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The Thorn Girl
A swallow flutters its wings into a dimly lit attic as Adele Foyle stumbles across the secret diary of the mother she has never met, and a shocking account of a crime committed over twenty-five years ago.
With her mother’s words etched in her mind and in the pages tucked into her jacket pocket, Adele delays joining her fiancé for a new life abroad and returns to Reedstown, the last place her mother, Marianne, was seen alive. She has one purpose: to find those who carried out the devastating attack on her mother.
Born into a Mother and Baby home run by Gloria Thornton, Adele needs to first unlock the disturbing chain of events that led to her own birth if she is to understand what happened to her mother.
But news of Adele’s arrival and the diary spread like wildfire amongst the small close-knit community. Old memories are stirring up fresh wounds.
No-one wants the truth to be told. The diary is just a story, they say. Yet as Adele begins to unravel the layers of deceit, the tissue paper lies begin to fragment and her own relationship starts to break down.
Her mother was telling the truth. Adele just has to prove it, even if it puts her own life in terrible danger.
A heart-stopping, intense and emotionally engrossing read that will keep you compulsively turning the pages late into the night. If you read one book this year, make it The Thorn Girl.
This book was previously published as In My Mother’s Name.
With her mother’s words etched in her mind and in the pages tucked into her jacket pocket, Adele delays joining her fiancé for a new life abroad and returns to Reedstown, the last place her mother, Marianne, was seen alive. She has one purpose: to find those who carried out the devastating attack on her mother.
Born into a Mother and Baby home run by Gloria Thornton, Adele needs to first unlock the disturbing chain of events that led to her own birth if she is to understand what happened to her mother.
But news of Adele’s arrival and the diary spread like wildfire amongst the small close-knit community. Old memories are stirring up fresh wounds.
No-one wants the truth to be told. The diary is just a story, they say. Yet as Adele begins to unravel the layers of deceit, the tissue paper lies begin to fragment and her own relationship starts to break down.
Her mother was telling the truth. Adele just has to prove it, even if it puts her own life in terrible danger.
A heart-stopping, intense and emotionally engrossing read that will keep you compulsively turning the pages late into the night. If you read one book this year, make it The Thorn Girl.
This book was previously published as In My Mother’s Name.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2019
3145 people are currently reading
1925 people want to read
About the author
Laura Elliot
25 books530 followersBiography
Laura Elliot, is an internationally known writer of psychological thrillers. She has written ten novels, which are published by Bookouture and Sphere in the UK and Ireland, and by Grand Central Publishing in the US.
Her novels have been widely translated and include The Wife Before Me, The Thorn Girl, Guilty and her latest, After the Wedding.
AKA June Considine has written twelve books for children and young adults, and has collaborated on a number of high-profile, non-fiction books. Her short stories for teenage readers have been published in anthologies and broadcast on radio. She has also worked as a journalist and magazine editor.
She lives in Malahide, Co Dublin, Ireland.
Laura Elliot, is an internationally known writer of psychological thrillers. She has written ten novels, which are published by Bookouture and Sphere in the UK and Ireland, and by Grand Central Publishing in the US.
Her novels have been widely translated and include The Wife Before Me, The Thorn Girl, Guilty and her latest, After the Wedding.
AKA June Considine has written twelve books for children and young adults, and has collaborated on a number of high-profile, non-fiction books. Her short stories for teenage readers have been published in anthologies and broadcast on radio. She has also worked as a journalist and magazine editor.
She lives in Malahide, Co Dublin, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 185 reviews
October 11, 2019
This book is one of my favorites of the year. I finished it in two days. I could not put this book down. This book has so many twists and turns. This book starts with Adele cleaning out Her grand mothers attic after he passing. While cleaning up she finds a backpack with a diary. This diary belonged to Marianne her mother who died during childbirth. She starts to read her mothers diary and finds out her mom was gang rapped which lead to her pregnancy with Adele. Adele starts her mission to find out who her father is and to bring justice to her mother.
This book keeps you guessing and keeps you so hooked on the story.
I now want to read all of Laura Elliots books.
Stop whatever you are doing and pick up a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed.
This book keeps you guessing and keeps you so hooked on the story.
I now want to read all of Laura Elliots books.
Stop whatever you are doing and pick up a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed.
October 7, 2019
A powerful story
A really powerful story
Marianne was raped, gang raped and sent to ‘A Mum and Baby Unit’ run by the pious Thorns sect ( cult ) based in Ireland
Adele was born
Marianne died and Adele was brought up by her Nan, when her Nan dies Adele is going through papers and documents and comes across her Mum’s diary....she horrifyingly discovers the truth of what really happened to her Mum
And decides to go to the town it happened in
Reedstown has moved on
But have the rapists
And so starts a very moving story as Adele comes to terms with her Mum’s past and also has to fight for the truth to be told
It is going to cause murders, literally
I keep saying powerful but it really is a powerful book, I believed Adele, I was with her in her fight for justice and her deep sorrow and unexpected joy
The story is rich in descriptive narrative, the scene setting in Ireland and the use of our wonderful language is not off putting but enriching and I loved the way every sentence built a virtual picture
An emotional ending to a difficult subject matter that was handled superbly
A sterling read and one I wont forget
10/10
5 Stars
February 2, 2021
Dark. Gripping. Brutal. Thrilling. Emotional. Harrowing. These are all words I'd use to describe this book... because it really is THAT good.
We follow Adele as she goes back to the place where her mother was last seen, where her mother was brutally attacked by three mystery men. Adele then follows a path that will lead her to devastation, a brutal attack on herself and also lead to the three men who attacked her mother. Within those three men, one is her father. She's seeing herself in every man, but is she closer to finding out who they are, who her father is, than she thinks? How far will she go to get to the bottom of what happened, and will she have the strength and courage after that terrifying night when three people break into the cottage where she is staying to warn her off for good.
What a book! I could not put it down! Should definitely read this book!
