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Linda Wallheim Mystery #5
The Prodigal Daughter
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, has it become easier to speak out about sexual assault in religious communities?
Linda Wallheim, who is increasingly jaded with the Mormon church, has begun marriage counseling with her bishop husband, Kurt, hoping to reconcile their household and philosophical disagreements. On other days, Linda occupies herself with happier things, like visits to see her five grown sons and their families.
When Linda's eldest son, Joseph, tells her his infant daughter's babysitter, a local teenager named Sage Jensen, has vanished, Linda can't help but ask questions. Her casual inquiries form the portrait of a girl under extreme pressure from her parents to be the perfect Mormon daughter, and it eventually emerges that Sage is the victim of a terrible crime at the hands of her own classmates—including the high school's academic and athletic superstars.
Linda's search for Sage will lead her to the darker streets of Utah and once again cause her to question whether the Mormon community's most privileged and powerful will be called to task for past sins.
Linda Wallheim, who is increasingly jaded with the Mormon church, has begun marriage counseling with her bishop husband, Kurt, hoping to reconcile their household and philosophical disagreements. On other days, Linda occupies herself with happier things, like visits to see her five grown sons and their families.
When Linda's eldest son, Joseph, tells her his infant daughter's babysitter, a local teenager named Sage Jensen, has vanished, Linda can't help but ask questions. Her casual inquiries form the portrait of a girl under extreme pressure from her parents to be the perfect Mormon daughter, and it eventually emerges that Sage is the victim of a terrible crime at the hands of her own classmates—including the high school's academic and athletic superstars.
Linda's search for Sage will lead her to the darker streets of Utah and once again cause her to question whether the Mormon community's most privileged and powerful will be called to task for past sins.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
21 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
Mette Ivie Harrison
68 books436 followersMy name is pronounced "Metty" like my mother's "Betty." It is Danish, and we were all named after ancestors. I guess by the time they got to number nine (out of eleven), it was getting tricky. So I got the funny Danish name no one knew how to prounounce. In Denmark, it should be "meta" like "metaphysical." It's from the Greek for "pearl." And no, it's not short for anything. Not even Mediterannean.
My first book, THE MONSTER IN ME was accepted for publication in 1999 and was published in 2002. My second book, MIRA, MIRROR was published in 2004. The latest book, THE PRINCESS AND THE HOUND , was published in 2007. A sequel, THE PRINCESS AND THE BEAR, came out in April of 2009.
I now live in Utah with my husband and 5 children, ages 5 to 14. I write during nap time, or at 4 in the morning, or while the broccoli for dinner is burning. Whenever I get a chance. I love to write the kind of books that I love to read. And I love to discover what is going to happen next, just like a reader would. I also do some racing in triathlon.
from http://www.metteivieharrison.com/myli...
My first book, THE MONSTER IN ME was accepted for publication in 1999 and was published in 2002. My second book, MIRA, MIRROR was published in 2004. The latest book, THE PRINCESS AND THE HOUND , was published in 2007. A sequel, THE PRINCESS AND THE BEAR, came out in April of 2009.
I now live in Utah with my husband and 5 children, ages 5 to 14. I write during nap time, or at 4 in the morning, or while the broccoli for dinner is burning. Whenever I get a chance. I love to write the kind of books that I love to read. And I love to discover what is going to happen next, just like a reader would. I also do some racing in triathlon.
from http://www.metteivieharrison.com/myli...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 3, 2021
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
Leave it to me to pick the fifth book in a series that I have never experienced! However, I never felt lost as the author is very transparent in the main struggles of Mormon, Linda Wallheim. As the wife of the bishop, Linda has raised her children, believes in her God, but is struggling with what is taught and what is actually happening in her faith. When her son Joseph asks Linda to get involved in his missing teenage babysitter, she finds herself questioning her role in the church even further.
I felt this to be a heartbreaking story with an ending that did have me shed a few tears. I guess if I had a criticism is that there were times in the story where a shift to little parts of the Wallheim family wasn't as interesting.
Publication Date 25/05/21
Goodreads review 02/06/21
#TheProdigalDaughter #NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
Leave it to me to pick the fifth book in a series that I have never experienced! However, I never felt lost as the author is very transparent in the main struggles of Mormon, Linda Wallheim. As the wife of the bishop, Linda has raised her children, believes in her God, but is struggling with what is taught and what is actually happening in her faith. When her son Joseph asks Linda to get involved in his missing teenage babysitter, she finds herself questioning her role in the church even further.
