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The Lost Girls
Seventeen years ago he lost his sisters.
Now he wants them back.
Four years ago, two teenage girls were abducted.
Four years ago, a ten-year-old boy was murdered.
Both cases remain unsolved.
Desperate to find their missing sisters, Michael and Chloe ask investigative journalist Maggie Turner to help them. And what starts as a simple investigation, soon turns into a frantic race against time.
The kidnapper took the girls to replace his sisters; sisters who died seventeen years earlier.
Forced to face traumatic events from the past, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a nightmare that can only get worse…
Tense, fast-paced, and gritty, The Lost Girls is the first novel in the Maggie Turner series. It's the perfect read for fans of authors like Angela Marsons, Carol Wyer and Helen Fields.
Now he wants them back.
Four years ago, two teenage girls were abducted.
Four years ago, a ten-year-old boy was murdered.
Both cases remain unsolved.
Desperate to find their missing sisters, Michael and Chloe ask investigative journalist Maggie Turner to help them. And what starts as a simple investigation, soon turns into a frantic race against time.
The kidnapper took the girls to replace his sisters; sisters who died seventeen years earlier.
Forced to face traumatic events from the past, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a nightmare that can only get worse…
Tense, fast-paced, and gritty, The Lost Girls is the first novel in the Maggie Turner series. It's the perfect read for fans of authors like Angela Marsons, Carol Wyer and Helen Fields.
- GenresThriller
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2019
336 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 20, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE LOST GIRLS by Helen Pryke is a thriller that is the first book in a new series featuring a female investigative journalist and it will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat. The author had me anxious and squirming with each revelation about the antagonist’s past.
Four years ago, a young boy is kidnapped and his dead body is discovered a few days later. The same week his family is grieving, one girl is abducted as she walks home from school and another is abducted just a week later in front of the same school. All three cases go cold with no resolution.
Michael and Chloe want resolution to their sister’s disappearances. They approach investigative journalist, Maggie Dupont for help. Maggie is willing to write a piece to bring the girl’s case back into the news, but as they uncover clues that the police missed they suddenly find themselves in a race against the clock to find the kidnapper before their sisters become replacements for his sisters who died sixteen years earlier in a house fire.
Maggie is a wonderfully complex protagonist. With a traumatic past and her present health issues, she is still willing to help Michael and Chloe. Her curiosity and search for justice will not let her take the easy way out. Maggie and the kidnapper in alternating chapters reveal their pasts and the events in present time. The plot was fast paced and built to an exciting climax, but I did have a problem with Maggie not notifying the police, especially when they uncovered important information from a witness and they found the house in which the girls were first hidden. Up to that point, I would have said this story was believable, but that changed my mind. I did think the author did a good job of demonstrating the rescued girls’ PTSD in the epilogue.
I enjoyed this start to the Maggie Dupont series and am interested in reading more.
THE LOST GIRLS by Helen Pryke is a thriller that is the first book in a new series featuring a female investigative journalist and it will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat. The author had me anxious and squirming with each revelation about the antagonist’s past.
Four years ago, a young boy is kidnapped and his dead body is discovered a few days later. The same week his family is grieving, one girl is abducted as she walks home from school and another is abducted just a week later in front of the same school. All three cases go cold with no resolution.
Michael and Chloe want resolution to their sister’s disappearances. They approach investigative journalist, Maggie Dupont for help. Maggie is willing to write a piece to bring the girl’s case back into the news, but as they uncover clues that the police missed they suddenly find themselves in a race against the clock to find the kidnapper before their sisters become replacements for his sisters who died sixteen years earlier in a house fire.
Maggie is a wonderfully complex protagonist. With a traumatic past and her present health issues, she is still willing to help Michael and Chloe. Her curiosity and search for justice will not let her take the easy way out. Maggie and the kidnapper in alternating chapters reveal their pasts and the events in present time. The plot was fast paced and built to an exciting climax, but I did have a problem with Maggie not notifying the police, especially when they uncovered important information from a witness and they found the house in which the girls were first hidden. Up to that point, I would have said this story was believable, but that changed my mind. I did think the author did a good job of demonstrating the rescued girls’ PTSD in the epilogue.
I enjoyed this start to the Maggie Dupont series and am interested in reading more.
May 28, 2020
Four years ago, a young boy was found strangled. A week later, a teenage girl went missing. And two weeks after that, another teenage disappeared. The killer of the boy has never been found. The two girls have never been seen since they disappeared.
Maggie Dupont is an investigative journalist although she doesn't do much anymore because of health issues. Her nephew was the young boy who was murdered. When she's confronted by the sister and brother of the two missing girls, their begging for help pulls at her heartstrings.
What they discover is a serial killer, bent on replacing his own two sisters who were found dead in a house fire 16 years ago.
