What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Tell Meg Trilogy #3
The Forgotten Children
A childhood poisoned by betrayal. A revenge that can wait no more.
Things have gone from bad to worse for radio journalist, Pete Bailey.
Not only is he still estranged from his wife Meg, he has found himself living in rundown flat in Blackpool, rapidly running out of money and scraping by to make ends meet.
But the seaside resort holds the secrets of Meg's childhood years, which were poisoned by cruelty, betrayal and violence.
As Pete gets closer to the truth, the past comes back to haunt him as a killer seeks to right wrongs and destroy old enemies.
More lives will be lost and those closest to Pete will risk most of all.
But finally, after all the death and misery, the terrible truth will be revealed.
The Forgotten Children is the final part of a trilogy of thrillers.
Book 1, Don't Tell Meg and Book 2, The Murder Place are also available.
Paul J. Teague has also written the standalone thriller Dead of Night (Released May 2017)
Please note that this book contains mild violence, bad language and sexual references.
Things have gone from bad to worse for radio journalist, Pete Bailey.
Not only is he still estranged from his wife Meg, he has found himself living in rundown flat in Blackpool, rapidly running out of money and scraping by to make ends meet.
But the seaside resort holds the secrets of Meg's childhood years, which were poisoned by cruelty, betrayal and violence.
As Pete gets closer to the truth, the past comes back to haunt him as a killer seeks to right wrongs and destroy old enemies.
More lives will be lost and those closest to Pete will risk most of all.
But finally, after all the death and misery, the terrible truth will be revealed.
The Forgotten Children is the final part of a trilogy of thrillers.
Book 1, Don't Tell Meg and Book 2, The Murder Place are also available.
Paul J. Teague has also written the standalone thriller Dead of Night (Released May 2017)
Please note that this book contains mild violence, bad language and sexual references.
300 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2017
173 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Teague
46 books105 followersHi, I'm Paul Teague (writing as Paul J. Teague), the author of the Don't Tell Meg trilogy, the Morecambe Bay series of books as well as several other standalone psychological thrillers such as Dead of Night, So Many Lies and Now You See Her.
I'm a former broadcaster and journalist with the BBC, but I have also worked as a primary school teacher, a disc jockey, a shopkeeper, a waiter and a sales rep.
I've read thrillers all my life, starting with Enid Blyton's Famous Five series, then graduating to James Hadley Chase, Harlan Coben, Linwood Barclay and Mark Edwards.
If you love those authors then you’ll like my thrillers too.
I started off writing thrillers with the Don’t Tell Meg Trilogy which draws upon my 18 year career in radio journalism.
It’s fast-moving, high action and a bit racy in places, but it was great fun writing the story and I hope to re-visit the characters one day.
My standalones are ‘can’t-put-down’ stories where normal people find themselves in extradordinary situations.
I also write sci-fi and dystopian novels as Paul Teague and these stories are set in dark and sinister future-worlds.
I have written The Secret Bunker Trilogy, The Grid Trilogy and the stanadlone story, Phase 6.
You can find out more about my books at: https://paulteague.net/
I'm a former broadcaster and journalist with the BBC, but I have also worked as a primary school teacher, a disc jockey, a shopkeeper, a waiter and a sales rep.
I've read thrillers all my life, starting with Enid Blyton's Famous Five series, then graduating to James Hadley Chase, Harlan Coben, Linwood Barclay and Mark Edwards.
If you love those authors then you’ll like my thrillers too.
I started off writing thrillers with the Don’t Tell Meg Trilogy which draws upon my 18 year career in radio journalism.
It’s fast-moving, high action and a bit racy in places, but it was great fun writing the story and I hope to re-visit the characters one day.
My standalones are ‘can’t-put-down’ stories where normal people find themselves in extradordinary situations.
I also write sci-fi and dystopian novels as Paul Teague and these stories are set in dark and sinister future-worlds.
I have written The Secret Bunker Trilogy, The Grid Trilogy and the stanadlone story, Phase 6.
You can find out more about my books at: https://paulteague.net/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 15, 2018
The Forgotten Children is the third and final book in the Meg trilogy. I would highly recommend reading the books in order to get full enjoyment as there is a lot that happens, especially from the first book that you would be better off knowing before reading this one.
I’m not quite sure what I was expecting from the third and final book but The Forgotten Children was much more than I could have hoped for. In the previous books we don’t actually get to meet Meg and know relatively very little about her other than she is Pete’s estranged wife. I was desperate for some answers and they came at me thick and fast.
I don’t want to give to much away but finding out about Meg’s past left me with very mixed emotions. For one it was great to have everything finally revealed but what is revealed made for some emotional and heart breaking reading. I won’t lie that due to the nature of the story it did make for some difficult reading in part but the author does it skilfully so everything is left to the imagination.