I felt this to be a heartbreaking story with an ending that did have me shed a few tears. I guess if I had a criticism is that there were times in the story where a shift to little parts of the Wallheim family wasn't as interesting.
Publication Date 25/05/21
Goodreads review 02/06/21
#TheProdigalDaughter #NetGalley
May 17, 2021
Omg, this book was so good, it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I just had to keep reading to find out more. It's so interesting and I was just in shock whit that ending. Linda is one stronger lady. Some parts of the book were a little harder to read. The story is so realistic and so many details you really can feel like you are in the story. The author really did a good job with this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Soho Press for giving me the chance of reading and reviewing this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Soho Press for giving me the chance of reading and reviewing this book.
June 16, 2021
DNF, skip it.
June 10, 2021
I love this series. I love Harrison's writing, I love the Linda Wallheim character, I love the story lines. This one was a tough one to read because of the subject matter yet that is one of the reasons this is a must read. I would encourage mothers and daughters to read it together as well as a few fathers who might learn something about their teenaged daughters and what can happen to them.
As I read it I kept reflecting on rapist Brock Turner who swam for Stanford and how Judge Perskey, also from Stanford (go figure) didn't want the fact that Turner raped a young woman get in the way of his future. I call BS on that....Turner got off way easier than he should have....as do the 10 young men in Prodigal Daughter. Sabrina's parents only added to the devastation of that character's life. Only Linda gave her a glimpse of what life should be.
Harrison does a marvelous job taking readers through the changes in Linda's life -- not just in this book but through the entire series. In each book she questions her life, her decisions and struggles to do right by each person she meets. In this one it was wonderful to see Linda taking a long look at her own life and her own values. She does in previous books, but in this one, with her sons' lives more or less settled she is in a space to look at what is next for her. She realizes the differences between her personal faith and trappings of her church. While her soul searching is about her religion, while we can all take a page out of her life and apply those questions to elements of our lives.
I have but one issue with Mette Ivie Harrison.....she doesn't write fast enough! I could read her books every month and never tire of her writing voice or the character of Linda Wallheim.
As I read it I kept reflecting on rapist Brock Turner who swam for Stanford and how Judge Perskey, also from Stanford (go figure) didn't want the fact that Turner raped a young woman get in the way of his future. I call BS on that....Turner got off way easier than he should have....as do the 10 young men in Prodigal Daughter. Sabrina's parents only added to the devastation of that character's life. Only Linda gave her a glimpse of what life should be.
Harrison does a marvelous job taking readers through the changes in Linda's life -- not just in this book but through the entire series. In each book she questions her life, her decisions and struggles to do right by each person she meets. In this one it was wonderful to see Linda taking a long look at her own life and her own values. She does in previous books, but in this one, with her sons' lives more or less settled she is in a space to look at what is next for her. She realizes the differences between her personal faith and trappings of her church. While her soul searching is about her religion, while we can all take a page out of her life and apply those questions to elements of our lives.
I have but one issue with Mette Ivie Harrison.....she doesn't write fast enough! I could read her books every month and never tire of her writing voice or the character of Linda Wallheim.
June 17, 2023
Skip unless you're into wokeness. This book rubbed me the wrong way.
In the first book of the series, I really liked Linda, the protagonist. A busybody, but a nice one. But now, she's gone politically correct, in a preachy way.
The problem with this new political angle to the series is: Nobody picks up a book about a Mormon bishop's wife to get a lecture on liberal values...Unfortunately, that's exactly what you get in this book.
Some of the rants from "Linda" in the book, echo exactly of what's probably spinning around in the authors head, after she left the LDS church.
Linda's position isn't actually very sympathetic! As the narrator, Linda points the finger at her husband, the Mormon bishop. He's patriarchal and sometimes belittles her. He doesn't understand her suffering as what, precisely? A woman? As a non-believing bishop's wife?
Newsflash, Linda! You are living a privileged life, with a kind husband in a large luxurious home. You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want to be a feminist, bring in your own dough into the household. Also, nobody's forcing you to stay married to this "oppressive and patriarchal" man, if it is such a chore. The husband meanwhile, is working full time in his profession, while doing the unpaid bishop's role in his spare time.
Linda goes on long rants about why she can't get a job, despite all the kids having moved out and despite her husband suggesting it, as they need the money. Simultaneously she's complaining about patriarchal oppression by her husband. If I was her husband I'd confront her: Get a job or stop complaining about supposed patriarchy.
