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The Girl in the Dark
Melissa is a sweet-natured girl with a disturbing habit of running away and mixing with the wrong crowd. After she’s picked up by the police, and with nowhere else to go, she is locked in a secure unit with young offenders. Social Services beg specialist foster carer Angela to take her in, but can she keep the testing 12-year-old safe? And will Angela ever learn what, or who, drove Melissa to run and hide, sometimes in the dead of night? The Girl in the Dark is the sixth book from well-loved foster carer Angela Hart. A true story that shares the tale of one of the many children she has fostered over the years. Angela's stories show the difference that quiet care, a watchful eye, and sympathetic ear can make to those children whose upbringing has been less fortunate than others.
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2019
85 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 14, 2019
Angela and Jonathan are foster carers who have also completed training to become specialist carers for “teenagers with complex needs”. The latest addition to their family is Melissa, who requires a short term placement. Melissa is a sweet, polite and seemingly young twelve year old, yet she has a history of running away from foster care.
While Angela and Jonathan have fostered children for several years, Melissa is the first “runner” that’s been placed in their home. They don’t know if she’s running from or to something and are given very little information about her history so they’re not quite sure what’s in store for them.
Though their experiences with Melissa are central to this book, Ryan and Marty, whose time in their home overlapped Melissa’s, are also discussed. Vicky, who I presume is the same girl in Angela’s previous book, Terrified, also appears briefly.
I vacillated between feeling like a voyeur, wanting to know more about this young girl’s life, and treating the story as fictionalised in order to assuage the intrusiveness I felt. I was glad to read that “Certain details in this story, including names, places and dates, have been changed to protect the family’s privacy” although at the same time I knew the horror I would feel if I learned a foster parent (even using a pseudonym) had published my story without my consent, regardless of how much it had been altered to de-identify me.
Given the author states . It also seemed incongruous to be consistently reading about how the author wouldn’t divulge private details about any of her foster children to current or prior foster kids or even her mother, who was babysitting them, when I was reading all about them (albeit de-identified) in a published book.
I’ve been hesitant to read books based on real foster care experiences because of my concerns about privacy but can also see their benefit, as they provide insight into this often hidden world. It was the recommendation from Torey Hayden, whose books I devoured in my early twenties, that made me finally bite the bullet.
Good foster carers really should be praised for their tireless efforts in providing stability and a safe place for some of the most vulnerable young people. I hope books like this spur people into action who have considered fostering, as more foster carers are always needed.
I was frustrated by the rules that foster carers were expected to follow in the 1990’s when the events of this book are said to have taken place; rules that are supposed to protect foster children but instead leave them vulnerable to additional harm. I can only hope this broken system has been changed for the better in the UK since that time.
Some readers may find the themes of this book disturbing and rightfully so as it mentions . This was a quick read for me. I found some sections repetitive but overall the story flowed well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bluebird, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
While Angela and Jonathan have fostered children for several years, Melissa is the first “runner” that’s been placed in their home. They don’t know if she’s running from or to something and are given very little information about her history so they’re not quite sure what’s in store for them.
Though their experiences with Melissa are central to this book, Ryan and Marty, whose time in their home overlapped Melissa’s, are also discussed. Vicky, who I presume is the same girl in Angela’s previous book, Terrified, also appears briefly.
I vacillated between feeling like a voyeur, wanting to know more about this young girl’s life, and treating the story as fictionalised in order to assuage the intrusiveness I felt. I was glad to read that “Certain details in this story, including names, places and dates, have been changed to protect the family’s privacy” although at the same time I knew the horror I would feel if I learned a foster parent (even using a pseudonym) had published my story without my consent, regardless of how much it had been altered to de-identify me.
Given the author states . It also seemed incongruous to be consistently reading about how the author wouldn’t divulge private details about any of her foster children to current or prior foster kids or even her mother, who was babysitting them, when I was reading all about them (albeit de-identified) in a published book.