Tense, fast paced, and gritty, The Lost Girls is the first novel in the Maggie Dupont series. The solid plot, deftly drawn characters make this a terrific read. Alternating chapters tell what is happening today vs what happened all those years ago. The reader gets a close up view of what goes on in his own head. This is an action packed page turner that starts with a bang and ends with an explosion.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Maggie Dupont is an investigative journalist although she doesn't do much anymore because of health issues. Her nephew was the young boy who was murdered. When she's confronted by the sister and brother of the two missing girls, their begging for help pulls at her heartstrings.
What they discover is a serial killer, bent on replacing his own two sisters who were found dead in a house fire 16 years ago.
Tense, fast paced, and gritty, The Lost Girls is the first novel in the Maggie Dupont series. The solid plot, deftly drawn characters make this a terrific read. Alternating chapters tell what is happening today vs what happened all those years ago. The reader gets a close up view of what goes on in his own head. This is an action packed page turner that starts with a bang and ends with an explosion.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 18, 2020
The Lost Girls by Helen Pryke is a great psychological thriller.
There are characters you love, like and hate all thrown in to make a great story.
The chapters are short, yet full of events and action.
I was kept glued to my kindle reading this and look forward to reading the next book on the series.
There are characters you love, like and hate all thrown in to make a great story.
The chapters are short, yet full of events and action.
I was kept glued to my kindle reading this and look forward to reading the next book on the series.
June 28, 2020
Plot/Narrative
Oh my, This psychological thriller is fucking fantastic. I can't begin to explain how much I loved this book believe me it's taken me a few days to get my thoughts together and write this book review.
The overall plot is fabulously crafted together and makes for an all-consuming absorbing mesmerizing read that has everything a psychological thriller needs. This becomes a thoroughly addictive interesting story with fantastic characters with a sadistic antagonist who makes your toes curl and your body squirm.
Two girls - ' The Lost Girls' and Jane And Charlotte go missing/ are abducted two weeks apart. Jane is 13 years old she is being bullied at school and forced to look after her younger sister Chloe and feels unappreciated, unloved and unwanted. Charlotte is 14 years old goes missing after school. She has friends in school and loves her family. They both wake up in a basement.
Before the girls went missing a little boy goes missing it was thought, he had run away until his body is found and the cause is murder.
4 years later and they still haven't be found. Jane and Charlotte's Brother and Sister find Maggie an investigative journalist who is no longer doing investigative journalism due to her autoimmune disease and because of the murder of her nephew, Thomas.
Anyway, Micheal and Chloe convince her to look into the case of their missing sisters as it went cold very soon after.
Characters
Maggie is a wonderfully real, raw, distinguished and interesting character. She is suffering from an autoimmune disease which the name is not mentioned in the book which I think adds to the story as it adds some more mystery to the book and is able to have more readers being able to relate to her characteristics. Helen has handled this perfectly, sensitivity and portrayed it skillfully.
The adductor/perpetrator is one warped, sick sadistic disturbing mother fucker. But Helen crafted his character really well and allowed us to get deep in his mind. He makes every fibre of your being shudder and go cold with uncertainty and horror.
Writing Style/Pacing
The Prologue was brilliant and gave us a glimpse into what an epic story this would become. We were given alternative chapters from several points of views including the abductor, Maggie and The Lost Girls, Charlotte and Jane. I love books that are told from multiple points of view as we get a better insight into the characters and the overall plot/story.
Fast-paced, tense and nail-biting.
Themes/Settings
Some of the settings were familiar to me and near to where I live and I think it's was much more enjoyable yet all the more realistic and scarier for me.
Helen did exceptionally good at
representing a multitude of themes within this book and did so realistically and in a respectful and careful sensitive manner.
Overall Thoughts
The overall plot is fabulously crafted together and makes for an all-consuming absorbing mesmerizing read that has everything a psychological thriller needs. A thoroughly addictive interesting story with fantastic characters with a sadistic antagonist who makes your toes curl and your body squirm. The Prologue was brilliant and gave us a glimpse into what an epic story this would become.
Fast-paced, tense and nail-biting.
Find more reviews at www.readingthroughthepain.blog
Oh my, This psychological thriller is fucking fantastic. I can't begin to explain how much I loved this book believe me it's taken me a few days to get my thoughts together and write this book review.
The overall plot is fabulously crafted together and makes for an all-consuming absorbing mesmerizing read that has everything a psychological thriller needs. This becomes a thoroughly addictive interesting story with fantastic characters with a sadistic antagonist who makes your toes curl and your body squirm.
Two girls - ' The Lost Girls' and Jane And Charlotte go missing/ are abducted two weeks apart. Jane is 13 years old she is being bullied at school and forced to look after her younger sister Chloe and feels unappreciated, unloved and unwanted. Charlotte is 14 years old goes missing after school. She has friends in school and loves her family. They both wake up in a basement.
Before the girls went missing a little boy goes missing it was thought, he had run away until his body is found and the cause is murder.
4 years later and they still haven't be found. Jane and Charlotte's Brother and Sister find Maggie an investigative journalist who is no longer doing investigative journalism due to her autoimmune disease and because of the murder of her nephew, Thomas.