We follow Adele as she goes back to the place where her mother was last seen, where her mother was brutally attacked by three mystery men. Adele then follows a path that will lead her to devastation, a brutal attack on herself and also lead to the three men who attacked her mother. Within those three men, one is her father. She's seeing herself in every man, but is she closer to finding out who they are, who her father is, than she thinks? How far will she go to get to the bottom of what happened, and will she have the strength and courage after that terrifying night when three people break into the cottage where she is staying to warn her off for good.
What a book! I could not put it down! Should definitely read this book!
October 7, 2019
When Adele Foyle returns to Ireland to clear out her late grandmother's attic, she stumbles upon her mother Marianne's secret diary which reveals the disturbing chain of events that led to Adele's birth. Adele is horrified to learn that her entire life has been a lie and makes the painful decision to travel to her mother's home town in the hopes of finding some answers to all the horrible secrets described in the diary. When she gets there, she is shocked by the hostility directed towards her and the lengths the villagers will go to to keep the past buried. In My Mother's Name is a gripping, well-plotted thriller that captivated me from the first page to the last. Told from multiple POVs, this story took me on an emotional roller coaster ride as I tried to piece together Marianne's heartbreaking story. Adele was a wonderful character, I admired her strength and determination to get justice for her mother despite the numerous attempts from villagers to silence her. I rooted for Adele throughout the entire book and my desire to see Marianne finally get the justice she deserved kept me turning the pages way past my usual bedtime. I was so sure that I had correctly put the pieces of the puzzle together. But then the last 25% of the story left me completely shocked. Never once did I imagine the story would go in the direction that it did. It was a brilliant and satisfying ending. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark, twisty thrillers. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2019
I adore this author's books and this one was no exception. In fact, the sharp writing, the believable characters, the tense, pacy tale which also packed an emotional punch make this in my opinion her best book so far, and that's saying something as all of her books so far have raised the bar. This book made me think and question, ponder the motives and the actions of the characters. This is a story that will stay with me for a very long time. A masterpiece of astute plotting and carefully timed revelations, mixing suspense and emotion seamlessly and to great effect. A book for everyone. Just brilliant.
October 29, 2019
Laura Elliot is a brilliant writer. Her words broke my control, wrenched my emotions, brought it to surface, and blazed it down the path of my being. I read the book with my heart in my throat, anger choking me completely.
A daughter seeking justice for the attack on her mom 25 years ago and unmasking and bringing the perpetrators to justice. A Herculean task, I agreed. But Adele had to do it for her mother's name and wiping the dirt off it. A diary found in the attic showed the truth of what Marianne had gone through and how Adele's birth had come to be. It was all in her mother's name!!
The main character Adele was brilliant. I loved how she pieced one clue at a time and used her quiet demeanor in getting what she wanted. I supported her, cheered for her, prodded her on as she went about the investigation. She was sure and determined. Perils flogged her footsteps, but she carried on. She moved ahead with the investigation, all in her mother's name!!
The plot had various twists, everything seemed blurred. I liked how the author showed how the human nature was. People hated seeing their images in the mirror, truth was deliberately kept hidden. Each chapter made me take shallower breaths, as they showed me the mother's story. Adele went through it all in her mother's name!!
The small town which hid its secrets was well described. The aura was so dark and atmospheric that it had me immersed in the story. Adele was the beacon of light in such a town, all in her mother's name.
A sensitive captivating read filled with darkness and religious belief amongst the rich, showing the plight of an innocent woman who was given justice by her daughter who did everything, all in her mother's name.
This was a book which brought out my anger. I wanted vengeance, I wanted to destroy the masked men. I wanted to be a vigilante seeking my own brand of justice. Quartered naked on the main road with horses pulling on their limbs and their privates smashed to smithereens. That was what I wanted, it was just the bare minimum. All in every woman's name who is attacked and abused.
A daughter seeking justice for the attack on her mom 25 years ago and unmasking and bringing the perpetrators to justice. A Herculean task, I agreed. But Adele had to do it for her mother's name and wiping the dirt off it. A diary found in the attic showed the truth of what Marianne had gone through and how Adele's birth had come to be. It was all in her mother's name!!
The main character Adele was brilliant. I loved how she pieced one clue at a time and used her quiet demeanor in getting what she wanted. I supported her, cheered for her, prodded her on as she went about the investigation. She was sure and determined. Perils flogged her footsteps, but she carried on. She moved ahead with the investigation, all in her mother's name!!
The plot had various twists, everything seemed blurred. I liked how the author showed how the human nature was. People hated seeing their images in the mirror, truth was deliberately kept hidden. Each chapter made me take shallower breaths, as they showed me the mother's story. Adele went through it all in her mother's name!!
The small town which hid its secrets was well described. The aura was so dark and atmospheric that it had me immersed in the story. Adele was the beacon of light in such a town, all in her mother's name.
A sensitive captivating read filled with darkness and religious belief amongst the rich, showing the plight of an innocent woman who was given justice by her daughter who did everything, all in her mother's name.
This was a book which brought out my anger. I wanted vengeance, I wanted to destroy the masked men. I wanted to be a vigilante seeking my own brand of justice. Quartered naked on the main road with horses pulling on their limbs and their privates smashed to smithereens. That was what I wanted, it was just the bare minimum. All in every woman's name who is attacked and abused.
February 27, 2021
I'm afraid this book was slow and not my cup of tea.
November 2, 2019
"A swallow in an attic. A butterfly in a jungle. Random events. Heartbreaking decisions."
