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The Boy in the Basement

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It's Halloween in Mobile, Alabama. A nine-year-old boy has been imprisoned by a family member, a six-month old baby dies mysteriously and the life of a young college student is struck down in a senseless act of domestic violence. These cases fall on the shoulders of a young CPS supervisor who must guide her staff in the protection of these children, while she deals with her own losses. The Boy in the Basement is the story of Jennifer Riley, a young CPS Supervisor and her staff who look for the truth in the tragedy. Yet, despite her multiple years as a social worker, she was not prepared for the trauma she would experience after the tragic demise of a former foster child. As she guides her investigators through the steps leading to the truth in the current cases, she must also confront her own self-doubt and secondary traumatic stress

340 pages, Paperback

Published May 25, 2020

37 people are currently reading
201 people want to read

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Angela Lacy McClintock

2 books18 followers

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5 stars
55 (51%)
4 stars
25 (23%)
3 stars
20 (18%)
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5 (4%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Keri M.
420 reviews39 followers
November 7, 2024
A touching and heartbreaking novel taking on the hardships of the social services systems. The stories in this book are gut wrenching. Anyone with trauma can relate and can find some peace with the stories relayed in this book. Well written and characters you feel for. 100% recommend!!!
Profile Image for Feather Chelle.
Author 25 books48 followers
February 7, 2024
Heartbreaking

This novel was a heartbreaking look into the inner workings of the offices of Child Protective Services. It offers a glimpse into the unbelievable amount of stress for families and workers alike. I love the strong female lead, and my heart broke several times at the abuse suffered by the children in her cases. The ending was bittersweet, and the plot definitely kept me turning the pages. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. (Trigger warning for child abuse and sexual trauma)
Profile Image for Heather.
14 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2024
Amazing work of Art

They always say when you start writing to write about what you know and Angela McClintock did just that.
This is a book with multiple POVs and follows a CPS worker, Jennifer who is just doing her job and follows her interactions with her employees. It also follows a young boy locked in a basement and a couple of other cases that Jennifer and her employees deal with.

This book has a little psychological thriller aspect to it as they follow a murder and you’re left with guessing who done it.

I love that she wrote about the importance of Mental Health Awareness and how we need to be self aware of secondary residual trauma from things many people see in their careers.

Fabulous job, Angela. I hope there will be more to Jennifer and Daniel.

4 reviews
October 26, 2020
The story drew me in and kept my attention throughout. Because the characters were not just one dimensional, I wanted to see what happened to them. I finished it rather quickly, because it was an easy read. The twist at the end was clever.
Profile Image for Marie Keates.
Author 9 books21 followers
February 1, 2025
A captivating story about child abuse and the impact it has, not only on the victims, but also the perpetrators, and the social workers who investigate these harrowing cases. Written with authority and a clear personal knowledge of the subject, the book focuses on three cases and the ripples they create.
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,308 reviews109 followers
October 3, 2023
First, I want to thank Angela Lacy McClintock and Austin Macauley Publishers for providing me with this book so I may bring you this book.

Just in time for Halloween Angela Lacy McClintock brings you a dark, twisted, fascinating, shocking, and heartbreaking read The Boy In The Basement! Even with this short, fast paced, and addicting read there are some very important topics that are addressed.

Chris was so brave and strong through all that he went through and saw. My heart just broke for him! Nobody should ever be put in that position!

In the beginning of the book Angela Lacy McClintock educates her readers.
1 review
June 28, 2023
A gripping book you will not want to put down and valuable information that I believe applies to every person. We all know someone who has been affected!
The characters bring to life the authentic secondary traumatic stress on those who take on horrific cases of child abuse!

The ending is endearing!
Profile Image for adoseof.adri.
137 reviews307 followers
September 18, 2024
Meh. 2.5 rounded up. The content wasn’t juvenile but the way the story was told certainly was.
Profile Image for Sahreth Bowden.
Author 6 books49 followers
October 22, 2023
Author Angela Lacy McClintock has made a powerful debut with 'The Boy in the Basement.' It tackles topics of abuse, addiction, challenges to moral convictions, doubt, loss, self-care, understanding, mental illness, and mental health. McClintock has a definite message for readers, which she relays in an entertaining tale.