Anyway, Micheal and Chloe convince her to look into the case of their missing sisters as it went cold very soon after.
Characters
Maggie is a wonderfully real, raw, distinguished and interesting character. She is suffering from an autoimmune disease which the name is not mentioned in the book which I think adds to the story as it adds some more mystery to the book and is able to have more readers being able to relate to her characteristics. Helen has handled this perfectly, sensitivity and portrayed it skillfully.
The adductor/perpetrator is one warped, sick sadistic disturbing mother fucker. But Helen crafted his character really well and allowed us to get deep in his mind. He makes every fibre of your being shudder and go cold with uncertainty and horror.
Writing Style/Pacing
The Prologue was brilliant and gave us a glimpse into what an epic story this would become. We were given alternative chapters from several points of views including the abductor, Maggie and The Lost Girls, Charlotte and Jane. I love books that are told from multiple points of view as we get a better insight into the characters and the overall plot/story.
Fast-paced, tense and nail-biting.
Themes/Settings
Some of the settings were familiar to me and near to where I live and I think it's was much more enjoyable yet all the more realistic and scarier for me.
Helen did exceptionally good at
representing a multitude of themes within this book and did so realistically and in a respectful and careful sensitive manner.
Overall Thoughts
The overall plot is fabulously crafted together and makes for an all-consuming absorbing mesmerizing read that has everything a psychological thriller needs. A thoroughly addictive interesting story with fantastic characters with a sadistic antagonist who makes your toes curl and your body squirm. The Prologue was brilliant and gave us a glimpse into what an epic story this would become.
Fast-paced, tense and nail-biting.
Find more reviews at www.readingthroughthepain.blog
July 25, 2019
The Lost Girls is a departure from Helen Pryke’s intriguing Innocenti sagas, and I take my hat off to her for branching out into writing her debut thriller. It is a well-crafted page turner. Investigative journalist Maggie, (herself a tortured soul), at the behest of the siblings of two missing teenaged girls whom the police seem to have given up on four years after their abduction, leads us on a hunt. But we are also given insights into the other side of the story via monologues from the abductor’s damaged mind and this was extremely creepy. There is a strong hint of the paranormal too towards the end of the story which I thought could work really well in film.
The portrayal of all of the teenagers was very convincing and I would place this book into YA category. Mental conditions and auto-immune illness are sensitively handled, as well as Maggie’s lesbian relationship, which is calling out to be developed in a sequel. It would be good to meet Maggie again.
There were questions in my mind about the reluctance to involve the police more (although Maggie explains why she doesn’t want to contact them in chapter 29: “Not yet…Let’s see what we find out first, so we’ve got as much information as possible to give them. I don’t want any news report letting him know we’re onto him, that could put the girls in danger.”). I realise that we need a hero or heroine to save the day in this kind of genre, and not the police, but I found this aspect slightly implausible. I’m sure plenty of readers will disagree with me. But, isn’t this proof of a good book if it stirs up questions? Surely the police could avoid reporters finding out. I also wanted to know what happened with Jane (one of the victims) at the end of the book. What do other readers think? These niggles aside, it is very well written and four deserved stars is my honest vote.
The portrayal of all of the teenagers was very convincing and I would place this book into YA category. Mental conditions and auto-immune illness are sensitively handled, as well as Maggie’s lesbian relationship, which is calling out to be developed in a sequel. It would be good to meet Maggie again.
There were questions in my mind about the reluctance to involve the police more (although Maggie explains why she doesn’t want to contact them in chapter 29: “Not yet…Let’s see what we find out first, so we’ve got as much information as possible to give them. I don’t want any news report letting him know we’re onto him, that could put the girls in danger.”). I realise that we need a hero or heroine to save the day in this kind of genre, and not the police, but I found this aspect slightly implausible. I’m sure plenty of readers will disagree with me. But, isn’t this proof of a good book if it stirs up questions? Surely the police could avoid reporters finding out. I also wanted to know what happened with Jane (one of the victims) at the end of the book. What do other readers think? These niggles aside, it is very well written and four deserved stars is my honest vote.
June 22, 2019
This story had me from the word go as the prologue gives a taster of what’s to come. I loved the characters, especially Jane and Charlotte, who are both still at School. But the villain of the story is equally well crafted. We come to learn of the reasons for his quest and see inside the working of his irrational mind. Suspenseful throughout the entire book the plot weaves together beautifully, leaving us waiting until the last few chapters for the resolution. I found myself so invested and hopeful for a positive outcome. An easy read, I can imagine like me you’ll want to eat it up in one sitting. Recommended for all lovers of psychological and suspenseful novels, and note this book contains some strong themes.