Adele Foyle, a 24-year-old documentary writer for Voice Dox, returns to Crannock to bury her grandmother. While there, cleaning out the house they shared once upon a time, Adele finds a backpack containing a diary written by her mother -- a 15-year-old who died when Adele was born. Her grandmother, Noreen, had always refused to tell Adele anything about her mother's pregnancy or the circumstances surrounding her birth, so Adele eagerly devours the diary. What she discovers is shocking and heartbreaking. Her mother, Marianne, had been sent to a home for others like her in Reedstown to wait out her confinement and it was run like a religious cult and known as the Sodality of Thorns and Atonement. When Marianne dies, Adele and Noreen leave Reedstown and hide away in Crannock where they lived until Adele moved to London for work, met and became engaged to Daniel. Because the information in the diary is so inflammatory, Adele feels compelled to go to Reedstown and discover if it contains the truth and to obtain justice for her long-dead mother. NO SPOILERS.
Well, the twists and turns just kept on coming so once I started this I could not put it down so read in one sitting. And what a beautiful but sad story it was. The events that ruined Marianne were tough to read and those responsible definitely needed just punishment. I liked the way the author told the story from different points of view and how the diary entries were shared. It never ceases to amaze me what some won't do to cover up their dirty little secrets, lies and crimes. I really liked the characters of Adele and Rachel, a Garda in Reedstown. Some of the others were also well-drawn and their reactions to the release of Marianne's diary were described in great detail. I can't honestly quite figure exactly what niche or sub-genre this book fits into but it does have themes of violent rape, imprisonment, mistreatment and psychological manipulation. I really enjoyed it and I think you will too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
Adele Foyle, a 24-year-old documentary writer for Voice Dox, returns to Crannock to bury her grandmother. While there, cleaning out the house they shared once upon a time, Adele finds a backpack containing a diary written by her mother -- a 15-year-old who died when Adele was born. Her grandmother, Noreen, had always refused to tell Adele anything about her mother's pregnancy or the circumstances surrounding her birth, so Adele eagerly devours the diary. What she discovers is shocking and heartbreaking. Her mother, Marianne, had been sent to a home for others like her in Reedstown to wait out her confinement and it was run like a religious cult and known as the Sodality of Thorns and Atonement. When Marianne dies, Adele and Noreen leave Reedstown and hide away in Crannock where they lived until Adele moved to London for work, met and became engaged to Daniel. Because the information in the diary is so inflammatory, Adele feels compelled to go to Reedstown and discover if it contains the truth and to obtain justice for her long-dead mother. NO SPOILERS.
Well, the twists and turns just kept on coming so once I started this I could not put it down so read in one sitting. And what a beautiful but sad story it was. The events that ruined Marianne were tough to read and those responsible definitely needed just punishment. I liked the way the author told the story from different points of view and how the diary entries were shared. It never ceases to amaze me what some won't do to cover up their dirty little secrets, lies and crimes. I really liked the characters of Adele and Rachel, a Garda in Reedstown. Some of the others were also well-drawn and their reactions to the release of Marianne's diary were described in great detail. I can't honestly quite figure exactly what niche or sub-genre this book fits into but it does have themes of violent rape, imprisonment, mistreatment and psychological manipulation. I really enjoyed it and I think you will too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
October 23, 2019
When Adele Foyle is roving about in her grandmother's attic, she finds a secret diary of her mother - someone she never met. Sadly, her mother died giving birth to her. What she is about to discover will be more than she could ever believe. Almost more than she will be able to handle.
She begins to discover secrets hidden for over twenty-five years. Adele starts looking for answers. In so doing, she goes back to the last place her mother lived, Reedstown. The circumstances of Adele's conception are devastating and she is determined not only to find out more about that, but to bring certain people to justice, even all of these years later.
Adele was born in an unusual environment. It was a home for unwed mothers run but a strange religious group called The Thorns. So that is where Adele begins her search. She soon learns that no one wants questions asked. No one has answers to offer. As a matter of fact, the deeper Adele goes in her search, the worst things get for her.
In My Mother's Name was a disturbing and fast-moving story. Adele is a strong woman, and I so felt for her mother and what she suffered. To imagine Adele's discoveries was very difficult. However, Laura Elliott is a gifted storyteller who managed to craft a sensitive story that held a lot of suspense.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
She begins to discover secrets hidden for over twenty-five years. Adele starts looking for answers. In so doing, she goes back to the last place her mother lived, Reedstown. The circumstances of Adele's conception are devastating and she is determined not only to find out more about that, but to bring certain people to justice, even all of these years later.
Adele was born in an unusual environment. It was a home for unwed mothers run but a strange religious group called The Thorns. So that is where Adele begins her search. She soon learns that no one wants questions asked. No one has answers to offer. As a matter of fact, the deeper Adele goes in her search, the worst things get for her.
In My Mother's Name was a disturbing and fast-moving story. Adele is a strong woman, and I so felt for her mother and what she suffered. To imagine Adele's discoveries was very difficult. However, Laura Elliott is a gifted storyteller who managed to craft a sensitive story that held a lot of suspense.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 11, 2019
OMG! WOW! I have not read Laura Elliot before so what an introduction! If THE THORN GIRL is anything to go by, I'll be looking to devouring her others!
THE THORN GIRL is a powerful story and, while it is marketed as a Mystery/Thriller, it is so much more than a suspense. It is indeed chilling and rather disturbing in parts but it was above all, a brilliant masterpiece.
It all begins with a swallow in the attic. Like a butterfly in the forest, are they just all random events or is everything connected?
Adele Foyle has returned to Ireland to clear out her late grandmother's house. Finding herself in the attic, the final room to be cleared, she stumbles upon a lifetime of memories...and a swallow fighting for freedom. It is there she comes across and old backpack with a secret diary written by her mother, who died in childbirth 24 years ago. But as Adele turns the pages, nothing could prepare her for what she is about to discover.
Marianne Mooney was 15 years old and living in Reedstown with her mother Rosemary. She and her boy friend, Shane Reagan, used to meet in a old abandoned cottage to spend some time sitting and dreaming together. But one night Shane was late leaving home...and Marianne, upon hearing the cracking of twigs and footsteps approaching, delighted in what she thought was Shane's arrival. She ran to the door in anticipation...but was met with something far more sinister. Three hooded figures wearing balaclavas pushed their way in and threw her to the floor...with Marianne powerless to stop them. Three hooded figures, faceless and fearless, took their turn with her before leaving Marianne a frightened huddled mess...which was how Shane found her, bloodied and crying.