Set during Halloween season 2019, the story follows the events surrounding three CPS (Child Protective Services) cases, starting with a nine year old boy who has been locked in a basement by his mother, who may or may not decide to come around every day to feed him. The lead investigator, Jennifer, works to guide Daniel and Michael through the cases they are assigned while she herself is thrown off kilter when a girl (now woman) she once saved is murdered at the hands of her abusive boyfriend.

There is an emotional core to the novel that was not what I expected and I mean that in the best of ways. Typically in these sorts of stories, the major focus is on the children, whether that is a character-driven narrative about their development or one plot-driven about their escape. While still illustrating what these children went through that led them to be investigated, McClintock has put primary concern on the CPS workers rather than the families. We learn of horrific events coming to pass when they are reported to CPS and journey alongside the investigators as they get to the root of the issue (if they are able to get to it at all), then must say goodbye to these people with little more than hope that there are no repeat tragedies.

It's raw insight into the lives of those tasked with one of the most mentally taxing jobs there is and how they must learn to cope in a way that keeps them sane without sacrificing their compassion for those involved as well as prudence in the job. Something I greatly appreciated about the novel is Jennifer's insistence on the investigators not judging the parents, but rather doing everything to understand why they are the way they are and have done the things they've done. It is exceedingly difficult to see a mother beat her son nearly to death and not want to beat her in kind. However, as Jennifer explains, it isn't about giving leeway, but rather that if we can understand the why behind people's actions, we can then work to prevent such occurrences and even reverse the damage causing people to act as they do.

That said, she finds it hard to take her own advice about compassion and self-care. I absolutely loved the ways her convictions were challenged and how she stumbled or overcame them each time. I'm sure many will be able to relate to her struggle. Another thing I appreciated was the knowledge on "Secondary Trauma." I think most of us have heard the whole topic of therapists needing therapists, but they aren't the only ones. I never really thought about how constant bombardment of child abuse cases might severely affect the mental welfare of the CPS investigators. The author puts it in easy perspective though and Jennifer stresses to her underlings the importance of taking care of their own emotions.

'The Boy in the Basement' is a fast-paced, character-driven novel bursting with emotion. McClintock has written the psychological trials of all the characters incredibly well, even that of the "villains." The book is a fantastic challenge to the audience's own morals by presenting points of view on tough topics in a way that makes them easy to receive. Throughout the story's dark overtone shines a sense of hope that is wrapped up nicely in a happy(ish) ending.
Profile Image for Abhay Singh.
995 reviews62 followers
May 21, 2024

Angela Lacy McClintock's The Boy in the Basement is a gripping, emotionally charged novel that plunges readers into the harrowing world of child protective services in Mobile, Alabama. Set against the backdrop of Halloween 2019, the book deftly interweaves multiple storylines centered around severe child abuse cases, revealing the complexity and gravity of the work done by CPS supervisor Jennifer Riley and her dedicated team.

The narrative begins with a chilling scenario: a young boy is found imprisoned in his family basement by his own mother, clinging to life amidst horrifying conditions. This case is swiftly followed by another heart-wrenching situation—a baby girl, the child of drug-addicted parents, teeters on the edge of life due to a traumatic brain injury. These opening cases set the tone for the novel, illustrating the dire circumstances and urgent need for intervention in the lives of vulnerable children.

McClintock masterfully portrays the psychological and emotional toll these cases take on Jennifer and her colleagues. The author avoids simplistic solutions, instead highlighting the intricate web of factors that often obscure the truth in such investigations. Jennifer’s team must untangle these complexities, often facing unexpected revelations that challenge their initial assumptions about the perpetrators.