June 12, 2020
Wow what a read, really good book. What I appreciated was that certain things were not told in details. You know what was happening without it being laid out for you. Definitely dark and scary at times, but what a page turner 4 shiny stars from me
June 17, 2020
Maggie Turner's ten year old nephew Thomas was abducted in April 2015 in the southern town of Bedhampton and his body discovered a few weeks later. Her sister Nicola and Nicola's husband Richard are starting to rebuild their lives but it changed how former investigative journalist Maggie chose her assignments after that. In June 2015, a week after Thomas' body was found, a thirteen year old girl called Jane Simmons went missing on her way home from school nearby. Bullied, plain looking and outshone by her younger sister Chloe, it was thought she may have been unhappy and ran away from home. But when another girl, fourteen year old Charlotte Hodgson, this time a happy home loving child, also disappeared it looked like both girls had in fact been snatched by someone. Despite a full police investigation throwing up a likely suspect no one was charged and the girls never found, dead or alive. Chloe and Charlotte's older brother Mike have never given up hope of seeing their siblings again and four years later they approach Maggie in the hope that she can help them. Still working for The Southern Recorder in Portsmouth, she is now reluctant to write about this type of case again after Thomas, and Maggie has also developed an autoimmune disease which flares up with stress and can leave her devastatingly tired. After meeting with the youngsters she decides to go back to doing what she loves and gets the go-ahead from her boss try to help them. Pretty quickly she and colleague Andy identify a couple of new suspects not investigated by the police at the time, and she sets about following up these leads. Accompanied by Chloe and Mike, she discovers a possible location for the girls incarceration and the story opens up from there. But which of their two suspects could be the man they are looking for? Desperately clinging onto the hope that the girls are still alive, she doesn't know it yet but the clock is ticking for all of them. During the course of the story we also get a narrative from the abductor's point of view without actually knowing his identity. He has been working his way though jobs in many schools, seeking replacements for his sisters Jane and Charlotte, all the while with his mother's voice in his head as we experience the conflicting thoughts and anguish that his psychosis puts him through. We read about how he first takes Jane and then later Charlotte and how he relives the trauma of his earlier life through them, all whilst goaded by his mother as he tries to recreate the family he once had. He talks about an end coming but just what does that mean for everyone concerned and will Maggie succeed where detectives once failed? There is plenty of action and a great plot here which kept me thoroughly engrossed, very much a "whydunit" as opposed to finding out who. Maggie is a good strong character, uniquely placed to understand both the parents' and the reporting needs of the cases involved, whilst trying to put the ghosts of her nephew's story to rest. I would have liked to hear a little more about her illness, since I know it takes many forms but not too much else about it, and I am already looking forward to reading the second book in the series out 10th August 2020 called Right Beside You. 5*
November 26, 2019
Just finished this book. In one sitting!!
I cannot begin to explain how good this book is!! But I'll try.
The book started quite confusing to me, alot of names, each few pages a different story from different people. I have never done this before but I had to write down each name 9 all together. Maybe it's because my head is smooshed with other thoughts so I couldn't concentrate but either way I wrote all 9 names down on a bit of paper.
Then the story kicked in.. I found myself not wanting to put my phone down! I needed to read the next chapter. I kept saying to myself, stop at this chapter and have a break, but I couldn't. 3 and half hour later I have finished and WOW what a whirlwind of emotions.
This book sucks you in. You can lose hours in this book!
I loved the characters and found myself drawn to Maggie due to her illness as I have the same.
The author has such a way with words and described parts of this book in such a poetic way you felt like you were standing right there with the characters.
No spoilers from me..
But I did love this book. Normally when I read a book I have bits that I would of changed.. none from me.
This book was face paced, emotional and just sucks you in.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!
I cannot begin to explain how good this book is!! But I'll try.
The book started quite confusing to me, alot of names, each few pages a different story from different people. I have never done this before but I had to write down each name 9 all together. Maybe it's because my head is smooshed with other thoughts so I couldn't concentrate but either way I wrote all 9 names down on a bit of paper.
Then the story kicked in.. I found myself not wanting to put my phone down! I needed to read the next chapter. I kept saying to myself, stop at this chapter and have a break, but I couldn't. 3 and half hour later I have finished and WOW what a whirlwind of emotions.
This book sucks you in. You can lose hours in this book!
I loved the characters and found myself drawn to Maggie due to her illness as I have the same.
The author has such a way with words and described parts of this book in such a poetic way you felt like you were standing right there with the characters.
No spoilers from me..
But I did love this book. Normally when I read a book I have bits that I would of changed.. none from me.
This book was face paced, emotional and just sucks you in.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!
June 29, 2019
Wow! A real page turner! What an amazing plot! Two young girls from different family situations find themselves kidnapped by a violent man. Will Jane and Charlotte figure out what their situation really is before it is too late? The author does an awesome job relating James deterioration into utter madness. Loved how the brother and sister left behind seek out the one person who could help them And what a twist at the end! Loved the entire book and I do hope this is a genre the author continues to whet her pen in.