A new virtue-signalling snippet is inserted every 10 pages or so in the book: Linda's youngest son is gay. Apparently it's necessary to keep mentioning this all the time, even though it has nothing at all to do with the plot. Irritating.
And just in case you didn't know: All women are victims of the patriarchy and all men are potential rapists - or willing to protect rapists. This is a major theme in this book.
Please Mette Ivie Harrison, I think you can do better than this. Please get out of the ex-mormon rabbit hole. It's too crowded there right now!
I lost interest in this series now. Don't want woke preaching when I try to relax with fiction.
In the first book of the series, I really liked Linda, the protagonist. A busybody, but a nice one. But now, she's gone politically correct, in a preachy way.
The problem with this new political angle to the series is: Nobody picks up a book about a Mormon bishop's wife to get a lecture on liberal values...Unfortunately, that's exactly what you get in this book.
Some of the rants from "Linda" in the book, echo exactly of what's probably spinning around in the authors head, after she left the LDS church.
Linda's position isn't actually very sympathetic! As the narrator, Linda points the finger at her husband, the Mormon bishop. He's patriarchal and sometimes belittles her. He doesn't understand her suffering as what, precisely? A woman? As a non-believing bishop's wife?
Newsflash, Linda! You are living a privileged life, with a kind husband in a large luxurious home. You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want to be a feminist, bring in your own dough into the household. Also, nobody's forcing you to stay married to this "oppressive and patriarchal" man, if it is such a chore. The husband meanwhile, is working full time in his profession, while doing the unpaid bishop's role in his spare time.
Linda goes on long rants about why she can't get a job, despite all the kids having moved out and despite her husband suggesting it, as they need the money. Simultaneously she's complaining about patriarchal oppression by her husband. If I was her husband I'd confront her: Get a job or stop complaining about supposed patriarchy.
A new virtue-signalling snippet is inserted every 10 pages or so in the book: Linda's youngest son is gay. Apparently it's necessary to keep mentioning this all the time, even though it has nothing at all to do with the plot. Irritating.
And just in case you didn't know: All women are victims of the patriarchy and all men are potential rapists - or willing to protect rapists. This is a major theme in this book.
Please Mette Ivie Harrison, I think you can do better than this. Please get out of the ex-mormon rabbit hole. It's too crowded there right now!
I lost interest in this series now. Don't want woke preaching when I try to relax with fiction.
May 22, 2021
The Prodigal Daughter is often a very painful book to read, wrapped as it is in the #MeToo movement and the author's own life. Has the #MeToo movement made it easier to speak out about sexual assault in religious communities? Personally, I doubt it because it's much too easy to blame outsiders for the problem. It simply couldn't happen here, not with our good little boys raised in the teachings of the church! (Notice how I did not single out the Mormon church?)
Mette Ivie Harrison's life has become shredded due to her Linda Wallheim mysteries and her unflinchingly honest portrayal of crime in Mormon communities. I'd love to say that I'm shocked by the Mormon reaction to her writing, but after having lived in Provo, Utah, for three years, I am not. Her writing is honest. She talks about the good things the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does. She talks about what she strongly believes in. But-- and here's the rub-- she also talks about where the Church often fails.
In The Prodigal Daughter, it's the plight of runaway and thrown-away children who either can't deal with their parents' insistence on being the perfect Mormon child or who have been thrown out because they don't live up to their parents' expectations. Harrison also paints a clear picture of Mormonism, #MeToo, and women as second-class citizens. It's not pretty, but as Linda Wallheim says, "If the truth destroys something, then it probably wasn't real to begin with."
As I said earlier, The Prodigal Daughter is often painful to read as Linda tries to find Sabrina and provide her with safety and acceptance. The truth can hurt. But it's as if all the things Harrison has been living through as she wrote this book squeezed some of the heart out of it. It feels rushed and doesn't quite measure up to previous books in this excellent series, but that does not make it a bad book. Not in the slightest. If you like mysteries that provide you with a strong, clear look into another world, mysteries steeped with a sense of place so palpable that you can touch it, I strongly urge you to read Mette Ivie Harrison's series in its entirety. Begin with The Bishop's Wife.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Mette Ivie Harrison's life has become shredded due to her Linda Wallheim mysteries and her unflinchingly honest portrayal of crime in Mormon communities. I'd love to say that I'm shocked by the Mormon reaction to her writing, but after having lived in Provo, Utah, for three years, I am not. Her writing is honest. She talks about the good things the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does. She talks about what she strongly believes in. But-- and here's the rub-- she also talks about where the Church often fails.