When they reported the gang rape to the Gardai, the Sergeant dismissed her claims and throwing Shane into a cell, then forced a statement from Marianne to the contrary of what had actually taken place. She never saw Shane again.
Marianne was sent to Dublin to the Thorn House of Atonement, a mother and baby home run by the respected Gloria Thornton who was something of a martyr to a near cult-like group of believers. Conditions in the House of Atonement were nothing like the public were lead to believe. In the vein of the infamous Magdalene Laundries of decades before, the girls were forced to work tirelessly at the behest of Mother Gloria. They were shamed and thrown into "the Tank" in solitary confinement for even a slight indignity. And when it was time to give birth, their babies were snatched from them almost immediately - not even allowed to hold them, nurse them or even to see had they been a boy or a girl. Some were even told their babies had died when in fact an even greater disgrace was taking place...and the girls sent on their way.
But in Marianne's case, her baby came early...and she succumbed to the massive blood loss...leaving Adele without her mother and in the care of her grandmother Noreen.
As Adele read the shame, the pain and the heartbreak in Marianne's diary, she endeavoured to journey to Reedstown - where her mother grew up - and seek out the truth of what really happened hoping to uncover clues about the tragic event. Who were those hooded figures Marianne called the "three blind mice"? Who was her father? And why was there no investigation into her mother's horrific gang-rape?
However, upon her return, she finds that her mother and grandmother are instantly vilified and denounced shamelessly. But Adele will not let that deter her. Determined to have the truth uncovered, she publishes excerpts of her mother's diary online...which are both believed and discredited alike. She soon realised that many townsfolk are not at all happy about her investigation and they attempt to put and end to it.
Money makes the world go round...but it is enough to keep the truth hidden?
But Adele is resourceful...and determined. She will not rest until she discovers the truth. But the townsfolk are just as determined. The lengths with which they are willing to go to ensure the truth remains buried is staggering. And it seems the deeper Adele digs, the worse things become for her. Until she is forced to abandoned her investigation.
THE THORN GIRL is a heartbreaking, disturbing but incredibly fast-moving story. Once I began, I did not want to put it down! It was truly a captivating read that was both sensitive and sinister shrouded with a darkness that despite the circumstances, highlighted the heartbreaking plight of an innocent young girl whose own daughter sought the justice that was truly deserving - all in her mother's name.
What I really loved about THE THORN GIRL was the many facets of the story that were woven together throughout the various perspectives...including Marianne's diary, which gave the 15 year old a voice when she had none. The different narratives are easy to follow in which we witness differing perspectives of the same story...including their beliefs and personal feelings on the matter...some of which are almost indifferent, bordering ignorance.
There is so much more to this book than I could ever say! Your heart will ache for Adele as she searches for the truth about what really happened to her mother, to the point of putting her own life in danger. THE THORN GIRL delivers us an unrestrained story of secrets, lies and deception so toxic that have gripped an entire community for decades. But Adele will stop at nothing in her quest for justice for Marianne.
A taut and compelling tale, THE THORN GIRL is beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, menacing, sinister, intriguing, thrilling, dark and disturbing. And yet it is still so much more. A riveting tale of secrets and lies...and a sinister tale of psychological manipulation that ended with a beautifully wrapped up finale.
What more can I say? Go out, grab yourself a copy, read it! You know you want to! You won't be disappointed!
THE THORN GIRL was previously published as "In My Mother's Name" .
I would like to thank #LauraElliot, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheThornGirl in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
THE THORN GIRL is a powerful story and, while it is marketed as a Mystery/Thriller, it is so much more than a suspense. It is indeed chilling and rather disturbing in parts but it was above all, a brilliant masterpiece.
It all begins with a swallow in the attic. Like a butterfly in the forest, are they just all random events or is everything connected?
Adele Foyle has returned to Ireland to clear out her late grandmother's house. Finding herself in the attic, the final room to be cleared, she stumbles upon a lifetime of memories...and a swallow fighting for freedom. It is there she comes across and old backpack with a secret diary written by her mother, who died in childbirth 24 years ago. But as Adele turns the pages, nothing could prepare her for what she is about to discover.
Marianne Mooney was 15 years old and living in Reedstown with her mother Rosemary. She and her boy friend, Shane Reagan, used to meet in a old abandoned cottage to spend some time sitting and dreaming together. But one night Shane was late leaving home...and Marianne, upon hearing the cracking of twigs and footsteps approaching, delighted in what she thought was Shane's arrival. She ran to the door in anticipation...but was met with something far more sinister. Three hooded figures wearing balaclavas pushed their way in and threw her to the floor...with Marianne powerless to stop them. Three hooded figures, faceless and fearless, took their turn with her before leaving Marianne a frightened huddled mess...which was how Shane found her, bloodied and crying.
When they reported the gang rape to the Gardai, the Sergeant dismissed her claims and throwing Shane into a cell, then forced a statement from Marianne to the contrary of what had actually taken place. She never saw Shane again.
Marianne was sent to Dublin to the Thorn House of Atonement, a mother and baby home run by the respected Gloria Thornton who was something of a martyr to a near cult-like group of believers. Conditions in the House of Atonement were nothing like the public were lead to believe. In the vein of the infamous Magdalene Laundries of decades before, the girls were forced to work tirelessly at the behest of Mother Gloria. They were shamed and thrown into "the Tank" in solitary confinement for even a slight indignity. And when it was time to give birth, their babies were snatched from them almost immediately - not even allowed to hold them, nurse them or even to see had they been a boy or a girl. Some were even told their babies had died when in fact an even greater disgrace was taking place...and the girls sent on their way.
But in Marianne's case, her baby came early...and she succumbed to the massive blood loss...leaving Adele without her mother and in the care of her grandmother Noreen.