I’ve been hesitant to read books based on real foster care experiences because of my concerns about privacy but can also see their benefit, as they provide insight into this often hidden world. It was the recommendation from Torey Hayden, whose books I devoured in my early twenties, that made me finally bite the bullet.
Good foster carers really should be praised for their tireless efforts in providing stability and a safe place for some of the most vulnerable young people. I hope books like this spur people into action who have considered fostering, as more foster carers are always needed.
I was frustrated by the rules that foster carers were expected to follow in the 1990’s when the events of this book are said to have taken place; rules that are supposed to protect foster children but instead leave them vulnerable to additional harm. I can only hope this broken system has been changed for the better in the UK since that time.
Some readers may find the themes of this book disturbing and rightfully so as it mentions . This was a quick read for me. I found some sections repetitive but overall the story flowed well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bluebird, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
May 18, 2019
This was my second Angela Hart book, and the story brought tears to my eyes as before. Angela was a foster parent along with her husband and they genuinely care about the children in their care.
Melissa a 12 year old runaway was placed with Angela in the 1990s and it took their patience and fortitude to understand the reasons sh ekept running away.
Angela Hart is a brilliant writer but she is an exceptional foster mother with a tender heart who cared for all the children under her.
Every word written shook me to the core, and I couldn't help my heart breaking at the way some people take advantage of these kids.
This book brought out realities of life in a sensitive manner.
Absolutely heartbreaking.
Melissa a 12 year old runaway was placed with Angela in the 1990s and it took their patience and fortitude to understand the reasons sh ekept running away.
Angela Hart is a brilliant writer but she is an exceptional foster mother with a tender heart who cared for all the children under her.
Every word written shook me to the core, and I couldn't help my heart breaking at the way some people take advantage of these kids.
This book brought out realities of life in a sensitive manner.
Absolutely heartbreaking.
March 16, 2019
Found this book hard to get in too
June 15, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, Angela Hart and publisher Pan Macmillan for giving me the opportunity to read this very moving true account of what forstering childern is really like.
I have read one or two of Angela Harts books before and found them very eye opening and moving but this one has hit me more than I thought it would. I don't think that I could be a foster carer myself but juxt by reading these moving books I can get an understanding of what it might be like. It has made me look at things in a different light and appreciate what carer's need to do and what they go through in daily life.
I never really knew anything about fostering untill I read Angela's books, it must be hard on a day to day basis to be a foster carer. I take my hat off to you and your husband. Some of the things that you have written about sound awful to have gone through both as a child and carer, I struggled to read about them so god knows how you felt actually going through it. Yes I know you have written about how it was for you, so that we can get an understanding, but surely you might of been holding somethings back, so as not to upset the readers too much but at the same time still getting your experiemce across to us?
Well done on the job you do to help childern have a better chance at life that perhaps they mzy not of had otherwise. I look forward to reading more of your books/fostering experiences.
I would recommend Angela's books to anyone who wanted to know what it is like to be a foster carer. Very eye opening and moving in places.
I have read one or two of Angela Harts books before and found them very eye opening and moving but this one has hit me more than I thought it would. I don't think that I could be a foster carer myself but juxt by reading these moving books I can get an understanding of what it might be like. It has made me look at things in a different light and appreciate what carer's need to do and what they go through in daily life.
I never really knew anything about fostering untill I read Angela's books, it must be hard on a day to day basis to be a foster carer. I take my hat off to you and your husband. Some of the things that you have written about sound awful to have gone through both as a child and carer, I struggled to read about them so god knows how you felt actually going through it. Yes I know you have written about how it was for you, so that we can get an understanding, but surely you might of been holding somethings back, so as not to upset the readers too much but at the same time still getting your experiemce across to us?
Well done on the job you do to help childern have a better chance at life that perhaps they mzy not of had otherwise. I look forward to reading more of your books/fostering experiences.
I would recommend Angela's books to anyone who wanted to know what it is like to be a foster carer. Very eye opening and moving in places.