In The Prodigal Daughter, it's the plight of runaway and thrown-away children who either can't deal with their parents' insistence on being the perfect Mormon child or who have been thrown out because they don't live up to their parents' expectations. Harrison also paints a clear picture of Mormonism, #MeToo, and women as second-class citizens. It's not pretty, but as Linda Wallheim says, "If the truth destroys something, then it probably wasn't real to begin with."
As I said earlier, The Prodigal Daughter is often painful to read as Linda tries to find Sabrina and provide her with safety and acceptance. The truth can hurt. But it's as if all the things Harrison has been living through as she wrote this book squeezed some of the heart out of it. It feels rushed and doesn't quite measure up to previous books in this excellent series, but that does not make it a bad book. Not in the slightest. If you like mysteries that provide you with a strong, clear look into another world, mysteries steeped with a sense of place so palpable that you can touch it, I strongly urge you to read Mette Ivie Harrison's series in its entirety. Begin with The Bishop's Wife.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
October 27, 2021
I really, really liked the main character, Linda Wallheim. As a middle-aged wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother I found it easy to identify with her - the crisis with her faith, her growing disillusionment with her Church and its rules and misogynistic attitudes, her frustration with constantly being at odds with her husband Kurt, and her wondering what's next for her - a job?, continuing things as they are, or discontinuing therapy and pursuing a divorce? - what is the next phase of Linda's life going to look like? I look forward to finding out in book six.
Linda's intentions are well meant but she should leave the investigating to the professionals. Being a nosy, interfering busybody never seems to end well for anybody. Plus, Linda is so very good about letting her adult sons live their own lives and not interfering (I appreciated her inner dialogue regarding her thoughts and opinions, and her restraint).
I know this is the fifth book of Mette Ivie Harrison's Linda Wallheim mystery series but I still enjoyed it a lot. I almost always read a book series in order but I plan to read book four next and continue from there - kind of like a countdown to book one, The Bishop's Wife.
Linda's intentions are well meant but she should leave the investigating to the professionals. Being a nosy, interfering busybody never seems to end well for anybody. Plus, Linda is so very good about letting her adult sons live their own lives and not interfering (I appreciated her inner dialogue regarding her thoughts and opinions, and her restraint).
I know this is the fifth book of Mette Ivie Harrison's Linda Wallheim mystery series but I still enjoyed it a lot. I almost always read a book series in order but I plan to read book four next and continue from there - kind of like a countdown to book one, The Bishop's Wife.
April 18, 2022
Every once in a while, it pays to read out or your norm. I'm a strong believer in that. So, I picked up a book I knew nothing about, and it's definitely different from my usual fare of crime fiction. I came to the book knowing practically nothing about the Mormon church, so it was interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at an area of society I knew nothing about.
To her credit, Harrison deals with the church honestly and painfully. To the point where I was surprised in a number of occasions. Surprised in a good way.
From purely a story standpoint, it's a taut mystery and keeps you moving quickly from the opening to the close. The ending felt a little rushed for me, like there was a page count she was trying to end on, but I would pick up another. In fact, I might start at the beginning with The Bishop's Wife.
If you're ready to try something new, pick up this series and have a go. See what you think. And what you might learn.
To her credit, Harrison deals with the church honestly and painfully. To the point where I was surprised in a number of occasions. Surprised in a good way.
From purely a story standpoint, it's a taut mystery and keeps you moving quickly from the opening to the close. The ending felt a little rushed for me, like there was a page count she was trying to end on, but I would pick up another. In fact, I might start at the beginning with The Bishop's Wife.
If you're ready to try something new, pick up this series and have a go. See what you think. And what you might learn.
December 7, 2022
Good story, I enjoyed it.
April 4, 2021
This was a difficult book to read. Each of Harrison’s books in this series have been fast reads for me - I know this world, I know these kind of people, and her plots suck me in. I also am aware of the faith transition the author is undergoing, and I see that reflected in her writing. Nothing wrong with that at all, but it can be a little jarring. And the plot in this one in the era of #MeToo was hard to digest. It’s a thing that happens, has happened, and the way it played out is sadly too real.
It’s upsetting that the way this story played out for Sage is so realistic. I almost wish Harrison hadn’t ended the story the way she did and gone more into the aftermath, but I also see how it was necessary for the reader to let that ending sit with them and stew.