The Forgotten Children is a dark and emotional read that by the end had me racing through the pages. As the saying goes ‘save the best til last’ and as much as I have enjoyed the other previous books, this was by far my favourite. Everything just comes together and it totally lived up to my expectations and more. I have to say I have really enjoyed the journey the author has taken me on with these books. Pete is a character who has grown on me with each passing read, so much so that I am a little sad to be seeing the last of him. Hopefully Pete’s adventures won’t stop there as trouble seems to have a habit of following him!
I’m not quite sure what I was expecting from the third and final book but The Forgotten Children was much more than I could have hoped for. In the previous books we don’t actually get to meet Meg and know relatively very little about her other than she is Pete’s estranged wife. I was desperate for some answers and they came at me thick and fast.
I don’t want to give to much away but finding out about Meg’s past left me with very mixed emotions. For one it was great to have everything finally revealed but what is revealed made for some emotional and heart breaking reading. I won’t lie that due to the nature of the story it did make for some difficult reading in part but the author does it skilfully so everything is left to the imagination.
The Forgotten Children is a dark and emotional read that by the end had me racing through the pages. As the saying goes ‘save the best til last’ and as much as I have enjoyed the other previous books, this was by far my favourite. Everything just comes together and it totally lived up to my expectations and more. I have to say I have really enjoyed the journey the author has taken me on with these books. Pete is a character who has grown on me with each passing read, so much so that I am a little sad to be seeing the last of him. Hopefully Pete’s adventures won’t stop there as trouble seems to have a habit of following him!
August 17, 2018
Great ending to the series
Everything comes to to a conclusion and you love how it ends. I just wish there had been an epilogue telling how Pete ends up!
Everything comes to to a conclusion and you love how it ends. I just wish there had been an epilogue telling how Pete ends up!
August 21, 2018
This entire trilogy is a must read. They get better with each book. Just be warned, once you start, you won’t be able to put them down. I almost stopped reading, “Don’t tell Meg” because the beginning was a little all over the place. But I’m glad I stuck to it. I’ve read the entire series within days. I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t put the second one down. And this one was even better. The twists!!! It’s nothing like you think. Don’t try. Just read. I’m shocked I don’t have a blood clot from lack of movement. All I’ve done is read. Now it’s over, and I have to get back to reality. I wish I hadn’t read them, just so I could read them again for the first time. lol
August 16, 2019
I loved this book so much! In my opinion, this was the best book of the trilogy! Pete continues to look for Meg, who has practically disappeared in a small city called Blackpool. As Pete and Alex start digging, they find a sinister history surrounding Meg's past. This book is a murder mystery with a plot twist! I was able to guess some parts of the ending based on the hints left throughout the book, but one particular bit really gave me a shock. I was reading that part right before bed, but it gave me such a shock that I had a hard time sleeping! I just had to finish the book the following morning! I also really enjoyed the POV changes --- it was between Pete (present day) and Meg's past, so readers could see what really happened. This book was very dark. It was especially horrifying knowing that it's not all fiction, as horrors like this happen in real life all the time. Overall, very good read and the ending left me feeling satisfied at last! All the pieces of the puzzle came together and we got the answers we were owed! We found the demon. Amazing trilogy!
August 24, 2020
I have the box set that includes this story so will just say that, although disturbing, the subject is tackled very well.
We finally find out the foundation of Meg's life and I must say I wasn't surprised; it certainly made sense of her secrecy and actions.
This was a fast-paced, well-written story with a great sense of place, good characters, plot and plenty of lessons to be learned. The subject matter, of course, fed into anger and the need for justice, yet that's what makes a good story, if sad at the same time. A nice twist or two as well.
Highly recommended.
We finally find out the foundation of Meg's life and I must say I wasn't surprised; it certainly made sense of her secrecy and actions.
This was a fast-paced, well-written story with a great sense of place, good characters, plot and plenty of lessons to be learned. The subject matter, of course, fed into anger and the need for justice, yet that's what makes a good story, if sad at the same time. A nice twist or two as well.
Highly recommended.
April 8, 2022
It was an alright ending to the trilogy. It kind of dragged on at times for me. It was cool to see more of the history of Meg and to go back and forth with the present. I think I spent most of the time being aggravated with Pete. And to think after all that he goes through, he doesn’t even get to end up with Meg. It’s clear that he should be with Alex anyways, although Alex could do much better IMO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2023
GOOD ENDING...
I was hoping, in this book, that Pete would wizen up, much sooner than the end. Regardless, it was a very action packed book. Poor Pete paid for it though. How many trips to the hospital does that tally up to, in all three books? As much as I liked the books, I think the story should stop right there. I don't think Pete's body could withstand anymore adventurous accidents
I was hoping, in this book, that Pete would wizen up, much sooner than the end. Regardless, it was a very action packed book. Poor Pete paid for it though. How many trips to the hospital does that tally up to, in all three books? As much as I liked the books, I think the story should stop right there. I don't think Pete's body could withstand anymore adventurous accidents
January 15, 2020
Twisted but Awesome!