April 1, 2019
This is the second book I have read from this author and I can’t wait to purchase her other books. I put her up there with my favourite authors Cathy Glass and Casey Watson
December 11, 2018
This is another story by Angela Hart on one of the children they have fostered over the years.
This story is about Melissa the 12 year old who has a tendencies to run away, would Angela and Jonathan cope with a runaway?? Angela and Jonathan have had specialist training to look after difficult children or children that have issues. So they bring Melissa into their home and hope she settles, Melissa is a friendly, polite outgoing child who seems to be staying with them, but then Melissa runs away on more than one occasion, Angela and Jonathan deal with it valiantly but never really know what Melissa is up to and who she is running off with.
I couldn't imagine being in Angela and Jonathan situation and not being able to do anything, I would want to sit by the phone just to wait.
This is a well written story and you feel for the carers, as no one seems to want to help.
This story is about Melissa the 12 year old who has a tendencies to run away, would Angela and Jonathan cope with a runaway?? Angela and Jonathan have had specialist training to look after difficult children or children that have issues. So they bring Melissa into their home and hope she settles, Melissa is a friendly, polite outgoing child who seems to be staying with them, but then Melissa runs away on more than one occasion, Angela and Jonathan deal with it valiantly but never really know what Melissa is up to and who she is running off with.
I couldn't imagine being in Angela and Jonathan situation and not being able to do anything, I would want to sit by the phone just to wait.
This is a well written story and you feel for the carers, as no one seems to want to help.
February 15, 2019
Great, quick reading. Intriguing, unpredictable.
I loved this new book from Angela Hart. I've read quite a few fostering memoirs from other authors but only recently found this author. I really like her books. This is the third one I've read now, I read it in just two days, and she's my new favourite author in this genre.
Angela and husband Jonathan combine fostering with having their own business-running a flower shop. She admits they've never dealt with this scenario before-a regular runaway. It's never preachy or 'I know everything'. The placement will be for five weeks-but will it, or will it turn out differently? Melissa is just 12 years old.
This is just a little touch but I like this-how she uses a quote from within the chapter for the chapter title.
One of the best of these type of memoirs I've read. Some of them get quite repetitive; routine stuff mentioned in every book-this had action and suspense. It got to be a real roller coaster read-which I wasn't expecting: with these sort of books, it's usually, foster a difficult child-they improve their ways, they move on to their forever home, and all turns out for the best. This book is so much more.
Such a good book, a gripping read which really keeps you guessing.
I loved this new book from Angela Hart. I've read quite a few fostering memoirs from other authors but only recently found this author. I really like her books. This is the third one I've read now, I read it in just two days, and she's my new favourite author in this genre.
Angela and husband Jonathan combine fostering with having their own business-running a flower shop. She admits they've never dealt with this scenario before-a regular runaway. It's never preachy or 'I know everything'. The placement will be for five weeks-but will it, or will it turn out differently? Melissa is just 12 years old.
This is just a little touch but I like this-how she uses a quote from within the chapter for the chapter title.
One of the best of these type of memoirs I've read. Some of them get quite repetitive; routine stuff mentioned in every book-this had action and suspense. It got to be a real roller coaster read-which I wasn't expecting: with these sort of books, it's usually, foster a difficult child-they improve their ways, they move on to their forever home, and all turns out for the best. This book is so much more.
Such a good book, a gripping read which really keeps you guessing.
June 18, 2023
It tells the story of a foster child who continually ran away, sometimes for days on end, at every possible opportunity and from every place she went to: from her foster parents' home, from her school, from her friends' houses, from her youth club .... and on each and every occasion, the police had to be notified, and many, many hours of valuable police time wasted in trying to find her. Although the story was obviously written about events which took place nearly 20 years ago, I still find it hard to understand why the child was able to get away with it - her fosters carers were simply not allowed to lock their house without giving the girl a key, nor were they permitted to prevent her from going out as often as she wanted to in the evenings, to see her "friends". Despite the fact that at the age of 12, she freely admitted to having a number of boyfriends who were old enough to drive, and on one occasion she thought she might be pregnant, so she was obviously having sex, apparently refusing to allow her freedom to go out whenever and wherever she wanted was "infringing her civil liberties". I can't help wondering if Social Services would have allowed their own children to behave like this at such a young age - I don't think so! I sincerely hope that the rules have changed since that time (as I'm sure they have.) Angela and her husband Jonathan did everything they could to help the child, but their hands were tied.