It’s a gut-punch of an addition to the Linda Wallheim series and as with all her books will cause thoughts and discussion in its wake.
It’s upsetting that the way this story played out for Sage is so realistic. I almost wish Harrison hadn’t ended the story the way she did and gone more into the aftermath, but I also see how it was necessary for the reader to let that ending sit with them and stew.
It’s a gut-punch of an addition to the Linda Wallheim series and as with all her books will cause thoughts and discussion in its wake.
January 18, 2022
I always love reading mysteries, because it never seems to matter whether you pick up book one or book ten. Harrison is a master at these, because starting on book five felt just as though I'd started from the beginning. Thrust into a world of Mormonism and temples, a world with which I am wholly unfamiliar, Harrison describes a marriage falling apart, the grief of lowing a daughter, and the feeling of being an empty nester. So much has happened in the first few books, yet it is completely clear in the way she has set the plot in motion.
After the events of the first few books, we learn that Linda Wallheim is becoming jaded with the Mormon church. She still believes, still wants to believe, but after seeing how the men in power uphold the church and those involved in it, she understands that she's beginning to stray. After going to marriage counseling with her husband who feels that she's changed into a completely different person, she agrees to stop trying to solve the mysteries that seem to pop up around her. But when a teenager goes missing in the middle of winter, a teenager who has stopped eating but is still gaining weight, she cannot sit still.
This was both a pleasurable and informative read. I know little about general religion, much less Mormonism, so when Linda's faith waivers, she is able to explain exactly why and the context involved. And even more pleasing, Linda does not have all the right answers. She often says the wrong things. But she cares and goes above and beyond to make things right, and she learns how to better navigate difficult conversations in the future. It's a great book to read in the case that you need a script!
TW: Rape and pregnancy
After the events of the first few books, we learn that Linda Wallheim is becoming jaded with the Mormon church. She still believes, still wants to believe, but after seeing how the men in power uphold the church and those involved in it, she understands that she's beginning to stray. After going to marriage counseling with her husband who feels that she's changed into a completely different person, she agrees to stop trying to solve the mysteries that seem to pop up around her. But when a teenager goes missing in the middle of winter, a teenager who has stopped eating but is still gaining weight, she cannot sit still.
This was both a pleasurable and informative read. I know little about general religion, much less Mormonism, so when Linda's faith waivers, she is able to explain exactly why and the context involved. And even more pleasing, Linda does not have all the right answers. She often says the wrong things. But she cares and goes above and beyond to make things right, and she learns how to better navigate difficult conversations in the future. It's a great book to read in the case that you need a script!
TW: Rape and pregnancy
June 7, 2021
Not a typical mystery in that there's no murder (in the previous books, there was always at least one, I think), but similarly to its predecessors, Linda Wallheim is sticking her nose in, and I mean that in a mostly positive way. This time, it's to find a girl who's missing, however her marriage has gotten very rocky due to her faith transition (mirroring the author's own) and lack of communication - with her husband, - causes all sorts of problems. Overall, the book felt somewhat realistic, with the exception that . It did feel rushed and left large plot points unresolved - but I guess that's what real life is like sometimes.
January 28, 2021
With growing disillusionment with the Mormon church, Linda Wallheim is finding it more and more difficult to be the wife of her husband, who is an important figure in the church. Although they are in marriage counseling, Linda and Kurt are at an impasse, since neither is willing to meet halfway when it comes to religion. Looking to fill her life with meaningful work, Linda agreed top search for a missing girl, Sage, who was a babysitter for her son and daughter-in-law. Her investigation reveals even more indecencies perpetrated by those within the church against this poor young woman. Can Linda find justice for Sage without completely ruining the future for her marriage? You will be surprised by the ending.
February 27, 2021
I wonder what the author's bishop and ward think of this series, which continually points out problems and inconsistencies in the Latter Day faith. Here, we have male privilege and bullying taken to an extreme, relying on having the reputation of being a "good boy" and women/girl's being trained to accept male superiority. Of course Linda isn't having any of that, and gets involved not in a mystery but in protecting a young girl. The strains on her marriage and family because of this, and her increasing questions about the Church and its rules make for an interesting layer on the story.
eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
November 16, 2022
Prodigal daughter
Not even slightly surprised that now she’s leaving “Mormonism…” saw that coming from book one. I’m so trying to figure out what the authors motives are with these books… 🤷🏻♀️
Now she’s suddenly a called on detective?!! What? And why does she do SO MANY STUPID THINGS?!? You think she’d have learn and definitely you need to put a child/teens well being ahead of what they may think is right for them… police should have been called the second she had that recording. Absolutely ridiculous! 🤦🏻♀️ very very sad that the girl couldn’t go to her parents or authorities right away. Heartbreaking and mind blowing! I teach the 16-18 year old Sunday school class so I couldn’t help but think of those young men when reading this.