This was an emotional book for me. The twists and turns and the backstory of Meg was insane. I thought I had it figured out but I didn't see it coming when it was finally revealed! Fantastic work! I hope the author writes more on Pete and alex . I wouldn't mind appearances from the rest of the crew too!
This was an emotional book for me. The twists and turns and the backstory of Meg was insane. I thought I had it figured out but I didn't see it coming when it was finally revealed! Fantastic work! I hope the author writes more on Pete and alex . I wouldn't mind appearances from the rest of the crew too!
November 8, 2018
Interesting
This isn’t my favorite series but it’s good. I liked the characters mostly, especially Alex. I don’t know that I’d read another Teague book though. This series has given me nightmares.
This isn’t my favorite series but it’s good. I liked the characters mostly, especially Alex. I don’t know that I’d read another Teague book though. This series has given me nightmares.
July 20, 2019
Very enjoyable read
A great end to a great trilogy. I really enjoyed reading it, it made me uncomfortable and that's what I want in this genre. Very interesting and lots of surprises. I had guessed the mystery of the man with Meg quite early on but I did really enjoy it.
A great end to a great trilogy. I really enjoyed reading it, it made me uncomfortable and that's what I want in this genre. Very interesting and lots of surprises. I had guessed the mystery of the man with Meg quite early on but I did really enjoy it.
December 30, 2019
trilogy
Having read all the 3 books - this has got to be my best one. It’s tense, gripping and kept me up most nights wanting to read, I never saw the final twist coming at the end. Looking forward to more titles from this author.
Having read all the 3 books - this has got to be my best one. It’s tense, gripping and kept me up most nights wanting to read, I never saw the final twist coming at the end. Looking forward to more titles from this author.
April 28, 2020
A great ending to this trilogy! I really liked these characters and really did not see the end coming which is unusual for me. I really like this author and will look for other books by him on Amazon.
January 15, 2022
I felt this was definitely and more absorbing story in this trilogy I love anything that shares a characters childhood trauma and history, so this was right up my alley. I predicted part of the story but one part caused a clever twist.
May 11, 2017
Oh
What a bunch of murders babies and love. It is very fast placed and once again I couldn't put it down. A lot of surprises
What a bunch of murders babies and love. It is very fast placed and once again I couldn't put it down. A lot of surprises
December 18, 2017
Good series
I enjoyed all three books of this series. He hooked me on the first one and was not disappointed with the next two.
I enjoyed all three books of this series. He hooked me on the first one and was not disappointed with the next two.
April 26, 2020
Enjoyed the final instalment of this trilogy which was focused on how things came to be and showed the impact of trauma in childhood and the ongoing impact in life
July 25, 2020
Loved it!
Was an amazing read. First two books were really good but this one took the cake. I could not put it down! You won’t be disappointed..
Was an amazing read. First two books were really good but this one took the cake. I could not put it down! You won’t be disappointed..
August 17, 2020
Best of 3 in the trilogy for me! There were some things that I wanted to know that weren’t revealed in the end but all in all a satisfactory end to the trilogy
June 1, 2021
Enjoyed all 3 books there are times in the story when you want to shake the main character but can’t help but like him a good read x
May 3, 2022
Great read
This trilogy was really good! Very intriguing from the start. It made me laugh, and cry from feelings of sadness, anger, and happiness.
This trilogy was really good! Very intriguing from the start. It made me laugh, and cry from feelings of sadness, anger, and happiness.
February 11, 2023
The Forgotten Children is the best story from the trilogy. Meeting new characters and learning Meg's past.
Gripping read from start to finish!
Gripping read from start to finish!
February 11, 2021
This was my favorite book in the trilogy. It continues with Pete looking for Meg. His search unravels a cover-up of childhood traumas and secrets.
One thing I like about the writing is that it’s not repetitive from book to book. Meaning that the author doesn’t spend chapters retelling the a story that’s already been told to catch new readers up. HOWEVER, current thoughts/dialogues are repetitive within the book which is why I couldn’t give this a full 5-stars.
One thing I like about the writing is that it’s not repetitive from book to book. Meaning that the author doesn’t spend chapters retelling the a story that’s already been told to catch new readers up. HOWEVER, current thoughts/dialogues are repetitive within the book which is why I couldn’t give this a full 5-stars.
February 12, 2022
An emotional and twist filled trilogy!
October 21, 2019
So, I really liked this book. It tells what happened to Meg in her younger years. For me, it didn't give her a pass on how she treats Pete. What he did in book one was wrong but so is what she did afterwards. More people die in this one and I did figure out who was behind it. It didn't ruin it for me because I enjoyed seeing how it played out. I do wish there would have been an epilogue to tell what happens for Pete and in regards to the baby. I would definitely recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews