four year Laurel Jessop. Her parents were `celebrity` couple Fran an actress and heart surgeon Dominic.
Anna and Fran took Laurel to a bonfire fire at their local primary school. Dominic had to work late but promised Laurel he would join them at the party. When Fran went to the toilet Laurel said she would go too, leaving Anna to watch the fireworks.
Later Fran returned alone thinking Laurel was with Anna. In a panic Anna rang the hospital but they said Dominic had left hours earlier. When Anna finally got through to Dominic on his mobile he told her not to tell Fran he had not been working.
Anna was hiding a secret of her own and was living under an alias. As the police started to investigate Laurel`s disappearance, Anna was scared her secret would be discovered, and peop!e would jump to the wrong conclusion as they had years earlier.
This story was atmospheric and I felt like I was waiting for Laurel along with Anna. The plot was tightly woven, I was sure I knew who had taken Laurel but then my mind would change as the story progressed.
I liked Anna who loved Laurel and was genuinely worried about her. I initially didn't like Fran who spent little time with Laurel and often went to parties at night. I did feel sorry for Fran when her actress facade faded, and felt her dismay when she found that people had been keeping secrets from her.
The epilogue was jaw dropping clever, I did not see that coming.
After enjoying Have You Seen Her and The Party, Lisa Hall is now on my go to author list. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for her next one.
December 9, 2019
This kicked off for me, at the school bonfire. Every parents nightmare. A girl has gone missing.
It was heartbreaking for the parents, and the nanny.
We follow the investigation at the parents house, where the police ask questions.
The community join together to try and find this little girl.
I was surprised by a few things. Although, things are rarely what they seem.
It was heartbreaking for the parents, and the nanny.
We follow the investigation at the parents house, where the police ask questions.
The community join together to try and find this little girl.
I was surprised by a few things. Although, things are rarely what they seem.
October 10, 2019
What happens when you are the nanny of a child who goes missing, AND you have already been involved in anther child abuse case in another country.
Laurel goes off to catch up with her Mum at a bonfire night, but never actually makes it. Anna the nanny took her eyes off Laurel for a split second- and she vanished.
Laurel goes off to catch up with her Mum at a bonfire night, but never actually makes it. Anna the nanny took her eyes off Laurel for a split second- and she vanished.
May 3, 2019
This was a really engrossing thriller, that I could not put down until I got to the bitter end. There was one red herring after another, and so many twists and turns. Everyone had secrets, everyone lied. I had so many characters fingered for the abduction of the little girl, Laurel – suspected, then discarded as the next suspect crashed onto the scene. I even – at one stage – thought the narrator (the nanny, Anna) had done it while in a fugue state, a split personality or something. After all, that seemed as likely as anything else.
There were a number of pathologically obsessive individuals in the story – obsessed by love for a man, a woman, a child, or themselves – that lead them to (in my opinion) completely irrational actions. However, that does not necessarily make them guilty of the crime.
When a child goes missing, it is impossible for anyone in Britain to not think of Madeleine McCann, and the media storm that still surrounds her disappearance. And, indeed, the book makes several references to that case. The book is every bit as much about the way in which the general public reacts to news about missing children, as it is about the fate of Laurel. How we judge, based on what we read or hear in the media, on our own prejudices, on our own beliefs of what constitutes good parenting: “And, of course, people will be judging Fran and Dominic (and you, a spiteful voice whispers in the back of my mind) – look at how we all jumped on Kate and Gerry McCann” and “People like to have someone to blame, someone to pin things on. It makes life feel safer for them…like, if they have someone to blame, then it can’t happen to them.”
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
There were a number of pathologically obsessive individuals in the story – obsessed by love for a man, a woman, a child, or themselves – that lead them to (in my opinion) completely irrational actions. However, that does not necessarily make them guilty of the crime.
When a child goes missing, it is impossible for anyone in Britain to not think of Madeleine McCann, and the media storm that still surrounds her disappearance. And, indeed, the book makes several references to that case. The book is every bit as much about the way in which the general public reacts to news about missing children, as it is about the fate of Laurel. How we judge, based on what we read or hear in the media, on our own prejudices, on our own beliefs of what constitutes good parenting: “And, of course, people will be judging Fran and Dominic (and you, a spiteful voice whispers in the back of my mind) – look at how we all jumped on Kate and Gerry McCann” and “People like to have someone to blame, someone to pin things on. It makes life feel safer for them…like, if they have someone to blame, then it can’t happen to them.”
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 12, 2021
Loved it
May 22, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
A well-paced, interesting take on the classic 'girl goes missing' plot.
I've read rather a few crime / thriller stories recently, and I must confess, was starting to get slightly jaded with the genre. There seems to be quite a bit of 'sameyness' out there at the moment, and I was gagging to read something a bit different.
Have You Seen Her met this need to a degree, and was certainly enjoyable.
The plot
Anna is a nanny, who cares for Laurel, a cute little girl from a wealthy family. Her mother, Fran, is an actress, and her father, Dominic, is a successful surgeon who hasn't got much time for his family.
It's bonfire night, and Anna lets Laurel out of her sight for a few moments; only to realise that the girl has gone missing...
My review
I have to confess, when I started reading this book, I did a bit of an inward groan. Not another missing girl! (why is it always females?!). However, what I liked was that the book was pleasingly non-sensational. Rather than going for the usual dramatic twists and turns, it kept things more believable, which made a nice change.