Mormons are ENCOURAGED to have non member friends- not stay away from them since they’ll “drag them away from Mormonism” 🤦🏻♀️ Again, probably something that is from this authors truly awful neighborhood.
Random - but I served a mission in UT… and we definitely tracted , got doors slammed in our faces, rarely had referrals, and had people with some of the greatest prejudices towards Mormons possible (because like the author/ main character they had grown up around it and seen things they didn’t like and had ammunition to hurl at us from many years… ) instead of it being a vague religion they’d heard mentioned as happens in many other missions. So no- being a missionary in UT is no cakewalk. Didn’t love that assumption/ reference.
I would give this one star because of how ridiculous it is that she messed with the last so much yet no consequences?!? And her internal dialogue honestly is so frustrating and so off kilter sometimes… BUT… the writing is actually really great! I think I may have to read a different series of the authors- one that isn’t so controversial to me. Hopefully by reading another series I’ll be able to really figure her voice and style out!
Not even slightly surprised that now she’s leaving “Mormonism…” saw that coming from book one. I’m so trying to figure out what the authors motives are with these books… 🤷🏻♀️
Now she’s suddenly a called on detective?!! What? And why does she do SO MANY STUPID THINGS?!? You think she’d have learn and definitely you need to put a child/teens well being ahead of what they may think is right for them… police should have been called the second she had that recording. Absolutely ridiculous! 🤦🏻♀️ very very sad that the girl couldn’t go to her parents or authorities right away. Heartbreaking and mind blowing! I teach the 16-18 year old Sunday school class so I couldn’t help but think of those young men when reading this.
Mormons are ENCOURAGED to have non member friends- not stay away from them since they’ll “drag them away from Mormonism” 🤦🏻♀️ Again, probably something that is from this authors truly awful neighborhood.
Random - but I served a mission in UT… and we definitely tracted , got doors slammed in our faces, rarely had referrals, and had people with some of the greatest prejudices towards Mormons possible (because like the author/ main character they had grown up around it and seen things they didn’t like and had ammunition to hurl at us from many years… ) instead of it being a vague religion they’d heard mentioned as happens in many other missions. So no- being a missionary in UT is no cakewalk. Didn’t love that assumption/ reference.
I would give this one star because of how ridiculous it is that she messed with the last so much yet no consequences?!? And her internal dialogue honestly is so frustrating and so off kilter sometimes… BUT… the writing is actually really great! I think I may have to read a different series of the authors- one that isn’t so controversial to me. Hopefully by reading another series I’ll be able to really figure her voice and style out!
July 28, 2021
I have enjoyed this series and its warts-and-all look of life as a Latter-day Saint. Her protagonist, Linda Wallheim, echoes Harrison’s own struggle with her faith in the LDS Church as she has documented on Twitter. This continues to be present in this fifth installment.
This story of a girl who is running away from expectations and from the aftermath of what happened to her is gritty and real. There are no neat and tidy endings. Linda sometimes makes things worse and sometimes makes things better.
I struggled with her relationship with her husband. It’s almost as if she’s looking for everything he does wrong. She does acknowledge when he is sensitive to her needs, but it seems like mostly she’s given up on her marriage.
Possible Objectionable Material:
A girl recounts being raped. Lots of people get off without the punishment they deserve. Patriarchal attitudes. A marriage in trouble. Crisis of faith.
Who Might Like This Book:
Mystery lovers. People who like moral ambivalence and ambiguity “shades of gray”, not just black and white.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Also reviewed at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20...
This story of a girl who is running away from expectations and from the aftermath of what happened to her is gritty and real. There are no neat and tidy endings. Linda sometimes makes things worse and sometimes makes things better.
I struggled with her relationship with her husband. It’s almost as if she’s looking for everything he does wrong. She does acknowledge when he is sensitive to her needs, but it seems like mostly she’s given up on her marriage.
Possible Objectionable Material:
A girl recounts being raped. Lots of people get off without the punishment they deserve. Patriarchal attitudes. A marriage in trouble. Crisis of faith.
Who Might Like This Book:
Mystery lovers. People who like moral ambivalence and ambiguity “shades of gray”, not just black and white.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Also reviewed at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20...
January 10, 2025
This is the 5th of the Linda Wallheim "Mormon" mysteries and, based on all the changes in author Harrison's life (leaving the church, divorce, working as a securities trader) perhaps the last? The plot--a son's favorite babysitter disappears and her parents seem strangely unconcerned--is far more realistic and concise than previous books. Linda succeeds in tracking down Sabrina, who has run away in part because she was gang raped. She develops what she feels is a positive rapport with the teenager, who takes the place of Linda's stillborn daughter (Linda's husband Kurt realizes this, even if she's in denial). Unfortunately Linda does nothing to help Sabrina other than throw food and clothing at her, and the story ends in total bleakness. I've criticized Linda's character previously for being self-centered, smug and boring, and that perception is even truer here. She's middle-aged, comfortably well-off and an empty nester, and she does NOTHING. No friends, no hobbies (except endlessly baking and eating holiday treats), no volunteer work, no job. In the opening pages Linda and Kurt are in marriage therapy and he complains that he earns the income while she just snipes and criticizes. Linda becomes angry, but guess what? Kurt's right!
April 22, 2023
In this fifth of the series, Linda and Kurt's son Joseph asks for his mom's help when his baby daughter's babysitter, 15-year-old Sabrina Jensen, goes missing and her parents don't seem at all concerned and don't want the police notified. Linda soon discovers that Sabrina was the victim of a terrible crime perpetrated by some of her classmates, and then shunned by the larger group of supposedly upstanding Mormon teens.
I enjoy this series for shedding light on Mormonism and the controversies that surround it today - the same controversies that cause people to lose faith in many organizations whose leaders seem more concerned with protecting the group's reputation than in addressing the sins and crimes its leaders commit.
I enjoy this series for shedding light on Mormonism and the controversies that surround it today - the same controversies that cause people to lose faith in many organizations whose leaders seem more concerned with protecting the group's reputation than in addressing the sins and crimes its leaders commit.
May 24, 2021
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
This series has strengthened over the course of its telling, with this wrenching addition being by far the darkest and most compelling yet. Linda is very much so in the throes of her faith transition, of major rifts in her marriage, and then is put into the middle of another case by one of her sons. The entire premise of this story is upsetting and horrifying, and the ending is heartbreaking. Linda Wallheim has been through a lot over this series, but one is a whole different plane.
This series has strengthened over the course of its telling, with this wrenching addition being by far the darkest and most compelling yet. Linda is very much so in the throes of her faith transition, of major rifts in her marriage, and then is put into the middle of another case by one of her sons. The entire premise of this story is upsetting and horrifying, and the ending is heartbreaking. Linda Wallheim has been through a lot over this series, but one is a whole different plane.
June 26, 2021
Linda is self-centered, although she blames her husband for dominating her. She tries to rescue Sabrina, while Kurt rescues his wife again and again.
Money is no problem for these people; getting their own way with no consequences figures in every situation.
The ending is fast; where are Henry and Bella? What happened to Lyle? What did the $400 get spent on? All about Linda’s feelings, with Kurt coming to the rescue again. It would be nice if Linda realized that not all tales have a happy ending.
Money is no problem for these people; getting their own way with no consequences figures in every situation.
The ending is fast; where are Henry and Bella? What happened to Lyle? What did the $400 get spent on? All about Linda’s feelings, with Kurt coming to the rescue again. It would be nice if Linda realized that not all tales have a happy ending.
July 24, 2021
Wasn't sure i would enjoy it since it is about a Mormon empty nester struggling with her faith and trying to find purpose in her life. But the way her story was wound around a young Mormon girls who had been sexually assaulted, it actually turned into a pretty good book. It is not a religious book as I was assuming it would be. It was a good story. Characters were relatable.kept me interested to the end! I do recommend reading it
July 14, 2024
Linda always seems to get herself tangled up in situations that aren't exactly her business... but how can she not? She has helped the local police force solve several mysterious murders with her meddling, and she just can't seem to stop herself. When she dives into a missing girl case she gets herself caught up in the world of "good mormon boys" who aren't so good... and the parents that will do anything to save the reputations and futures of their sons.