February 21, 2019
Another brilliant read by Angela, you feel as your living through the emotions with her. I pre order all of Angela's books now as I have never read one of hers that hasn't been good.
June 19, 2022
A well written and interesting story about foster parents and one of their charges, a runaway called Melissa. I have read many of these type of books before so the content was not new to me. Something I cannot understand in the care system is why so many people are involved in one placement. There is the co-ordinator, the social worker, the aid worker etc etc. Why does it take so many people to organize a placement? The girl in question was deeply troubled and Jonathan and Angela the foster parents were stressed out with this young girl's antics. I fail to understand why they cannot have more control over the children they look after. The easy going attitude that they had to adopt by the Social Services would not serve any child in the long term. This young girl was able to go out whenever she wanted to and there was no supervision as to who she was with. The foster parents should have had to power to interview all of this young girl's friends before they allowed her out with them. In addition, the lack of security in the house with doors left unlocked etc was an open invitation to burglars. As with any household, it is important to make sure that all doors and windows are locked at night. Although I admired the work Jonathan and Angela did, I did think they were very naive particularly where this girl was concerned. I have no doubt they have wised up since then!
April 15, 2019
Angela and Jonathan Hart are foster carers, with a difference. They are trained to foster special children that need more than just shelter, food and love.
Melissa, a 12-year-old, is needing a placement as a matter of urgency. They hear from Social Services that she regularly runs away and there is nothing that anyone can do to physically make sure it doesn't happen again. Only words can be used to persuade her not to abscond.
These people do an exceptional job. They are endlessly patient and vigilant with the young people in their care. I really do take my hat off to them. I am sure that they make a huge difference to most people who have stayed with them.
An unhappy young girl, whose friends are older than her, appears to be helping her onto the wrong path in life. On her arrival, a trip to the doctor highlights her vulnerability as she says she may be pregnant.
This is set in the early 1990' and highlight a problem with child sex trafficking, something most of us were unaware of. Years later the couple is interested to hear if Melissa got away from that type of grooming. It looks like she did.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
Melissa, a 12-year-old, is needing a placement as a matter of urgency. They hear from Social Services that she regularly runs away and there is nothing that anyone can do to physically make sure it doesn't happen again. Only words can be used to persuade her not to abscond.
These people do an exceptional job. They are endlessly patient and vigilant with the young people in their care. I really do take my hat off to them. I am sure that they make a huge difference to most people who have stayed with them.
An unhappy young girl, whose friends are older than her, appears to be helping her onto the wrong path in life. On her arrival, a trip to the doctor highlights her vulnerability as she says she may be pregnant.
This is set in the early 1990' and highlight a problem with child sex trafficking, something most of us were unaware of. Years later the couple is interested to hear if Melissa got away from that type of grooming. It looks like she did.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
February 21, 2019
Foster carers Angela and Jonathan were asked to take in 12 year old Melissa, who kept running away. Although they didn't hesitate Angela did talk to her previous carer for some advice and was warned they would find it stressful. Melissa was known as a runner. Disappearing for days on end.
She was a lovely young girl but something or someone was making her run away time after time
You have to take your hat off to the work carers do as its not easy and often a thankless task. They do their best to look after each child and not only show them love, but help them cope with the trauma they have gone through in their young lives. I love the fact that many of the children keep in touch with Angela and Jonathan after they leave and make lives for themselves.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book and it gets a full five stars from me.