July 1, 2019
Nerve Wracking
This book had my attention from the first sentence. The thoughts of the main characters let the reader know how they felt, what they thought and a glimpse into why. The antagonist's thoughts showed his struggle with childhood events and his descent into total madness.
This book had my attention from the first sentence. The thoughts of the main characters let the reader know how they felt, what they thought and a glimpse into why. The antagonist's thoughts showed his struggle with childhood events and his descent into total madness.
July 7, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read from Helen, but I know that from now on I will read more from her. The Lost Girls is a page-turner. I read 20 chapters of it in one day, because simply I couldn’t put it down. I feared more than once for Jane’s and Charlote’s life. The chapters of James are so beautifully penned down that I got goosebumps reading it. I highly recommend this book! Well done!
November 13, 2019
Intense read
Very well written. This story is very intense, even disturbing at times. I had to take breaks in between reading.
Very well written. This story is very intense, even disturbing at times. I had to take breaks in between reading.
June 19, 2020
I strongly recommend to you this gripping thriller, as well as this very talented author. The Lost Girls is a story you won't be able to put down easily and to forget too quickly.
"Years ago his sisters died. Now he wants them back."
The story of two abducted teenage girls is really spine-chilling. It keeps you at the edge of your seat and is even more terrifying when you realise that such things do happen and can happen around us every day. For me, the most interesting was the psychological aspect and the motives that stood behind the protagonists actions. I must admit, it was even not the abductor himself that focused my attention most this time, though it is always interesting to analyse the villain's actions. Most important for me was the insight into the minds of the victims - two poor teenage girls - and seeing how they were trying to cope with their new reality - each of them in different ways. It was a very difficult emotional read, not only because the very situation of abduction and violence it involves is so difficult to read about. Most difficult was to witness how fragile teenage psyche can be and how enormously it can be influenced by traumatic situations and events of life. How the absence of daily support and lack of safety can change the reasoning of a young girl, so that she can think the way she does here.
The narration and plot are skilfully developed, with a number of twists and turns of events, thanks to which the book keeps a good pace all the time. A parallel protagonist, investigative journalist, Maggie, and the fact that she carries her own, equally difficult story, enriches the book.
I do encourage every suspense thrillers lover to read The Lost Girls, as well as other books of this genre by Helen Pryke!
"Years ago his sisters died. Now he wants them back."
The story of two abducted teenage girls is really spine-chilling. It keeps you at the edge of your seat and is even more terrifying when you realise that such things do happen and can happen around us every day. For me, the most interesting was the psychological aspect and the motives that stood behind the protagonists actions. I must admit, it was even not the abductor himself that focused my attention most this time, though it is always interesting to analyse the villain's actions. Most important for me was the insight into the minds of the victims - two poor teenage girls - and seeing how they were trying to cope with their new reality - each of them in different ways. It was a very difficult emotional read, not only because the very situation of abduction and violence it involves is so difficult to read about. Most difficult was to witness how fragile teenage psyche can be and how enormously it can be influenced by traumatic situations and events of life. How the absence of daily support and lack of safety can change the reasoning of a young girl, so that she can think the way she does here.
The narration and plot are skilfully developed, with a number of twists and turns of events, thanks to which the book keeps a good pace all the time. A parallel protagonist, investigative journalist, Maggie, and the fact that she carries her own, equally difficult story, enriches the book.
I do encourage every suspense thrillers lover to read The Lost Girls, as well as other books of this genre by Helen Pryke!
June 17, 2020
When two young girls go missing just two weeks apart, a town is reeling as to what could have happened to them. Without any witnesses or leads the cases become cold and the families must now start to face the dismal truth that they may never hold their little girls again.
Flash forward 4 years and the missing girl’s siblings, Mike and Chloe, can’t let go or give up on finding out what happened to them. They come across investigative journalist, Maggie Turner and although she’s been out of the game for a few years dealing with her own tragic past she’s the only one who can shed new light on these cases. Can Maggie unearth anything new to find out what happened to these girls and if she does will she be strong enough to handle the truth?
The Lost Girls is a dark and gritty story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you unknowingly holding your breathe. I thought Maggie’s character was thoughtful and pragmatic. She’s definitely someone that I would enjoy leading another story.
Flash forward 4 years and the missing girl’s siblings, Mike and Chloe, can’t let go or give up on finding out what happened to them. They come across investigative journalist, Maggie Turner and although she’s been out of the game for a few years dealing with her own tragic past she’s the only one who can shed new light on these cases. Can Maggie unearth anything new to find out what happened to these girls and if she does will she be strong enough to handle the truth?
The Lost Girls is a dark and gritty story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you unknowingly holding your breathe. I thought Maggie’s character was thoughtful and pragmatic. She’s definitely someone that I would enjoy leading another story.
June 13, 2020
Maggie’s nephew Thomas disappears and it’s thought he has run away, until he’s found dead - murdered.
13 year old Jane is bullied at school by the other children and teachers. Her Mum and younger sister, Chloe also treat her like dirt. After a particularly bad day that ends in violence, she starts to walk home but accepts a lift. She goes to the mans house for her cuts to be treated and wakes up in a basement.
14 year old Charlotte doesn’t return home from school. She accepts a lift home from a girl who is in the same class as her brother, Michael. Next thing she knows, she wakes up in a basement.
4 years later, with no sign of either girl being found, Chloe and Matthew ask investigative journalist, Maggie to help look into their disappearances. Are the girls still alive and can Maggie find clues that the police couldn’t find to solve the case?
This is my first book by the author and I enjoyed it. I liked how we had chapters between the main story telling us about the abductors childhood and his mum and 2 sisters. I liked the characters in the story and found myself absorbed in the book.
13 year old Jane is bullied at school by the other children and teachers. Her Mum and younger sister, Chloe also treat her like dirt. After a particularly bad day that ends in violence, she starts to walk home but accepts a lift. She goes to the mans house for her cuts to be treated and wakes up in a basement.
14 year old Charlotte doesn’t return home from school. She accepts a lift home from a girl who is in the same class as her brother, Michael. Next thing she knows, she wakes up in a basement.
4 years later, with no sign of either girl being found, Chloe and Matthew ask investigative journalist, Maggie to help look into their disappearances. Are the girls still alive and can Maggie find clues that the police couldn’t find to solve the case?
This is my first book by the author and I enjoyed it. I liked how we had chapters between the main story telling us about the abductors childhood and his mum and 2 sisters. I liked the characters in the story and found myself absorbed in the book.
June 17, 2020
This is my first Helen Pryke novel but I will read her again. Charlotte and Jane disappear from their school two weeks apart and no one knows where they are. Mike and Chloe the siblings of the missing girls approach investigative journalist to find out where they’re sisters went.
Four years after the event the trail may have gone cold but Maggie Turner is determined to solve the case.
The book is written in alternating chapters from the POV of the investigation and the reality for the missing girls who are still being held captive.
I loved the character of Maggie and how the Investigation gradually reveals the kidnappers past which impacts the girls present.
The writing is gritty and realistic with no perfect happy endings.
Can’t wait for book two.
Four years after the event the trail may have gone cold but Maggie Turner is determined to solve the case.
The book is written in alternating chapters from the POV of the investigation and the reality for the missing girls who are still being held captive.
I loved the character of Maggie and how the Investigation gradually reveals the kidnappers past which impacts the girls present.
The writing is gritty and realistic with no perfect happy endings.
Can’t wait for book two.
June 25, 2020
Psychologically Thrilling
This book dives deeply into the psyche of both victim and killer alike. I was able to understand and share the feelings expressed by both, very different, girls. On the flip-side, I understood how the painful abuse led the killer to his current mental state.
The story is about more than these three well-developed characters. An entirely different story plays out in the background and the way they tie together is a mind-blower!
I have always loved Helen’s work, and this new one did not disappoint.
This book dives deeply into the psyche of both victim and killer alike. I was able to understand and share the feelings expressed by both, very different, girls. On the flip-side, I understood how the painful abuse led the killer to his current mental state.
The story is about more than these three well-developed characters. An entirely different story plays out in the background and the way they tie together is a mind-blower!
I have always loved Helen’s work, and this new one did not disappoint.
June 18, 2020
I read the earlier version of this book and now read it again after it had been edited.
Wow! It has improved greatly, the characters are even better honed and their interactions make the entire story that much more believable - and creepy - than it was for me on the first round. A definite 5 star recommendation, if you can stand the tension. Because there is lots of it, even if you know how the story goes!
Wow! It has improved greatly, the characters are even better honed and their interactions make the entire story that much more believable - and creepy - than it was for me on the first round. A definite 5 star recommendation, if you can stand the tension. Because there is lots of it, even if you know how the story goes!
June 15, 2020
A debut thriller novel from this author and hopefully more of the same to come. It had a good pace throughout and although only one real twist, it was worth waiting for. Due to this style and the fact that there isn’t plethora of gore in graphic detail, this would sit well in the YA category (which I read and review too) and should be considered for that. Helen’s handling of the mental health issues are sensitively done . I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story and it certainly cries out for a sequel.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
July 2, 2020
Really good read
My hearts been in my mouth more times than I can remember, got sucked in and felt as though I was there with them.
My hearts been in my mouth more times than I can remember, got sucked in and felt as though I was there with them.
August 29, 2020
Brilliant read
June 17, 2020
The lost girls
I just finished the book the twists and turns are still running around in my head. A good book. Highly recommend
I just finished the book the twists and turns are still running around in my head. A good book. Highly recommend
September 15, 2020
Great Story
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. The story had me gripped from start to finish and an ending that leaves you wondering.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. The story had me gripped from start to finish and an ending that leaves you wondering.