As Adele read the shame, the pain and the heartbreak in Marianne's diary, she endeavoured to journey to Reedstown - where her mother grew up - and seek out the truth of what really happened hoping to uncover clues about the tragic event. Who were those hooded figures Marianne called the "three blind mice"? Who was her father? And why was there no investigation into her mother's horrific gang-rape?
However, upon her return, she finds that her mother and grandmother are instantly vilified and denounced shamelessly. But Adele will not let that deter her. Determined to have the truth uncovered, she publishes excerpts of her mother's diary online...which are both believed and discredited alike. She soon realised that many townsfolk are not at all happy about her investigation and they attempt to put and end to it.
Money makes the world go round...but it is enough to keep the truth hidden?
But Adele is resourceful...and determined. She will not rest until she discovers the truth. But the townsfolk are just as determined. The lengths with which they are willing to go to ensure the truth remains buried is staggering. And it seems the deeper Adele digs, the worse things become for her. Until she is forced to abandoned her investigation.
THE THORN GIRL is a heartbreaking, disturbing but incredibly fast-moving story. Once I began, I did not want to put it down! It was truly a captivating read that was both sensitive and sinister shrouded with a darkness that despite the circumstances, highlighted the heartbreaking plight of an innocent young girl whose own daughter sought the justice that was truly deserving - all in her mother's name.
What I really loved about THE THORN GIRL was the many facets of the story that were woven together throughout the various perspectives...including Marianne's diary, which gave the 15 year old a voice when she had none. The different narratives are easy to follow in which we witness differing perspectives of the same story...including their beliefs and personal feelings on the matter...some of which are almost indifferent, bordering ignorance.
There is so much more to this book than I could ever say! Your heart will ache for Adele as she searches for the truth about what really happened to her mother, to the point of putting her own life in danger. THE THORN GIRL delivers us an unrestrained story of secrets, lies and deception so toxic that have gripped an entire community for decades. But Adele will stop at nothing in her quest for justice for Marianne.
A taut and compelling tale, THE THORN GIRL is beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, menacing, sinister, intriguing, thrilling, dark and disturbing. And yet it is still so much more. A riveting tale of secrets and lies...and a sinister tale of psychological manipulation that ended with a beautifully wrapped up finale.
What more can I say? Go out, grab yourself a copy, read it! You know you want to! You won't be disappointed!
THE THORN GIRL was previously published as "In My Mother's Name" .
I would like to thank #LauraElliot, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheThornGirl in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 17, 2019
I got a free advance readers’ copy in exchange for my honest review.
I have heard enough to know that rape can be devastating. Gang rape is something that I think would be even worse. And the consequences of rape can last a lifetime.
In In My Mother’s Name, Laura Elliot shows how devastating the consequences of this can be. Adele Foyle is cleaning out her maternal grandmother’s home when she stumbles across an old diary. It belonged to her mother, Marianne, who died giving birth to her as a teenager. Adele never got the details of her mother’s life from her grandmother, Noreen, and is thrilled when she finds the diary, hoping to read about the love story between her mother and boyfriend, Shane which led to her birth. However, she finds out the truth about what led to her birth. Her mother was gang raped. Horrified, she returns to Reedstown, the town her mother grew up in, hoping to find clues about the tragic events. She soon realizes that a lot of townspeople are not pleased about her investigation and are determined to put an end to it.
I empathized with Adele throughout this story. To find out something so disturbing about yourself must be horrifying. To make matters worse, upon her return to Reedstown, her mother and grandmother are instantly vilified. When news breaks about her mother’s diary and what it contains, they instantly discredit its contents. I would have felt so alone and confused in that situation. However, what I admired most about Adele was her determination to find out the truth, no matter what it cost her.
The lengths the townspeople were willing to go to to ensure that the truth stayed buried was amazing. The fanaticism that existed long after the Thorns, a religious group founded within the town, was disbanded was fascinating to read about. No matter what, cults will continue to exist because there are weak minds everywhere.
When Adele found what she was looking for, I realized there was still a lot of the book to go. I started to get worried that the author was just gonna use a lot of unnecessary filler at the end. However, she was able to fit in even more surprises which led to a thrilling end.
The only wrong thing I noticed was a passage which was placed twice in the book. I suspect the second time may have been a typo and I hope that would have been corrected before the book is published. There were also some terms I did not understand but that was just because the events within the book happened in Ireland so a lot of Irish slang was used.
There were a lot of references to violence, both sexual and otherwise. The Mother and Baby Home also had some disturbing scenes. There was some minor profanity. This is a book for adults mainly. If you enjoy thrillers and mysteries, this book is definitely for you.
I have heard enough to know that rape can be devastating. Gang rape is something that I think would be even worse. And the consequences of rape can last a lifetime.
In In My Mother’s Name, Laura Elliot shows how devastating the consequences of this can be. Adele Foyle is cleaning out her maternal grandmother’s home when she stumbles across an old diary. It belonged to her mother, Marianne, who died giving birth to her as a teenager. Adele never got the details of her mother’s life from her grandmother, Noreen, and is thrilled when she finds the diary, hoping to read about the love story between her mother and boyfriend, Shane which led to her birth. However, she finds out the truth about what led to her birth. Her mother was gang raped. Horrified, she returns to Reedstown, the town her mother grew up in, hoping to find clues about the tragic events. She soon realizes that a lot of townspeople are not pleased about her investigation and are determined to put an end to it.
I empathized with Adele throughout this story. To find out something so disturbing about yourself must be horrifying. To make matters worse, upon her return to Reedstown, her mother and grandmother are instantly vilified. When news breaks about her mother’s diary and what it contains, they instantly discredit its contents. I would have felt so alone and confused in that situation. However, what I admired most about Adele was her determination to find out the truth, no matter what it cost her.
The lengths the townspeople were willing to go to to ensure that the truth stayed buried was amazing. The fanaticism that existed long after the Thorns, a religious group founded within the town, was disbanded was fascinating to read about. No matter what, cults will continue to exist because there are weak minds everywhere.
When Adele found what she was looking for, I realized there was still a lot of the book to go. I started to get worried that the author was just gonna use a lot of unnecessary filler at the end. However, she was able to fit in even more surprises which led to a thrilling end.
The only wrong thing I noticed was a passage which was placed twice in the book. I suspect the second time may have been a typo and I hope that would have been corrected before the book is published. There were also some terms I did not understand but that was just because the events within the book happened in Ireland so a lot of Irish slang was used.
There were a lot of references to violence, both sexual and otherwise. The Mother and Baby Home also had some disturbing scenes. There was some minor profanity. This is a book for adults mainly. If you enjoy thrillers and mysteries, this book is definitely for you.
January 11, 2020
The story started out exciting. A diary was found on an attic, and the owner shared her tragic story of being gang-raped, trapped in a house full of other pregnant women and their baby being sold to strangers.
Adele, who found the diary, decided to investigate the 'claim' from it's root cause. It wasn't an easy quest for her as everything was either hidden or never properly documented. Could she solved the 25 years old case?
It was at this point, the story became a bit slow. It was back and forth told in multiple point of view. Either to add suspense or to prolong the mystery. The pace picked up again towards the end.
It wasn't a jaw-dropping moment for me. Maybe because I had guessed some of it. It felt like something was missing. More mother-daughter moment? Or a better closure?! Or something.
Adele, who found the diary, decided to investigate the 'claim' from it's root cause. It wasn't an easy quest for her as everything was either hidden or never properly documented. Could she solved the 25 years old case?
It was at this point, the story became a bit slow. It was back and forth told in multiple point of view. Either to add suspense or to prolong the mystery. The pace picked up again towards the end.
It wasn't a jaw-dropping moment for me. Maybe because I had guessed some of it. It felt like something was missing. More mother-daughter moment? Or a better closure?! Or something.
November 22, 2022
This is labeled a mystery/thriller and even though there was a mystery involved it just didn't have that "feel" to it. It felt more like "women's fiction", so I was ultimately disappointed in it. If I had gone into it without expectations, I may have enjoyed it more. I listened to the audio book which was nicely narrated. 2.5 stars (rounding up).
August 17, 2022
I didn’t really gel with this book. Although it had a powerful story behind it - gang rape , Magdalene laundries , murders etc I found it really slow and there were far too many characters for my liking, I was constantly trying to remember who was who.
Read
October 3, 2019This was a compelling, intriguing, moving, exhilarating, surprising and unputdownable read that I devoured in one sitting, staying awake until the early hours. I had too many questions that needed answers to put it down. This book held me hostage until the last page and it was worth every extra cup of coffee I needed the following day to get them.
When I started this book I wasn’t expecting so many different layers to the story. It was these layers that made it so addictive as this diary, loaded as it is with such heinous accusations, turns out to be just the beginning of a hotbed of decades of lies, corruption and conspiracies in Reedstown. As the layers unravelled truths are revealed and we visit some of the darkest corners of human depravity, but also witness acts of kindness, and the goodness in humanity.
Though the story is told from multiple points of view, our main focus is on Adele Foyle and her late mother Marianne, who died giving birth to her. Adele was raised by her grandmother and it is only after her death that she finds her mother’s diary. She knows that inside could be the answers to the questions her grandmother refused to give her, but is also worried that she might be better off not knowing. Ultimately, she needs to know and learns the awful truth of her birth and all that her mother suffered. Her anger and need for justice takes over her life, leading her back to Reedstown instead of following her fiance to start their new life in Colorado. She knows she has an uphill battle ahead, but is unprepared for the ferocity of the opposition she faces and the lengths some will go to to silence her and keep the secrets of the past buried. Adele was a well-written character. She is resolute, strong, and steadfast, her rage assailing her. But she is also broken, scared and lost, a young woman grieving the mother that was taken from her and everything she believed to be true that has been shattered. I was rooting for her every step of the way and it was this connection and need to see her get to the truth that kept me turning the pages well into the night.
Entries from the diary give a voice to Marianne and enable her to be an integral character in the story. We see who she was and learn her innermost thoughts at the most difficult time in her young life. Just fifteen years old, pregnant after rape, torn away from her home and put in the Atonement Home that she calls a prison. Each entry is both heartbreaking and infuriating as she is repeatedly failed by those around her. The decision to make Marianne real through these entries, rather than just a shadow of the past, helped me connect to both her and Adele in her quest for justice. The author wrote characters who got under my skin and I too wanted justice for Marianne and the truth for Adele.
In My Mother’s Name is an addictive and emotionally charged thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This was my first read by this author but it won’t be my last. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading mystery and thrillers.
Thank you to Bookoture and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this novel.
When I started this book I wasn’t expecting so many different layers to the story. It was these layers that made it so addictive as this diary, loaded as it is with such heinous accusations, turns out to be just the beginning of a hotbed of decades of lies, corruption and conspiracies in Reedstown. As the layers unravelled truths are revealed and we visit some of the darkest corners of human depravity, but also witness acts of kindness, and the goodness in humanity.
Though the story is told from multiple points of view, our main focus is on Adele Foyle and her late mother Marianne, who died giving birth to her. Adele was raised by her grandmother and it is only after her death that she finds her mother’s diary. She knows that inside could be the answers to the questions her grandmother refused to give her, but is also worried that she might be better off not knowing. Ultimately, she needs to know and learns the awful truth of her birth and all that her mother suffered. Her anger and need for justice takes over her life, leading her back to Reedstown instead of following her fiance to start their new life in Colorado. She knows she has an uphill battle ahead, but is unprepared for the ferocity of the opposition she faces and the lengths some will go to to silence her and keep the secrets of the past buried. Adele was a well-written character. She is resolute, strong, and steadfast, her rage assailing her. But she is also broken, scared and lost, a young woman grieving the mother that was taken from her and everything she believed to be true that has been shattered. I was rooting for her every step of the way and it was this connection and need to see her get to the truth that kept me turning the pages well into the night.
Entries from the diary give a voice to Marianne and enable her to be an integral character in the story. We see who she was and learn her innermost thoughts at the most difficult time in her young life. Just fifteen years old, pregnant after rape, torn away from her home and put in the Atonement Home that she calls a prison. Each entry is both heartbreaking and infuriating as she is repeatedly failed by those around her. The decision to make Marianne real through these entries, rather than just a shadow of the past, helped me connect to both her and Adele in her quest for justice. The author wrote characters who got under my skin and I too wanted justice for Marianne and the truth for Adele.
In My Mother’s Name is an addictive and emotionally charged thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This was my first read by this author but it won’t be my last. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading mystery and thrillers.
Thank you to Bookoture and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this novel.
February 3, 2021
OK read
For some reason, I could not get close to any of the characters in the book. The story was good however the characters were shallow.
For some reason, I could not get close to any of the characters in the book. The story was good however the characters were shallow.
September 3, 2020
For me, this book was a little slow to get started but it soon picked up and I couldn't stop. It tells the story of Adele in the present, whose grandmother has just passed away and who is now packing up the home they lived in when she comes across a backpack in the attic that belonged to her mother, Marianne, who died in childbirth. As she reads it, she realizes she didn't know her grandmother like she thought and that there are too many secrets about what really happened to her mother. While her fiance moves to the US for a new work project, she stays behind to visit her mother's hometown and see if she can discover the truth of what happened to her mother and who her father might be.
The story alternates between this timeline and that of Marianne in her diary passages. Upon becoming pregnant, she was sent to a mother and baby home of some religious fanatics and she stayed there until she died. Why she was sent there and how she became pregnant in the first place is apparently much disputed and Adele is working hard in the present to clear her mother's bad reputation.
The story involves the typical close-knit community covering up lies upon lies. Politicians, police and the local well-known community leaders in this case. Adele comes to town claiming her only interest is making a documentary about the religious cult that ran the mother and baby home, but it's clear she has ulterior motives and those who were involved do all that they can to prevent her in succeeding in unraveling the truth. The reader will most likely realize who the culprits are early on, but it's more about finding out what was done than who did it. There are a couple of good twists thrown in but towards the end the story got a little hard to believe, in my opinion. I don't mind credibility being stretched, but you may find yourself being drawn out of the story and thinking, 'Oh come on, really?'
Anyway, I did find this to be a good page-turner with plenty of action and I kept wanting to find out if justice would be served in a way all of the scumbags in the story deserved. I don't think you will be disappointed!
The story alternates between this timeline and that of Marianne in her diary passages. Upon becoming pregnant, she was sent to a mother and baby home of some religious fanatics and she stayed there until she died. Why she was sent there and how she became pregnant in the first place is apparently much disputed and Adele is working hard in the present to clear her mother's bad reputation.
The story involves the typical close-knit community covering up lies upon lies. Politicians, police and the local well-known community leaders in this case. Adele comes to town claiming her only interest is making a documentary about the religious cult that ran the mother and baby home, but it's clear she has ulterior motives and those who were involved do all that they can to prevent her in succeeding in unraveling the truth. The reader will most likely realize who the culprits are early on, but it's more about finding out what was done than who did it. There are a couple of good twists thrown in but towards the end the story got a little hard to believe, in my opinion. I don't mind credibility being stretched, but you may find yourself being drawn out of the story and thinking, 'Oh come on, really?'
Anyway, I did find this to be a good page-turner with plenty of action and I kept wanting to find out if justice would be served in a way all of the scumbags in the story deserved. I don't think you will be disappointed!
November 25, 2019
This book is FANTASTIC! Felt like a real epic tale and I could not put the book down.
Set in Ireland, Adele is clearing out her late grandmother's attic when she comes upon a diary that will turn her world upside down as she researches exactly what did happen to her teenage mother in the House of Atonement all those years ago.
This is fast paced and based around the complexity of lies when corruption in a small town is rife. Those with power will do anything to stop the truth from getting out and it is heartbreaking to discover what crimes and abuse were hidden to protect those with the money to avoid scrutiny, whilst destroying the lives of some very vulnerable girls.
The characters are great. Besides Adele there is Sergeant Rachel Darcy, the newspaper editor Bob Molloy, Liam Thornton, Keith and Christy Lewis, Sergeant Bale and Davina Lewis. Most of the characters are out for themselves, with no conscience and in many cases unafraid to bend the law to their own will. This means there are many characters to dislike intensely which makes Adele's fight for justice even more compelling.
It isn't all doom and gloom though as there is a hope and a beauty in the fragility of relationships and there is a happy ending!
I would highly recommend this book to others.
Set in Ireland, Adele is clearing out her late grandmother's attic when she comes upon a diary that will turn her world upside down as she researches exactly what did happen to her teenage mother in the House of Atonement all those years ago.
This is fast paced and based around the complexity of lies when corruption in a small town is rife. Those with power will do anything to stop the truth from getting out and it is heartbreaking to discover what crimes and abuse were hidden to protect those with the money to avoid scrutiny, whilst destroying the lives of some very vulnerable girls.
The characters are great. Besides Adele there is Sergeant Rachel Darcy, the newspaper editor Bob Molloy, Liam Thornton, Keith and Christy Lewis, Sergeant Bale and Davina Lewis. Most of the characters are out for themselves, with no conscience and in many cases unafraid to bend the law to their own will. This means there are many characters to dislike intensely which makes Adele's fight for justice even more compelling.
It isn't all doom and gloom though as there is a hope and a beauty in the fragility of relationships and there is a happy ending!
I would highly recommend this book to others.
October 21, 2019
The premise of this book is promising and it deals with a sensitive and sad issues.
It deals with Adele's journey to know how her mother died all those years ago.