A central theme in the novel is the interplay between professional duty and personal struggle. Jennifer Riley is not just a tireless advocate for children; she is also a woman haunted by her past. The resurfacing of a traumatic event—a former foster child’s murder—throws Jennifer into a tailspin, testing her resilience and ability to lead her team effectively. McClintock delves deep into Jennifer's internal conflict, exploring how personal trauma can influence professional decisions and lead to self-doubt.

In a surprising yet refreshing twist, the book introduces a romantic subplot that adds depth to Jennifer's character. Initially resistant to the idea of romance, Jennifer finds herself drawn to a new relationship that provides a much-needed counterbalance to the darkness of her work. This romantic element is woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering moments of hope and emotional respite.

*The Boy in the Basement* is not just a tale of suspense and investigation; it is a profound exploration of human resilience, compassion, and the enduring quest for justice. McClintock's writing is both poignant and precise, capturing the harsh realities of child abuse while also celebrating the strength and dedication of those who fight against it. The novel is a compelling reminder of the importance of empathy and the impact of past experiences on present actions.

Overall, Angela Lacy McClintock’s The Boy in the Basement is a powerful, thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after the last page is turned. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of social work, the intricacies of human behavior, and the enduring spirit of those who strive to make a difference.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ❤️✨
Profile Image for Gee Reads.
298 reviews36 followers
May 7, 2024
The Boy In The Basement is a thriller novel written by Angela Lacy McClintock, published in June 2023. Angela’s debut novel is about abuse, addiction, moral dilemmas, self-doubt, and loss. It also touches on self-care, mental illness, and mental health issues. The story follows three CPS cases in 2019, starting with a nine-year-old boy trapped in a basement with his mother. Jennifer, the primary investigator, helps Daniel and Michael navigate the cases while her own life is upended when a young girl she saved is killed. Who killed the child and why? Will she be able to find the killer?
To know the answers, you must read this fabulous book. The novel’s emotional core focuses on CPS workers, not families. The plot is well-explained with fluent language and a balanced pace. We see the terrible events that happen when these kids are reported to CPS, and we follow the investigators as they try to get to the bottom of the problem (if they can get there at all), and then we say goodbye to those people with only the hope that there won’t be any more tragedies in the future. The novel is an honest look at the lives of people responsible for emotionally draining work. The investigators don’t judge the parents and try to figure out why they are who they are. Understanding why people do what they do can prevent accidents and undo damage. The author struggles to follow her own advice on compassion and self-care, but enjoys being challenged and triumphed. The book also provides information on secondary trauma and the impact of child abuse cases on CPS investigators’ mental well-being. The author reminds subordinates to nurture their own emotions. Many of us will find ourselves in her shoes. The Boy In The Basement is a well-paced and emotionally charged novel that presents different perspectives on difficult issues in an easy-to-understand way. Despite its dark tone, there is a glimmer of hope that finds its way into the final pages. The book holds the reader’s attention till the very end. At 190 pages, the book is a pretty quick and interesting read. Highly recommended from my side.
268 reviews8 followers
May 30, 2024
"The Boy in the Basement" by Angela Lacy McClintock is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of child protection and the devastating impacts of abuse. Set against the haunting backdrop of Halloween in Mobile, Alabama, the story weaves together a harrowing narrative of crime, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of justice by those sworn to protect the most vulnerable.

Jennifer Riley, a CPS supervisor, is at the heart of this intense novel. Her character is brilliantly crafted, embodying both the strength and vulnerability required to navigate a world rife with horror and despair. The cases that Jennifer and her team encounter—the young boy cruelly imprisoned by his mother and a baby girl critically injured at the hands of her parents—are distressingly vivid, pulling the reader into a visceral experience of the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by child protective services.

McClintock's writing excels in building suspense and complexity, particularly as the plot thickens with the reemergence of a figure from Jennifer's past. The murder of a former foster child who had survived the system under her care adds another layer of personal stakes to the narrative, challenging Jennifer's professional detachment and forcing her to confront her own haunted memories.