May 18, 2020
This is my first book by this author and I loved it from beginning to end. I loved being pulled into the story right from the beginning. It is a fast paced story that is full of action, suspense and mystery. I had no problems connecting with the characters as they made the story feel real and engaging. This is a story about losing two sisters and a murder of a young boy. They both remain unsolved but are they connected? What will happen as Detective Maggie finds herself in the middle of a nightmare that could turn deadly? The twists and turns of this story left me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I highly recommend this book.
September 17, 2022
When two girls go missing, on two separate occasions, a community worries that there is a serial abductor on the prowl.
But these two girls are “special” as they have been specifically chosen to replace two sisters lost to a “devoted” brother.
For Jane and for Charlotte it is only the beginning of years of torment and abuse, and not a life as a loving replacement family.
As the years have passed any hope of finding the two girls has gone; except that is by their siblings Mike and Chloe that have recently met through college.
They want to enlist the help of Maggie an investigational journalist, who has a reputation for solving things that have been given up on.
Maggie however has her own demon’s; her ill health had forced her to give up on her career, and the death of her nephew Thomas was the last straw. Her partner Sally; in Maggie’s eyes, has failed her and so now Maggie is all alone.
So when Mike and Chloe approach her she is quite reluctant to get involved. Then after hearing their pleas for help the old Maggie returns, using all her skills and contacts to help them find out what happened to Jane and Charlotte, whatever the outcome may be.
Meanwhile daily life for the two girls is filled with tension and fear. Their captor who has held them and hidden them for the past four years wasn’t one to displease or be made angry. The welts and scars were testament to this. Their captor is a man obsessed in not only replacing his dead sisters but making sure that no one, not even his mother, could stop his plans for recreating his new family.
But as an anniversary is approaching time is running out for them; can anyone save them. The race against time is gripping and it will have you wishing you could race to the end of the book.
As the book nears its end your heart will be in your throat; and as it draws to its conclusion you will wish it could have ended differently.
Fantastic writing from the author, I will definitely be looking to read more by them.
But these two girls are “special” as they have been specifically chosen to replace two sisters lost to a “devoted” brother.
For Jane and for Charlotte it is only the beginning of years of torment and abuse, and not a life as a loving replacement family.
As the years have passed any hope of finding the two girls has gone; except that is by their siblings Mike and Chloe that have recently met through college.
They want to enlist the help of Maggie an investigational journalist, who has a reputation for solving things that have been given up on.
Maggie however has her own demon’s; her ill health had forced her to give up on her career, and the death of her nephew Thomas was the last straw. Her partner Sally; in Maggie’s eyes, has failed her and so now Maggie is all alone.
So when Mike and Chloe approach her she is quite reluctant to get involved. Then after hearing their pleas for help the old Maggie returns, using all her skills and contacts to help them find out what happened to Jane and Charlotte, whatever the outcome may be.
Meanwhile daily life for the two girls is filled with tension and fear. Their captor who has held them and hidden them for the past four years wasn’t one to displease or be made angry. The welts and scars were testament to this. Their captor is a man obsessed in not only replacing his dead sisters but making sure that no one, not even his mother, could stop his plans for recreating his new family.
But as an anniversary is approaching time is running out for them; can anyone save them. The race against time is gripping and it will have you wishing you could race to the end of the book.
As the book nears its end your heart will be in your throat; and as it draws to its conclusion you will wish it could have ended differently.
Fantastic writing from the author, I will definitely be looking to read more by them.
July 26, 2019
Wow!
There are so many reasons we enjoy a book (or not) and for me this touched on a couple of topics I’m really passionate about. I don’t like to give spoilers, so read one of the other reviews if you’d like to know more about the story. 😊
All I’m going to give away is that it centres around a MEM (mother enmeshed man - look it up). Obviously this book is fiction, and the situation is extreme. But the way that some women transmit their traumas or needs onto their sons, is way more common than we like to believe. Let down by the primary man in their lives these women turn to their sons instead and it messes with them in ways that are complicated and soul destroying.
One of the things I enjoyed about the story was the accuracy in the way this plays out for the son, and the lens he sees the world, women, relationships, and his own role through, and how powerful the mother remains in his life even if she’s dead. It’s not uncommon at all for her to remain quite real and present as she’s already skewed his makeup dramatically. It’s as devastating in real life. It’s a common ingredient in the making of a psychopath.
In this book, it’s also fascinating for me seeing how his victims respond to him in different ways when they have both come from such different backgrounds. How the safety each girl felt BEFORE they were taken, affects how they view their abuser and their relationship with him. Also very accurate. I’m looking forward to the next one.
PS: It’s not a long book, and I found it just right. I liked the story and I’m glad the author didn’t feel the need to flesh it out to make it longer.
There are so many reasons we enjoy a book (or not) and for me this touched on a couple of topics I’m really passionate about. I don’t like to give spoilers, so read one of the other reviews if you’d like to know more about the story. 😊
All I’m going to give away is that it centres around a MEM (mother enmeshed man - look it up). Obviously this book is fiction, and the situation is extreme. But the way that some women transmit their traumas or needs onto their sons, is way more common than we like to believe. Let down by the primary man in their lives these women turn to their sons instead and it messes with them in ways that are complicated and soul destroying.