October 27, 2025
I wouldn't have finished except I have a book goal for the year and this was at least a fast read. Everyone in the book was insufferable and one dimensional. All the conversations were so stilted and laughable, especially the conversations with all the teens at the beginning. I wouldn't have realized this was a series without the incessant mentions of some detective (who was never part of the book otherwise). But its helpful information so I know what other books I never want to read.
May 29, 2021
3.5 ⭐️‘s
Linda is deep in the throes of questioning her Mormon faith, much to the dismay of her Bishop husband. She still believes in God, but the Mormon doctrine has her disillusioned. Empty nesters and in marriage counseling, Linda isn’t sure her marriage will survive. When her son calls and tells her his babysitter is missing, Linda quickly starts investigating the cause of her disappearance and begins to search for her. What she finds out only disillusions her more as she vows to help Sabrina through it, but sometimes even the best laid plans go awry and things don’t always turn out the way we hoped. Thank you to Soho Crime and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Linda is deep in the throes of questioning her Mormon faith, much to the dismay of her Bishop husband. She still believes in God, but the Mormon doctrine has her disillusioned. Empty nesters and in marriage counseling, Linda isn’t sure her marriage will survive. When her son calls and tells her his babysitter is missing, Linda quickly starts investigating the cause of her disappearance and begins to search for her. What she finds out only disillusions her more as she vows to help Sabrina through it, but sometimes even the best laid plans go awry and things don’t always turn out the way we hoped. Thank you to Soho Crime and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
June 12, 2021
1st book I have read from this series. Sad
sexual assault & abuse happens more than anyone realizes. Even more sad that churches cover up to protect the men involved because of women considered to be 2nd class citizens. IMO author seems to be exposing what is happening in authors Church & causing a lack of Faith at the way assault is handled by hiding it.
sexual assault & abuse happens more than anyone realizes. Even more sad that churches cover up to protect the men involved because of women considered to be 2nd class citizens. IMO author seems to be exposing what is happening in authors Church & causing a lack of Faith at the way assault is handled by hiding it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
It's a quick read. Not the most literary offering, but interesting. Fits the pattern of the series where the protagonist gets herself in situations and then the last 10 pages are where the conflicts are resolved, whether they are believable or not. The protagonist questions the LDS faith and real life issues, which I appreciate.
July 20, 2021
A painful and depressing read, but it feels real and honest. I love the flawed Linda with her naivete and her good-hearted, but self-centered efforts. And these books never really let you just skate along, avoiding the difficult questions.
This one was a little too short and fast and ultimately felt a bit under cooked, but it was very effective.
This one was a little too short and fast and ultimately felt a bit under cooked, but it was very effective.
August 16, 2021
This story is written from the point of view of a woman who has an axe to grind with the male- dominated LDS church. It centers on a sexual assault and teenage homeless. The title indicates a mystery, there wasn't much mystery to it. It was a fast but not real pleasant read, and the ending was pretty abrupt.
October 21, 2021
Interesting. Like books I've read from other authors who come from religious traditions I am not familiar with or a part of, the author shares a window into her sect and her personal struggles within it. Her insights are illuminating, seem truthful, if somewhat negative, yet they seem nuanced and frank rather than mean spirited. You feel she has a true struggle of faith over what her church says and how those tenants fall on those not within the power circles of it. The story she weaves also touches the reader's sympathies both for her heroine and the young person she embraces trying to find a palatable solution to an intractable and disturbing problem.
My not so glowing rating comes from not liking her rather contrived critical turning point in the story and the bleakness of the conclusions for so many of the characters she introduced us to. Perhaps not all stories have happy endings, but when I read for escape I want at least a ray of hope, justice, or resolution. I could find none of those in The Prodigal Daughter.
My not so glowing rating comes from not liking her rather contrived critical turning point in the story and the bleakness of the conclusions for so many of the characters she introduced us to. Perhaps not all stories have happy endings, but when I read for escape I want at least a ray of hope, justice, or resolution. I could find none of those in The Prodigal Daughter.
November 21, 2021
I found the ending to be very sad. I was hoping justice would be served at the end.
It didn't make any sense to me why the officer had said the recording wouldn't help the case. The guy admitted to what he did! Yet got no punishment. If this is how the justice system works in Utah, then that makes me very sad.
It didn't make any sense to me why the officer had said the recording wouldn't help the case. The guy admitted to what he did! Yet got no punishment. If this is how the justice system works in Utah, then that makes me very sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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