Beyond the thrilling investigation, the novel explores themes of redemption and healing. Jennifer's unexpected romance offers a tender counterpoint to the bleakness of her professional life, providing a nuanced portrayal of love's power to restore hope amidst despair.

"The Boy in the Basement" is an emotionally charged, beautifully written book that does more than tell a thrilling story—it offers a stark reflection on the realities of child abuse and the heroes who fight against it. Angela Lacy McClintock’s novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone committed to child advocacy. It is a powerful reminder of the complexity of truth and the profound resilience of the human spirit.
33 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2024
Angela Lacy McClintock’s debut novel, 'The Boy in the Basement,' delves into the harrowing world of Child Protective Services (CPS), weaving a gripping narrative around themes of abuse, addiction, and mental health. Set against the backdrop of Halloween 2019, McClintock intricately crafts a tale that follows CPS investigator Jennifer as she navigates the complexities of three disturbing cases. What sets this novel apart is its focus on the often-overlooked emotional turmoil of CPS workers, offering a raw and compassionate insight into their challenging profession. Through Jennifer’s journey, McClintock skillfully explores the delicate balance between empathy and self-care, challenging readers to confront their own moral convictions. 'The Boy in the Basement' is a poignant and thought-provoking read, underscored by a glimmer of hope amidst darkness.
9 reviews
November 4, 2025
I was captivated by the storylines in this book. The cases were emotional and detailed. It highlighted how mental illness and generational trauma can cause so much pain and repeating behaviors.

The writing style and language used is very casual, down to earth and easy to follow.

There were some issues with editing that had a slight effect on the smoothness of the reading experience, but I can give grace to that with this being an independently published book.

I didn't think I was going to enjoy the romantic side story. At first it didn't seem like it fit with the theme of the book, but by the end it developed in a way that I found acceptable.

Overall it was an enjoyable, quick, and easy read. I'm looking forward to starting the sequel.
Profile Image for Shahid.
317 reviews30 followers
May 10, 2024
"The Boy in the Basement" by Angela Lacy McClintock is a gripping thriller set in Mobile, Alabama, on Halloween 2019. Jennifer Riley and her CPS team confront harrowing cases of child abuse. Amidst the investigations, Jennifer faces personal demons when a former foster child is murdered. As the team unravels complex truths, Jennifer battles self-doubt and confronts a past romance. McClintock masterfully weaves suspense with heartfelt emotion, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This poignant tale explores the depths of human resilience and the complexities of justice.
Profile Image for Brandy.
142 reviews
October 29, 2024
WOW!! I truly was not expecting what happened in this book. I am very glad that i got the chance to read this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in books that help save children from bad circumstances. I can truly relate to this book; I felt a part of my childhood flash back while reading this book. I also told myself that through all the years and hardship that I had been through. I told myself I would never allow myself to put myself down and allow myself to help others in situations like I was in. Again, I am very glad to of had the opportunity to read this book, I believe this book will go very far.
Profile Image for Katie.
547 reviews34 followers
August 16, 2025
This book was heartbreaking and tugged at my heart strings. It was an accurate depiction of what CPS and mental health personnel go through when investigating child abuse cases. It not only paints the picture of what so many children go through but it truly depicts the effects it has on the people who are trying to rescue these kids and get them to safety. As a mental health counselor for children, I feel like Angela did an amazing job of using her expertise and experience to show the reader what this horrific part of trauma and crisis is like. Secondary trauma is a real thing and happens so often. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Michael K..
Author 2 books1 follower
November 20, 2023
Often I hear on the news that our Child Protective System is broken. This book points out that is not the CPS that is broken, it is our society. From the gritty descriptions of conditions abused children are subjected to, to the harsh realities that CPS agents face.