I was intrigued by the character set-up too; a highly dysfunctional relationship, some strange 'friends' coming out of the woodwork, a few misleading red-herrings. It was certainly enough to keep me reading.
Anna's back-story I found a little less convincing. I'm not sure why... it just seemed slightly too convenient in some ways. However, this wasn't a major part of the plot, so it wasn't an issue for me at all. And there's a fun twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
Does this book break the mould? Not particularly, but then, I don't think it's trying to. Is it an entertaining read, that fits well with its genre? Definitely. With that in mind, if you love your crime reads, this will probably be right up your street.
A well-paced, interesting take on the classic 'girl goes missing' plot.
I've read rather a few crime / thriller stories recently, and I must confess, was starting to get slightly jaded with the genre. There seems to be quite a bit of 'sameyness' out there at the moment, and I was gagging to read something a bit different.
Have You Seen Her met this need to a degree, and was certainly enjoyable.
The plot
Anna is a nanny, who cares for Laurel, a cute little girl from a wealthy family. Her mother, Fran, is an actress, and her father, Dominic, is a successful surgeon who hasn't got much time for his family.
It's bonfire night, and Anna lets Laurel out of her sight for a few moments; only to realise that the girl has gone missing...
My review
I have to confess, when I started reading this book, I did a bit of an inward groan. Not another missing girl! (why is it always females?!). However, what I liked was that the book was pleasingly non-sensational. Rather than going for the usual dramatic twists and turns, it kept things more believable, which made a nice change.
I was intrigued by the character set-up too; a highly dysfunctional relationship, some strange 'friends' coming out of the woodwork, a few misleading red-herrings. It was certainly enough to keep me reading.
Anna's back-story I found a little less convincing. I'm not sure why... it just seemed slightly too convenient in some ways. However, this wasn't a major part of the plot, so it wasn't an issue for me at all. And there's a fun twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
Does this book break the mould? Not particularly, but then, I don't think it's trying to. Is it an entertaining read, that fits well with its genre? Definitely. With that in mind, if you love your crime reads, this will probably be right up your street.
January 6, 2022
Review
Another book completed by another one of my favourite authors.
This book had me gripped, Lisa has an incredible talent. Her books grab hold and don't let go.
Each of the characters within these pages hold their own secrets and I suspecred almost all of them at one point or another. Anna is extremely clever and I really liked her character.
Another 5⭐ read from a brilliant author.
Another book completed by another one of my favourite authors.
This book had me gripped, Lisa has an incredible talent. Her books grab hold and don't let go.
Each of the characters within these pages hold their own secrets and I suspecred almost all of them at one point or another. Anna is extremely clever and I really liked her character.
Another 5⭐ read from a brilliant author.
October 8, 2020
This book was about a missing girl. Fran, the mother, and Anna, the nanny took Laurel to a school bonfire and she disappeared. Everyone is a suspect, but the father doesn't have an alibi for some of the evening. Another mystery is that Anna has some sort of problem in her past that she wants to stay hidden so no one will know that she's changed her name. The truth comes out in the end with a surprising twist.
April 1, 2019
Very good full review to follow for blog tour later this month.
May 9, 2019
Rating: 4.5/5*
This is an amazing, gripping read, a real page-turner that I didn't want to leave until I discovered what had really happened to Lauren, a young girl who goes missing whilst attending a fireworks display with both her Mum, Fran, and her nanny, Anna. The story is told from the point of view of Anna and is so full of twists and turns it is a tense nightmare with surprising revelations, accusations and is totally unputdownable!
From the very beginning, the reader is drawn into this fast paced story which keeps the reader guessing to the very end. It is a shocking, tense, thrilling read and that ending - wow! The characters are well developed, flaws and all, and their relationships are tested and put under scrutiny as the search for the missing child continues. There are fears, secrets, hidden motives and manipulations that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys dramatic, suspense-filled psychological thrillers. I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
This is an amazing, gripping read, a real page-turner that I didn't want to leave until I discovered what had really happened to Lauren, a young girl who goes missing whilst attending a fireworks display with both her Mum, Fran, and her nanny, Anna. The story is told from the point of view of Anna and is so full of twists and turns it is a tense nightmare with surprising revelations, accusations and is totally unputdownable!
From the very beginning, the reader is drawn into this fast paced story which keeps the reader guessing to the very end. It is a shocking, tense, thrilling read and that ending - wow! The characters are well developed, flaws and all, and their relationships are tested and put under scrutiny as the search for the missing child continues. There are fears, secrets, hidden motives and manipulations that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys dramatic, suspense-filled psychological thrillers. I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
June 19, 2020
4.5 stars. Anna is a nanny to five year old Laurel. She takes her eyes off her for just a second at the local bonfire and Laurel is gone. Her parents are frantic and as time passes the finger of suspicion moves about, everyone has secrets to hide.
A great book, intriguing from the start which kept me on my toes all the way through. Topped off with a superb ending.
A great book, intriguing from the start which kept me on my toes all the way through. Topped off with a superb ending.
June 3, 2020
Pace could have been a little quicker. Plot was ok, but I wanted more to happen in the middle. I enjoyed the two twists at the end and did not see them coming.
February 25, 2021
Ahhhhhh loved it.
The end was super shocking
The end was super shocking
September 23, 2022
Ooh I really enjoyed this book - fast paced, plenty going on - was right up my street!
Not much else to say, as don't want to give away any spoilers but I would definitely recommend.
Not much else to say, as don't want to give away any spoilers but I would definitely recommend.
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