One of the things I enjoyed about the story was the accuracy in the way this plays out for the son, and the lens he sees the world, women, relationships, and his own role through, and how powerful the mother remains in his life even if she’s dead. It’s not uncommon at all for her to remain quite real and present as she’s already skewed his makeup dramatically. It’s as devastating in real life. It’s a common ingredient in the making of a psychopath.
In this book, it’s also fascinating for me seeing how his victims respond to him in different ways when they have both come from such different backgrounds. How the safety each girl felt BEFORE they were taken, affects how they view their abuser and their relationship with him. Also very accurate. I’m looking forward to the next one.
PS: It’s not a long book, and I found it just right. I liked the story and I’m glad the author didn’t feel the need to flesh it out to make it longer.
June 18, 2020
I reached for The Lost Girls with a huge interest and curiosity, as suspense thrillers are the genre I am very fond of. There was no single moment I would lose my interest in the plot, it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book.
The story of two teenage girls trapped with a mentally disturbed man reads so well, it is coherent all the time and excellently written - Helen really has a storyteller gift. What I liked about the book and what was so interesting to me, was the insight I got into the reasoning and way of thinking of James - the negative character. However, equally interesting was the way Jane and Charlie perceived the turns of events, their reasoning and view of the situations they faced. The book's other protagonist, a determined journalist Maggie Dupont is a person whom you could like right away and whom anyone finds reliable and trustworthy. The story has several twists and turns of events that make it a real page-turner and it keeps the good pace all the time. I have read it with a genuine pleasure and cannot wait to read Helen's newest book, which is just about to be released!
The story of two teenage girls trapped with a mentally disturbed man reads so well, it is coherent all the time and excellently written - Helen really has a storyteller gift. What I liked about the book and what was so interesting to me, was the insight I got into the reasoning and way of thinking of James - the negative character. However, equally interesting was the way Jane and Charlie perceived the turns of events, their reasoning and view of the situations they faced. The book's other protagonist, a determined journalist Maggie Dupont is a person whom you could like right away and whom anyone finds reliable and trustworthy. The story has several twists and turns of events that make it a real page-turner and it keeps the good pace all the time. I have read it with a genuine pleasure and cannot wait to read Helen's newest book, which is just about to be released!
July 8, 2019
One of my favorite authors has written a new book and of course I had to read it right away. Helen Pryke moved genres once more and now entered the realm of mystery and thriller. A thrilling read it was, indeed, presented in her usual beautiful and capturing style. It never takes me long to read what she writes and it was the same with this book. Two girls were kidnapped from different families and the police could never find them again. Were the kidnappings related? Are the girls still alive? If so, where are they?
Each of the girls has siblings and they cannot let the matter rest. They approach a journalist to help them find their sisters, who – as we learn – were indeed both kidnapped by the same man, and this man is rapidly losing his grip on sanity.
The story has all the ingredients you need for a good read: Well formed characters, emotional turmoil, twists and turns and insights into a deranged mind. You'll find it hard to put it down!
Each of the girls has siblings and they cannot let the matter rest. They approach a journalist to help them find their sisters, who – as we learn – were indeed both kidnapped by the same man, and this man is rapidly losing his grip on sanity.
The story has all the ingredients you need for a good read: Well formed characters, emotional turmoil, twists and turns and insights into a deranged mind. You'll find it hard to put it down!
July 24, 2019
Wow what a book!! An easy 5 star rating from me!
Charlotte and Jane are two teenagers who are abducted at the end of the school day. Four years later, their siblings, Mike and Chloe, seek out investigative journalist Maggie to help them find out what happened to their sisters as the police investigation has gone cold.
I devoured this book in one sitting. The change in POVs mixed with all the twists and anticipation meant I had to keep reading to find out what happened next! The characters are so well written, with their individual histories which gave them great depth and made it was easy to understand them. The villain was particularly well written, with only sneak peaks into his mind and reasoning until finally the author reveals his descent into madness.
I could never have predicted the character links. This book left me on the edge of my seat with my heart pumping as I routed for Maggie, Charlotte and Jane. A fantastic read!
Charlotte and Jane are two teenagers who are abducted at the end of the school day. Four years later, their siblings, Mike and Chloe, seek out investigative journalist Maggie to help them find out what happened to their sisters as the police investigation has gone cold.
I devoured this book in one sitting. The change in POVs mixed with all the twists and anticipation meant I had to keep reading to find out what happened next! The characters are so well written, with their individual histories which gave them great depth and made it was easy to understand them. The villain was particularly well written, with only sneak peaks into his mind and reasoning until finally the author reveals his descent into madness.
I could never have predicted the character links. This book left me on the edge of my seat with my heart pumping as I routed for Maggie, Charlotte and Jane. A fantastic read!
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