This Story not only kept my interest, but I saw CPS from a side I had not considered. The book had everything I look for in a novel, the plot kept my interest, the characters were well developed and I came away with information I didn't know before.
Profile Image for Moona.
986 reviews74 followers
May 7, 2024
Angela's debut novel, "The Boy in the Basement," grips readers with its riveting tale set in Mobile, Alabama. Featuring Jennifer Riley, a dedicated Child Protective Services Supervisor, and her team of investigators, the story unfolds against the eerie backdrop of Halloween. As they delve into a web of intricate crimes against children, the plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats. With its deftly woven suspense and compelling characters, "The Boy in the Basement" is a must-read for fans of this genre.
Author 2 books
November 5, 2023
This is a pacy, deep dive into the workings of the Child Protection Services in the USA (I'm from the UK). The author obviously has a vast knowledge to draw on this subject, which I was unfamiliar with. We naturally empathise with these poor children perhaps without considering enough the secondary trauma of the employees in the organisation. Angela really brings this to the forefront towards the end which makes me wish the book was longer. Great Read.
Profile Image for Carole Duff.
Author 2 books10 followers
November 17, 2023
The author draws on years of experience in social work to write this page-turning novel. Story lines and characters sizzle with authenticity. But, as with life, not all end happily. Yet readers come away with a sense of the amazing gifts social workers have to take care of those in need—both the harmed and those who do the harm—while taking care of themselves so they can get up each morning and do it again. Brava—can’t wait for the next novel!
Profile Image for Kelly Miller.
Author 14 books432 followers
December 3, 2023
“The Boy in the Basement” is a harrowing tale of a nine-year-old boy suffering severe abuse from his mother. It is also a child protective services investigator procedural, showing the efforts of Jennifer and her associates to protect children from their abusers. The story is fast-paced and compelling, with in-depth stories of abusers and their victims and even manages a sub-plot of romance for the MC. I highly recommend this book for any readers who can handle the tough subject matter!
Profile Image for Nikki B..
805 reviews17 followers
November 22, 2024
This story was heartbreaking and tragic. Yet, I learned a lot. I'm a huge true crime fan, but I never knew of the inner workings of child protective services and their process/procedures. The thought also never occurred to me of the trauma these workers go through. This story was multi pov, so we got every angle of the story. Don't let the title fool you. This story is about more than just a boy in the basement. Great read. I can't wait for the next one.
2 reviews
June 26, 2023
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I can hardly wait for the next one. I always loved her short stories that she wrote on her blog “waterforcamels.com”. That secondary trauma hits the nail on the head for a lot of social workers; they need to breathe and talk about it too, so they don’t get burnt out so often.
1 review
July 14, 2023
I enjoyed the psychological aspect of not only the victims but also of the investigators. It was an interesting twist on most suspense/thrillers that I have read. I thought the characters were well developed and found myself rooting for the main character. I have recommended this book to my friends.
Profile Image for Johnna Dee.
Author 20 books62 followers
January 3, 2024
Such a fast read that is both tragic and keeps you reading more. It goes into the after effects of the mistreatment of someone and the affects it has on those around aka a social worker. It is such a poignant and compelling take on such a tragic topic. She has a great way of making us feel what the characters feel.

trigger warning: this is a book about a boy who is abused by his mother.
Profile Image for Brittany Harville.
118 reviews9 followers
November 15, 2024
Wow! First reads like a movie based off actual events. Dives into the hardships and inner struggles of those working in Child Protective Services and the hardships they see everyday. Dual points of view. Heartbreaking as well as positive outcomes. Tiny romance in the background. This book had it all. Such a beautifully written story.
Profile Image for Kayla.
2 reviews
January 5, 2025
Potential Spoilers!!!


The book was ok, it had a lot of potential but the grammatical errors were hard to get past and the random romantic aspect felt rushed and like it didn’t belong in the story. It just felt very random and unrealistic while attempting to tell a story about how broken our CPS systems are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for M.F Coddy.
6 reviews
February 19, 2024
A lot of social work knowledge that is obviously based in truth but very well explained. Gives the book a eery and heart-wrenching feel.
I really loved this - as much as it was harrowing and traumatic it was also life affirming and touching. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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