Her grandmother refuses to talk, and after her death Adele discovers her mother's diary.
What she found there was so heartbreaking and she sets on a dangerous journey seeking justice for her mother.
I mentioned earlier in my review that the premise was promising, however the execution lacked in my opinion. Although I see that fellow reviewers liked it, so it's a matter of personal taste.
There were many side characters and it was hard to keep track of who is who, also the pace seemed too slow for my taste. Also unfortunately I wasn't really surprised by the ending.
However, I really applaud the author for gracefully tackling a rather sensitive subject matter.
Thanks Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
It deals with Adele's journey to know how her mother died all those years ago.
Her grandmother refuses to talk, and after her death Adele discovers her mother's diary.
What she found there was so heartbreaking and she sets on a dangerous journey seeking justice for her mother.
I mentioned earlier in my review that the premise was promising, however the execution lacked in my opinion. Although I see that fellow reviewers liked it, so it's a matter of personal taste.
There were many side characters and it was hard to keep track of who is who, also the pace seemed too slow for my taste. Also unfortunately I wasn't really surprised by the ending.
However, I really applaud the author for gracefully tackling a rather sensitive subject matter.
Thanks Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 24, 2019
I am not usually one to agree with taglines or blurbs because they often feel over-the-top, but this is one case where I can wholeheartedly say that it is 100% accurate. This book was an addictive, emotional, page-turner of a psychological thriller (that’s a mouthful). The characters are real and well-developed, and the author does a superb job of bringing the village of Reedstown with all of its blemishes, secrets, and tainted history to life. Adele is a protagonist who is easy to support as she journeys into the past to find the truth about her mother’s life and death. In My Mother’s Name is one book you do not want to skip over. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read a complimentary pre-release, digital ARC of this book.
January 11, 2021
How does this have such a high average rating? It was really terrible. Started out not too bad but went downhill fast, and that’s all it did fast. It just seemed to go on and on. At about 45% I felt like it was approaching the end and close to wrapping up, and was shocked to see I wasn’t even half done.
There was an abundance of characters and took too much time and space on them. But somehow as long as it was, it was extremely choppy and seemed to have big holes, like big chunks of missing parts between chapters.
So much of it just didn’t make sense. The focus on the diary was annoying. The characters’ perspectives, motivations, and behavior didn’t make sense. I really had to force myself to finish.
There was an abundance of characters and took too much time and space on them. But somehow as long as it was, it was extremely choppy and seemed to have big holes, like big chunks of missing parts between chapters.
So much of it just didn’t make sense. The focus on the diary was annoying. The characters’ perspectives, motivations, and behavior didn’t make sense. I really had to force myself to finish.
October 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book which tells the
story of Adel's determination to find out the truth about her mother who suffered an unimaginable event in her life. Adel had her mother taken from her shortly after her birth and when she is clearing her deceased grandmothers house she finds a diary which tells of a violent sexual attack. Although Adel is preparing to leave for the US with her fiance she she is consumed with the need to uncover the truth of what happened, all those years ago in the sleepy Irish village.
story of Adel's determination to find out the truth about her mother who suffered an unimaginable event in her life. Adel had her mother taken from her shortly after her birth and when she is clearing her deceased grandmothers house she finds a diary which tells of a violent sexual attack. Although Adel is preparing to leave for the US with her fiance she she is consumed with the need to uncover the truth of what happened, all those years ago in the sleepy Irish village.
November 30, 2019
Twists and turns keeping you engaged, you think you know then question it again. I actually liked the different chapters with perspectives from the women. The end felt flat, strings left untied but rethinking it, anything else would have taken away from the book.
October 22, 2019
Amazing story - thriller, mystery and who-dun-it all in one.
December 4, 2021
4.5
Elliot has written a very emotional and hard to read novel, dealing with subject matters that happen every day. Manipulation of the weak and vulnerable, abuse of power, under age rape, bullying, social media propaganda and protection of those who are willing to pay dearly for that protection. Also religious zeal, political greed and a small minded community where the local head of the Garda has a file on everyone ‘just in case’.
Enter Adele Foyle, feisty, mouthy and doggedly determined to get to the truth about her mother’s death 25 years ago. A woman certainly not welcome in the tight knit village of Reeds-town.
I could not put this book down even though I went through many emotions whilst reading it.
There is a large cast of characters but once the reader realises who is married to who the story becomes easier to follow, but not necessarily easier to stomach.
Definitely not for those who do not want to read about a disturbing subject.
Elliot has written a very emotional and hard to read novel, dealing with subject matters that happen every day. Manipulation of the weak and vulnerable, abuse of power, under age rape, bullying, social media propaganda and protection of those who are willing to pay dearly for that protection. Also religious zeal, political greed and a small minded community where the local head of the Garda has a file on everyone ‘just in case’.
Enter Adele Foyle, feisty, mouthy and doggedly determined to get to the truth about her mother’s death 25 years ago. A woman certainly not welcome in the tight knit village of Reeds-town.
I could not put this book down even though I went through many emotions whilst reading it.
There is a large cast of characters but once the reader realises who is married to who the story becomes easier to follow, but not necessarily easier to stomach.
Definitely not for those who do not want to read about a disturbing subject.
September 25, 2020
It had a slow start but as things started to unfold, I ended up enjoying it. It's an emotional story line rather than mistery/thriller, a sad story that can well happen in real life.
February 19, 2022
An intense and emotional story which takes place in Ireland and involves a cult, a daughter missing her mother, a mom & baby maternity home run by the cult, child trafficking and those who covered up a gang rape some 25 years before. The twists and turns made the story exciting and sad all at the same time.
January 6, 2023
This was such a bad book. Firstly, it could have been about half the length. It just went on and on, it needed some serious editing. It was so hard to keep up with all the characters and their relationships with one another. The storyline dealt with a really sensitive topic in a very insensitive way. I tried to like it and didn’t give up but very glad to have finished it!
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