She was a lovely young girl but something or someone was making her run away time after time
You have to take your hat off to the work carers do as its not easy and often a thankless task. They do their best to look after each child and not only show them love, but help them cope with the trauma they have gone through in their young lives. I love the fact that many of the children keep in touch with Angela and Jonathan after they leave and make lives for themselves.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book and it gets a full five stars from me.
April 15, 2019
I received this book from the publishers in return for my independent honest review. This is the second book that I have read by this author and she never lets you down. Angela Hart writes about her experiences as a Foster carer in an interesting and heartfelt way. This features another of her wards and their journey together. The format is always very similar, however each case is individual and you get a sense of how difficult it can be to foster children and young adults and that it is no way a breeze in the park. A brilliant series especially if you are interested in the fostering journey yourself.
September 29, 2021
In the light of what we now know about child sexual exploitation and the gangs who target vulnerable children, it is heart-breaking to learn just how ignorant Local Authorities and the police were in the 1990s about what was going on. This story of how Angela Hart and her husband tried to protect twelve-year-old Melissa from her undesirable ‘friends’ is riveting but so, so sad. The Harts were prevented from setting boundaries for this vulnerable child that most parents would have considered essential, because of a set of bizarre rules which were supposed to protect her and did just the opposite. I have friends who foster, and I know what a tough job it is. This book just confirms it.
December 5, 2018
An absolutely brilliant well written story. It’s amazing that life is like this for so many young people. It’s even better knowing that there is a lot of good people out there that are willing to open their doors and their hearts to help the less fortunate. Fair play to each and everyone of ye.
A must read of 2019. I’m delighted I’ve had the privilege to read this and review this book. Definitely a 5star read...
A must read of 2019. I’m delighted I’ve had the privilege to read this and review this book. Definitely a 5star read...
February 3, 2019
Another great read by Angela Hart, that catalogues her and her husband's experiences as foster carers, After training, they have moved on to deal with children who have more complexed care needs and Melissa is certainly sent to try their patience and stamina. The book is well written, interesting and will keep you hooked to the very end
March 3, 2019
Another great read
I really enjoy reading these books, although sad to hear about what young people go through I always find the work of foster carers inspiring . My only criticism of this book is the content reference to being specialist carers I don't feel this needed to be mentioned as much as it was.
I really enjoy reading these books, although sad to hear about what young people go through I always find the work of foster carers inspiring . My only criticism of this book is the content reference to being specialist carers I don't feel this needed to be mentioned as much as it was.
June 13, 2019
Another bittersweet story from experienced foster carer Angela Hart.
Melissa is a runner but what is she running from/to? The answer is deeply disturbing.
Moving and compelling, this is perfect for anyone who likes their autobiographies to be down to earth and honest.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.
Melissa is a runner but what is she running from/to? The answer is deeply disturbing.
Moving and compelling, this is perfect for anyone who likes their autobiographies to be down to earth and honest.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.
December 24, 2018
This is my second Angela Hart book and I really enjoyed it. Hart's writing is really easy to read and it compels you to read on as you want to find out what exactly is happening with Melissa. The epilogue is vital for this book and for possibly understanding why Melissa acted the way she did.
March 20, 2019
Another fantastic book from Angela Hart, really enjoyed it.
May 15, 2019
Good book
July 9, 2019
Another fantastic read couldn't put down only started it 10 hours ago and just finished it now . Read all Angela Hart's books would highly recommend. She a fantastic foster parent
October 23, 2019
Very interesting story!
November 13, 2019
Very good
November 14, 2019
I'm addicted to these books - Angela Hart is creeping into Cathy Glass territory for me. They both do a fantastic job of portraying how difficult and how rewarding it can be to foster-parent.
December 17, 2019
Makes me respect foster carers even more, if that is possible. Interesting story and one sweet but somewhat lost young girl.
October 28, 2020
I love it, I couldn't put it down. But sad, and I learn about grooming.
February 25, 2021
A real eye opener.
April 25, 2021
Good book
March 5, 2022
Ugh I was screaming grooming and sex trafficking before she even got to Angela’s, so sad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews