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The Girl She Wanted
What if my sister is unstable and everyone can see it but me? What was she really doing standing over Florence’s cot in the middle of the night?
Alexa has always looked up to her older sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa’s family home, and adores her one-year-old niece Florence. Alexa doesn’t know how they would cope without her. So when Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse, accused of the most terrible crime, Alexa reels in disbelief. Alexa knows how caring Carrie is, and as she watches Florence gurgling and cooing whenever Carrie is around, she knows her little girl is in safe hands.
Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie. He wants her out of the house, unable to ignore what people are saying about her. But when he suggests that Carrie could be a danger to their daughter, Alexa shuts him out. Nobody will ever come between her and her sister.
Then Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care and Alexa at last starts to wonder. Alexa has always wanted to protect Carrie from the past they have hidden. But does Alexa know what Carrie wants? And will the secret that has kept the sisters together now destroy her little girl?
Alexa has always looked up to her older sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa’s family home, and adores her one-year-old niece Florence. Alexa doesn’t know how they would cope without her. So when Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse, accused of the most terrible crime, Alexa reels in disbelief. Alexa knows how caring Carrie is, and as she watches Florence gurgling and cooing whenever Carrie is around, she knows her little girl is in safe hands.
Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie. He wants her out of the house, unable to ignore what people are saying about her. But when he suggests that Carrie could be a danger to their daughter, Alexa shuts him out. Nobody will ever come between her and her sister.
Then Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care and Alexa at last starts to wonder. Alexa has always wanted to protect Carrie from the past they have hidden. But does Alexa know what Carrie wants? And will the secret that has kept the sisters together now destroy her little girl?
328 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2020
2584 people are currently reading
2853 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Slater
45 books4,698 followersKim is the number one bestselling author of sixteen psychological crime thrillers. She has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide. She has also written four Carnegie-nominated Young Adult novels as Kim Slater for Macmillan Children’s Books. Kim has an MA in Creative Writing and lives with her husband in a small Nottinghamshire village.
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
October 19, 2020
Carrie, a senior Nurse, is suspended from her job after being suspected of a crime, lives with her younger sister, Alexa. Alexa does not believe the charges against her sister, while Alexa's husband, Perry, no longer trusts Carrie to watch their one-year-old daughter, Florence. This makes for a tense situation as he wants her out of their home and to no longer care for their child. Then Florence is injured while in Carrie's care and Alexa begins to have doubts.
This book is told through the POV of a couple of characters which helps to move the story along. I found this slow to start in the beginning, but as the story progressed, things picked up as I began to wonder, have doubts, and attempted to solve the cause of the crimes which took place in the hospital. Can Carrie be trusted? Is she Guilty? Is Alexa right to believe her sister? If Carrie isn’t guilty, then who is?
This book had an interesting twist/reveal at the end which I did not see coming. This was another solid book by K.L. Slater. I can't say it was my favorite by this author, but it was still enjoyable.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is told through the POV of a couple of characters which helps to move the story along. I found this slow to start in the beginning, but as the story progressed, things picked up as I began to wonder, have doubts, and attempted to solve the cause of the crimes which took place in the hospital. Can Carrie be trusted? Is she Guilty? Is Alexa right to believe her sister? If Carrie isn’t guilty, then who is?
This book had an interesting twist/reveal at the end which I did not see coming. This was another solid book by K.L. Slater. I can't say it was my favorite by this author, but it was still enjoyable.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 3, 2020
Dr Nathan Mosley at Kings Mill Hospital in Nottinghamshire believes there is an angel of death in A and E after two suspicious deaths. He reports it and a police investigation is under way led by DI Adam Partridge. Suspicion falls on Carrie Parsons the A and E manager who after a messy divorce lives with her sister Alexa, her husband Perry and baby Florence. The story is told from multiple perspectives.
This is an enjoyable easy read with the different points of view working well and adding plenty of intrigue. The dynamics in Alexa’s household is really interesting as it goes in several directions with the occupants feelings hardening and with growing suspicion between them. It raises plenty of questions about how well you really know about the people closest to you with much hidden secrecy beneath the surface. I especially like Alexa’s perspective as it’s like she is talking to us and weighing her thoughts up in her head with the reader as a sounding board. I like how she changes throughout the storyline and grows in confidence in every way. The pace is a bit slow initially but it picks up as the storyline builds and there are plenty of good twists. The ending is a bit unexpected and doesn’t entirely chime with earlier events but it is a good twist! I can’t say I entirely understand the title???
Overall, another entertaining read from K L Slater.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc for an honest review.
This is an enjoyable easy read with the different points of view working well and adding plenty of intrigue. The dynamics in Alexa’s household is really interesting as it goes in several directions with the occupants feelings hardening and with growing suspicion between them. It raises plenty of questions about how well you really know about the people closest to you with much hidden secrecy beneath the surface. I especially like Alexa’s perspective as it’s like she is talking to us and weighing her thoughts up in her head with the reader as a sounding board. I like how she changes throughout the storyline and grows in confidence in every way. The pace is a bit slow initially but it picks up as the storyline builds and there are plenty of good twists. The ending is a bit unexpected and doesn’t entirely chime with earlier events but it is a good twist! I can’t say I entirely understand the title???
Overall, another entertaining read from K L Slater.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc for an honest review.
October 27, 2020
EXCERPT: ... this was the second case in the last few months where a patient admitted to the emergency ward with a seemingly fairly minor condition had deteriorated dramatically.
Nathan recalled the six-month-old baby girl who'd been admitted with a high temperature and vomiting - a suspected nasty viral infection. Following a period of intravenous rehydration, the child had appeared to be recovering; then, completely without warning, her condition had rapidly declined. Urgent tests had shown the onset of kidney failure and two days later she had died.
And now Angus Titchford was fighting for his life, even though his initial prognosis had been perfectly routine. It was unusual and troubling. Very troubling indeed.
ABOUT THE GIRL SHE WANTED: What if my sister is unstable and everyone can see it but me? What was she really doing standing over Florence’s cot in the middle of the night?
Alexa has always looked up to her older sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa’s family home, and adores her one-year-old niece Florence. Alexa doesn’t know how they would cope without her. So when Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse, accused of the most terrible crime, Alexa reels in disbelief. Alexa knows how caring Carrie is, and as she watches Florence gurgling and cooing whenever Carrie is around, she knows her little girl is in safe hands.
Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie. He wants her out of the house, unable to ignore what people are saying about her. But when he suggests that Carrie could be a danger to their daughter, Alexa shuts him out. Nobody will ever come between her and her sister.
Then Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care and Alexa at last starts to wonder. Alexa has always wanted to protect Carrie from the past they have hidden. But does Alexa know what Carrie wants? And will the secret that has kept the sisters together now destroy her little girl?
MY THOUGHTS: I don't get the title. 🤷♀️ If anyone can explain the relevance, I would appreciate it.
The Girl She Wanted by K.L. Slater is quite slow moving initially. There is a lot of repetition of accusations, and of veiled clues to some past trauma in Alexa's life that has affected her ability to cope with almost anything. She comes across as very neurotic, dependent and needy. I preferred Carrie's character, although at times she could be quite manipulative of Alexa, and can appear unbalanced. There is a lot of tension in this household, with Alexa's husband, Perry, resentful of the close relationship between the sisters and putting pressure on Alexa to make Carrie move out.
Ms Slater can also be manipulative. I shifted my suspicions of who, if anyone, was responsible for the deaths of the patients in A&E several times. To begin with I wasn't entirely sure that anyone was responsible. These things do happen, especially with the very young and the elderly. But someone was responsible . . . and some of my suspicions were rather wild!
This is a quick, easy read. It is not my favourite amongst Ms Slater's books, of which I have read most, if not all, but it is a decent read that contains a few surprises, and will have you scratching your head as to whom the culprit could be.
⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheGirlSheWanted #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband. For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.
Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girl She Wanted by K.L. Slater for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Nathan recalled the six-month-old baby girl who'd been admitted with a high temperature and vomiting - a suspected nasty viral infection. Following a period of intravenous rehydration, the child had appeared to be recovering; then, completely without warning, her condition had rapidly declined. Urgent tests had shown the onset of kidney failure and two days later she had died.
And now Angus Titchford was fighting for his life, even though his initial prognosis had been perfectly routine. It was unusual and troubling. Very troubling indeed.
ABOUT THE GIRL SHE WANTED: What if my sister is unstable and everyone can see it but me? What was she really doing standing over Florence’s cot in the middle of the night?
Alexa has always looked up to her older sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa’s family home, and adores her one-year-old niece Florence. Alexa doesn’t know how they would cope without her. So when Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse, accused of the most terrible crime, Alexa reels in disbelief. Alexa knows how caring Carrie is, and as she watches Florence gurgling and cooing whenever Carrie is around, she knows her little girl is in safe hands.
Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie. He wants her out of the house, unable to ignore what people are saying about her. But when he suggests that Carrie could be a danger to their daughter, Alexa shuts him out. Nobody will ever come between her and her sister.
Then Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care and Alexa at last starts to wonder. Alexa has always wanted to protect Carrie from the past they have hidden. But does Alexa know what Carrie wants? And will the secret that has kept the sisters together now destroy her little girl?
MY THOUGHTS: I don't get the title. 🤷♀️ If anyone can explain the relevance, I would appreciate it.
The Girl She Wanted by K.L. Slater is quite slow moving initially. There is a lot of repetition of accusations, and of veiled clues to some past trauma in Alexa's life that has affected her ability to cope with almost anything. She comes across as very neurotic, dependent and needy. I preferred Carrie's character, although at times she could be quite manipulative of Alexa, and can appear unbalanced. There is a lot of tension in this household, with Alexa's husband, Perry, resentful of the close relationship between the sisters and putting pressure on Alexa to make Carrie move out.
Ms Slater can also be manipulative. I shifted my suspicions of who, if anyone, was responsible for the deaths of the patients in A&E several times. To begin with I wasn't entirely sure that anyone was responsible. These things do happen, especially with the very young and the elderly. But someone was responsible . . . and some of my suspicions were rather wild!
This is a quick, easy read. It is not my favourite amongst Ms Slater's books, of which I have read most, if not all, but it is a decent read that contains a few surprises, and will have you scratching your head as to whom the culprit could be.
⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheGirlSheWanted #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband. For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.
Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girl She Wanted by K.L. Slater for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 25, 2020
Tense and addictive. K L Slater has once again grabbed my attention with her gripping storytelling. Alexa and Carrie are sisters. Carrie has moved in with Alexa, her husband, and little girl Florence after her divorce. Alexa is a little more dependent on her sister Carrie then husband Perry would like. When Carrie who is a nurse is accused of wrong doings at the hospital Perry is more convinced than ever that she needs to leave the home. But Alexa knows that her sister would never do anything hurtful or harmful, that is until.....
The story bounces between the perspectives of several different characters keeping you informed and continually suspicious of everyone.. I really enjoyed getting to know all these characters and found the family dynamics intriguing. The more the layers of the story were peeled away the more unsure I was as to what was going on. There were definitely some twist at the end that I did not see coming. The original title of this book was DEAR DAUGHTER and I have no idea why they changed it because I cannot for the life of me figure out what this new title means? A quick absorbing thriller.
This book in emojis 👩🏻⚕️ 👶🏼 👭
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
The story bounces between the perspectives of several different characters keeping you informed and continually suspicious of everyone.. I really enjoyed getting to know all these characters and found the family dynamics intriguing. The more the layers of the story were peeled away the more unsure I was as to what was going on. There were definitely some twist at the end that I did not see coming. The original title of this book was DEAR DAUGHTER and I have no idea why they changed it because I cannot for the life of me figure out what this new title means? A quick absorbing thriller.
This book in emojis 👩🏻⚕️ 👶🏼 👭
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
October 19, 2020
What a spectacularly gripping psychological thriller which is what we have come to expect from K.L. Slater!! Slater always writes a “smart” thriller with lots of twist and turns. This story will have you guessing whodunnit until the last chapter. I finished the book in a day. I was glued to it and just couldn’t put it down, even though it was midnight!! The characters are well developed and the story moves at a fast pace. I’m a sucker for a great ending and this one will leave you with your jaw dropping!!
If you liked Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train, then this book is for you!! I believe we will be seeing The Girl She Wanted on the besteller’s list very soon!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and K.L. Slater for providing me an Advanced Reader Copy of The Girl She Wanted in exchange for my unbiased review.
If you liked Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train, then this book is for you!! I believe we will be seeing The Girl She Wanted on the besteller’s list very soon!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and K.L. Slater for providing me an Advanced Reader Copy of The Girl She Wanted in exchange for my unbiased review.
March 12, 2021
Another addictive read by K.L. Slater. The Girl She Wanted tells the story of a senior nurse named Carrie Parson, who is accused of deliberately causing the deaths of two patients at the hospital where she works. Carrie currently lives with her sister Alexa and Alexa's husband Perry and their baby daughter Florence. Alexa loves her sister very much and believes in her innocence. However, Perry doesn't feel the same way. He thinks Carrie is very manipulative and that there's more to her than meets the eye.
Told from multiple perspectives, some of the characters are not telling us the full story and they have plenty to hide. K.L. Slater has one of those writing styles that makes you want to keep turning the pages until you get to the end. The suspense and tension build-up was excellent, and there are few surprising twists in the last 30% of the story. I've been sitting on this review, trying to figure out how I really feel about the culprit's identity, and I'm still not crazy about it. I did like how things ended for Alexa though and her character development.
Overall, I really enjoyed this thriller. K.L. Slater is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine and I look forward to reading more books by her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Told from multiple perspectives, some of the characters are not telling us the full story and they have plenty to hide. K.L. Slater has one of those writing styles that makes you want to keep turning the pages until you get to the end. The suspense and tension build-up was excellent, and there are few surprising twists in the last 30% of the story. I've been sitting on this review, trying to figure out how I really feel about the culprit's identity, and I'm still not crazy about it. I did like how things ended for Alexa though and her character development.
Overall, I really enjoyed this thriller. K.L. Slater is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine and I look forward to reading more books by her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2020
Alexa has always looked up to her big sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa's family home and adores her one year old niece, Florence. Alexa doesn't know how they would cope without her. Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse. She's accused of a most terrible crime. Alexa's husband doesn't trust Carrie. He wants her out their house. Then Florence is hurt while she is in Carrie's care and Alexa starts to wonder if her husband is right.
After two suspicious deaths, suspicion falls on Carrie Parsons. The plot is complex and told from multiple points of view. I wasnt sure if Carrie had been set up or if she actually did what she was accused off. Carrie lived with her sister Alexa, husband Perry and her niece Florence. Alexa is grateful for the help she receives from her sister until people start questioning the safety of her daughter. I'm a little confused by the title of this novella as there doesn't appear to be any connection to the story. But it will still keep you guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KLSlater for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Alexa has always looked up to her big sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa's family home and adores her one year old niece Florence. Alexa doesn't know how they would cope without her. Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse. She's accused of the most terrible crime. Alexa's husband doesn't trust Carrie. He wants her out their house. Then Florence is hurt while she is in Carrie's care and Alexa starts to wonder if her husband is right.
After two suspicious deaths, suspicion falls on Carrie Prsons. The plot is complex and told from multiple points of view. I wasn't sure if Carrie had been set up or if she actually did what she was accused off. Carrie lived with her sister Alexa,her husband Perry and her niede Florence. Alexa is grateful for the help she receives from her sister until people start questioning the safety of her daughter. I'm a little confused by the title of this novella as it doesn't appear to have any connection to the story. But it will still keep you guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KLSlater for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After two suspicious deaths, suspicion falls on Carrie Parsons. The plot is complex and told from multiple points of view. I wasnt sure if Carrie had been set up or if she actually did what she was accused off. Carrie lived with her sister Alexa, husband Perry and her niece Florence. Alexa is grateful for the help she receives from her sister until people start questioning the safety of her daughter. I'm a little confused by the title of this novella as there doesn't appear to be any connection to the story. But it will still keep you guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KLSlater for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Alexa has always looked up to her big sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa's family home and adores her one year old niece Florence. Alexa doesn't know how they would cope without her. Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse. She's accused of the most terrible crime. Alexa's husband doesn't trust Carrie. He wants her out their house. Then Florence is hurt while she is in Carrie's care and Alexa starts to wonder if her husband is right.
After two suspicious deaths, suspicion falls on Carrie Prsons. The plot is complex and told from multiple points of view. I wasn't sure if Carrie had been set up or if she actually did what she was accused off. Carrie lived with her sister Alexa,her husband Perry and her niede Florence. Alexa is grateful for the help she receives from her sister until people start questioning the safety of her daughter. I'm a little confused by the title of this novella as it doesn't appear to have any connection to the story. But it will still keep you guessing.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KLSlater for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2020
Favorite Quote:
He was dog-tired most of the time these days, even on his day off. Exhaustion was like a fusty smell that clung to his clothes no matter how often he washed them. It was always there.
My Review:
I rarely write negative reviews as I generally stop reading, so keep in mind, this is just my highly unqualified opinion. But I felt all itchy and prickly reading this one - it just wasn’t doing it for me. The storylines were all over the place and were extremely far-fetched and didn’t hold water while cast with characters who were too annoying for words, or maybe I can’t seem to find the right words to express my discontent.
The main character was painfully exasperating and working my last nerve as she was terminally naïve and living in a death spiral of gullibility while suffering a stubbornly fatal case of denial. Yet the author kept me reading, damn my insatiable curiosity and need for closure, they are a plague and will most likely be the death of me!
My friend Shalini has niggles, I have moanings, carpings, grumbles, grousings, and with this tale, I dare say I’ll go all fancy pants with remonstrances. Yet I kept reading, and I will confess - I never saw this ending coming, at all! So I was glad I hung in there, but again, this is just my highly unqualified opinion.
He was dog-tired most of the time these days, even on his day off. Exhaustion was like a fusty smell that clung to his clothes no matter how often he washed them. It was always there.
My Review:
I rarely write negative reviews as I generally stop reading, so keep in mind, this is just my highly unqualified opinion. But I felt all itchy and prickly reading this one - it just wasn’t doing it for me. The storylines were all over the place and were extremely far-fetched and didn’t hold water while cast with characters who were too annoying for words, or maybe I can’t seem to find the right words to express my discontent.
The main character was painfully exasperating and working my last nerve as she was terminally naïve and living in a death spiral of gullibility while suffering a stubbornly fatal case of denial. Yet the author kept me reading, damn my insatiable curiosity and need for closure, they are a plague and will most likely be the death of me!
My friend Shalini has niggles, I have moanings, carpings, grumbles, grousings, and with this tale, I dare say I’ll go all fancy pants with remonstrances. Yet I kept reading, and I will confess - I never saw this ending coming, at all! So I was glad I hung in there, but again, this is just my highly unqualified opinion.
September 26, 2020
Another excellent psychological thriller by one of my favourite authors KL Slater. Great characters, addictive plot, suspense and lots of twists and turns.
Carrie is a senior nurse and is suspended from her job when she is accused of a terrible crime. Carrie lives with her younger sister Alexa and family following the break up of her own relationship. Carrie loves her one-year-old niece Florence and Alexa who has always looked up to her sister knows how caring Carrie is to her daughter, feeling safe with her around. Alexa's husband doesn’t trust Carrie and wants her to leave the family home fearing that Carrie would harm his daughter. This is something Alexa cannot accept and will never let anybody come between her and her sister. This all changes when Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care and Alexa at last starts to wonder.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Carrie is a senior nurse and is suspended from her job when she is accused of a terrible crime. Carrie lives with her younger sister Alexa and family following the break up of her own relationship. Carrie loves her one-year-old niece Florence and Alexa who has always looked up to her sister knows how caring Carrie is to her daughter, feeling safe with her around. Alexa's husband doesn’t trust Carrie and wants her to leave the family home fearing that Carrie would harm his daughter. This is something Alexa cannot accept and will never let anybody come between her and her sister. This all changes when Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care and Alexa at last starts to wonder.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2020
THE GIRL SHE WANTED is the thirteenth psychological thriller by bestselling author of thirteen psychological crime thrillers.by K.L. Slater. After being a huge fan of her novels, I couldn’t wait to read her most recent novel.
Her Novels Include:
Safe With Me (2016)
Blink (2017)
Liar (2017)
The Mistake (2017)
The Visitor (2018)
The Secret (2018)
Closer (2018)
Finding Grace (2019)
The Silent Ones (2019)
Single (2019)
The Apartment (2020)
Little Whispers (2020)
The Girl She Wanted (2020)
The Girl She Wanted is bound to be well received. and will keep you guessing right until the very end. Her novels just get better and better. This is a fabulous read, that will reel you in …one line at a time…
There is a five-year gap between two sisters: Alexa and Carrie, with Alexa being the younger sister. Alexa has always looked up to her older sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa’s family home, a small three-bedroom semi, with Alexa’s husband, Perry and her sister, Alexa and adores their one-year-old niece Florence. Alexa doesn’t know how they would cope without her.
Carrie works at a hospital as a A&E Ward Manager. Recently, the hospital had received a complaint, from a member of the hospital staff regarding a couple of unusual deaths. The hospital launches an internal inquiry in connection with two unexplained deaths in its A&E department. The victims involve a six-month-old baby with a severe viral infection, and one elderly man admitted after a fall, ends up dying of a massive cardiac arrest.
After a formal internal inquiry, under the direction of DI Adam Partridge and DS Nell Tremaine, Carrie is arrested on suspicion of causing the unnatural deaths of two people. Carrie is suspended from her job. Alexa knows how much Carrie loves her niece, and is totally safe in her hands.
Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie. He wants her out of the house. He believes that Carrie could be a danger to their daughter, and tries to convince his wife of this but Alexa shuts him out. Nobody will ever come between her and her sister.
Then Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care and Alexa at last starts to wonder. Alexa has always wanted to protect Carrie from the past they have hidden. Will the secret that has kept the sisters together now destroy her little girl?
This gripping psychological thriller held my attention from beginning to end, with intricate plot, relatable characters and plenty of twists and turns to the satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
Her Novels Include:
Safe With Me (2016)
Blink (2017)
Liar (2017)
The Mistake (2017)
The Visitor (2018)
The Secret (2018)
Closer (2018)
Finding Grace (2019)
The Silent Ones (2019)
Single (2019)
The Apartment (2020)
Little Whispers (2020)
The Girl She Wanted (2020)
The Girl She Wanted is bound to be well received. and will keep you guessing right until the very end. Her novels just get better and better. This is a fabulous read, that will reel you in …one line at a time…
There is a five-year gap between two sisters: Alexa and Carrie, with Alexa being the younger sister. Alexa has always looked up to her older sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa’s family home, a small three-bedroom semi, with Alexa’s husband, Perry and her sister, Alexa and adores their one-year-old niece Florence. Alexa doesn’t know how they would cope without her.
Carrie works at a hospital as a A&E Ward Manager. Recently, the hospital had received a complaint, from a member of the hospital staff regarding a couple of unusual deaths. The hospital launches an internal inquiry in connection with two unexplained deaths in its A&E department. The victims involve a six-month-old baby with a severe viral infection, and one elderly man admitted after a fall, ends up dying of a massive cardiac arrest.
After a formal internal inquiry, under the direction of DI Adam Partridge and DS Nell Tremaine, Carrie is arrested on suspicion of causing the unnatural deaths of two people. Carrie is suspended from her job. Alexa knows how much Carrie loves her niece, and is totally safe in her hands.
Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie. He wants her out of the house. He believes that Carrie could be a danger to their daughter, and tries to convince his wife of this but Alexa shuts him out. Nobody will ever come between her and her sister.
Then Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care and Alexa at last starts to wonder. Alexa has always wanted to protect Carrie from the past they have hidden. Will the secret that has kept the sisters together now destroy her little girl?
This gripping psychological thriller held my attention from beginning to end, with intricate plot, relatable characters and plenty of twists and turns to the satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
January 24, 2021
What a fast moving intense read. I hung on every word.
Although this scenario has been written many many times over, this author has written it superbly that keeps the reading breathless and hanging onto each written word on its page.
I really thought I knew where she was going with this, then halfway through I diverted to another theory.
I ended up wrong on both counts!
I won’t go into the story, it’s on the blurb, but I’ll certainly tell you how it made me feel....
Tense (in a good way)
Anxious
And at some points I was shouting “what are you doing, get her out”.
She didn’t listen to me though.
The turn of events were interesting nevertheless and I loved the ending. I’m a great believer in keeping books realistic and not everything has a “happy ever after”.
Great read.
Fans of thrillers, actual life reality and tense fast paced reads would love this. I think.
Although this scenario has been written many many times over, this author has written it superbly that keeps the reading breathless and hanging onto each written word on its page.
I really thought I knew where she was going with this, then halfway through I diverted to another theory.
I ended up wrong on both counts!
I won’t go into the story, it’s on the blurb, but I’ll certainly tell you how it made me feel....
Tense (in a good way)
Anxious
And at some points I was shouting “what are you doing, get her out”.
She didn’t listen to me though.
The turn of events were interesting nevertheless and I loved the ending. I’m a great believer in keeping books realistic and not everything has a “happy ever after”.
Great read.
Fans of thrillers, actual life reality and tense fast paced reads would love this. I think.
October 11, 2020
Carrie is a nurse and lives with her sister who is struggling to cope with her one year old daughter. When Carrie is suspended from her job because she is suspected of a crime, things become difficult at home.
A psychological thriller with twists and turns. A story that kept me guessing
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A psychological thriller with twists and turns. A story that kept me guessing
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2020
Alexa and her husband have a darling 1-year-old little girl. Carrie, Alexa's sister, lives with them. Carrie loves her niece and would do anything for her. Alexa's husband does not trust Carrie and wants her to move out.
Carrie is a senior nurse at the local hospital. When two suspicious deaths occur during her watch, she is accused of t he crimes and suspended from her job.
And that leads to a lot of questions. What is the secret that the sisters share? Could Carrie be a danger to her niece? What is Carrie lying about? Why is she stalking the doctor that reported her?
And when her niece is hurt under her watch, Alexa wonders if her sister is unstable ... and guilty of the crimes she's accused of.
Then, Carrie disappears with Alexa's daughter.
The plot is entangled with secrets, lies, and cover-ups amid a back drop of suspicion that starts with the very first page. Varied twists and turns are riveting. The characters are deftly drawn. I especially liked how Alexa changes as her life spins out of control.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Carrie is a senior nurse at the local hospital. When two suspicious deaths occur during her watch, she is accused of t he crimes and suspended from her job.
And that leads to a lot of questions. What is the secret that the sisters share? Could Carrie be a danger to her niece? What is Carrie lying about? Why is she stalking the doctor that reported her?
And when her niece is hurt under her watch, Alexa wonders if her sister is unstable ... and guilty of the crimes she's accused of.
Then, Carrie disappears with Alexa's daughter.
The plot is entangled with secrets, lies, and cover-ups amid a back drop of suspicion that starts with the very first page. Varied twists and turns are riveting. The characters are deftly drawn. I especially liked how Alexa changes as her life spins out of control.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 30, 2020
Wow, Wow, Wow!
This was a story that grabbed me by the throat from the get go and didn't let go.
Alexa is a character whose personality and strength grows throughout the story. Ever since an incident, which isn't revealed to us until further into the story, Alexa has been quite withdrawn and has become dependent on her older sister who is living with her since the break up of her marriage. Alexa believes her sister is innocent of any wrong doing, which causes friction between her and her husband.
The author had me constantly questioning whether to believe, like Alexa, that her sister is innocent of any wrong doing. The more I got to know of Carrie, the less uncertain I was. There is definitely more than meets the eye going on and the author does a stellar job of hoodwinking her reader, so much so that when certain revelations come out, you could have knocked me over with a feather!
I seriously couldn't get enough of this book. No one could have prised my Kindle out of my hands until I knew the truth. And boy oh boy, those twists! K.L. Slater knows how to mess with her readers head and there are some proper jaw dropping moments where I had to go back and re read as I had not seen certain things coming.
The Girl She Wanted is an enthralling, edge of your seat read with some twists that will knock your socks off. K.L. Slater has hit another home run with her latest psychological thriller. Brilliant!
This was a story that grabbed me by the throat from the get go and didn't let go.
Alexa is a character whose personality and strength grows throughout the story. Ever since an incident, which isn't revealed to us until further into the story, Alexa has been quite withdrawn and has become dependent on her older sister who is living with her since the break up of her marriage. Alexa believes her sister is innocent of any wrong doing, which causes friction between her and her husband.
The author had me constantly questioning whether to believe, like Alexa, that her sister is innocent of any wrong doing. The more I got to know of Carrie, the less uncertain I was. There is definitely more than meets the eye going on and the author does a stellar job of hoodwinking her reader, so much so that when certain revelations come out, you could have knocked me over with a feather!
I seriously couldn't get enough of this book. No one could have prised my Kindle out of my hands until I knew the truth. And boy oh boy, those twists! K.L. Slater knows how to mess with her readers head and there are some proper jaw dropping moments where I had to go back and re read as I had not seen certain things coming.
The Girl She Wanted is an enthralling, edge of your seat read with some twists that will knock your socks off. K.L. Slater has hit another home run with her latest psychological thriller. Brilliant!
October 3, 2020
Another cracker from KL Slater. This author never disappoints with her twisty psychological thrillers. Once again I was awake late to finish this book - no regrets!
This is the story of 2 sisters - Alexa and Carrie. The 2 are incredibly close and rely on each other for support. Carrie is a ward manager in a very busy A & E department. She lives for her job and her family. But then she is suspended from work after an accusation of wrong doing which resulted in the deaths of 2 patients. She is adamant that she is innocent only her sister Alexa seems to believe her. She currently living with she sister and her husband Perry and one year old niece Florence after her own marriage ended badly. But as more information starts to come to light can her sisters faith in her remain? Can Carrie prove her innocence?
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
This is the story of 2 sisters - Alexa and Carrie. The 2 are incredibly close and rely on each other for support. Carrie is a ward manager in a very busy A & E department. She lives for her job and her family. But then she is suspended from work after an accusation of wrong doing which resulted in the deaths of 2 patients. She is adamant that she is innocent only her sister Alexa seems to believe her. She currently living with she sister and her husband Perry and one year old niece Florence after her own marriage ended badly. But as more information starts to come to light can her sisters faith in her remain? Can Carrie prove her innocence?
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
September 27, 2020
KL Slater is one of my ‘clear the deck’ authors. By this I mean that I purposely get my jobs done so that when I pick it up I’m not going to have to put it down until I’m done. And I’m so glad I did. I was hooked from page one and didn’t stop until I’d gobbled up every last word. I was absolutely captivated by the dysfunctional relationship between Alexa and her older sister Carrie and the reasons for it. The story pulled me along at a heart stopping rate and was full of twists and turns and questions, then answers, then more questions. As ever, the characters were impeccably drawn and relatable and the plot motored to a tense and thrilling climax. A definite 5***** read for me.
September 29, 2020
A sharp and ‘ you think you know but you dont’ psychological thriller
A busy A and E Dept and a junior Dr is suspicious of 2 separate unexpected and unexplained deaths, they shouldn’t have happened...so why have they?, he ‘whistleblows’ which of course causes a local and National outcry and the investigation starts
Meet Alexa and Carrie, sisters, one with a burden she carries and one who is Ward Manager at the A and E involved, when Carrie is under suspicion for the deaths Alexa has some troubling events and evidence to consider and confront
The book then takes us through the investigation and the various players reactions to it and how accusations and gossip and misconceptions can affect people caught up in a terrible situation
A fantatsic read, very sensitively done ( where needed, to say more would be to give some of the story away ) and full, really full of twists and turns and red herrings for the reader
The characters were great, especially the onlbnoxious Carrie Parsons, not sure why but the name totally suited her!
The book will fascinate, thrill and it really did give me a ‘AHAAAAA’ out loud moment when the truth was known
I loved the part in the acknowledgements where the author says we readers are getting smarter and each time it’s more difficult to write a twisty thriller, well as with her previous 11 books she has managed it
A perfect psychological thriller
10/10
5 Stars
A busy A and E Dept and a junior Dr is suspicious of 2 separate unexpected and unexplained deaths, they shouldn’t have happened...so why have they?, he ‘whistleblows’ which of course causes a local and National outcry and the investigation starts
Meet Alexa and Carrie, sisters, one with a burden she carries and one who is Ward Manager at the A and E involved, when Carrie is under suspicion for the deaths Alexa has some troubling events and evidence to consider and confront
The book then takes us through the investigation and the various players reactions to it and how accusations and gossip and misconceptions can affect people caught up in a terrible situation
A fantatsic read, very sensitively done ( where needed, to say more would be to give some of the story away ) and full, really full of twists and turns and red herrings for the reader
The characters were great, especially the onlbnoxious Carrie Parsons, not sure why but the name totally suited her!
The book will fascinate, thrill and it really did give me a ‘AHAAAAA’ out loud moment when the truth was known
I loved the part in the acknowledgements where the author says we readers are getting smarter and each time it’s more difficult to write a twisty thriller, well as with her previous 11 books she has managed it
A perfect psychological thriller
10/10
5 Stars
October 24, 2020
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Good writing, but a fair amount of showing and not telling. The undertone of the writing style starts off cheerfully, almost as if you are reading a fairy tale: Easter bunnies and chocolate egg hunts - how pleasant!
But then all hell breaks loose and patients start to die at a local hospital. Alexa's sister Carrie is suspected of wrongdoing and then later gets into more trouble. Reputations are ruined by all the allegations flying around in the press and among the hospital staff.. Carrie is a domineering pain, but did she really do it? Is the press and Carrie's employers/co-workers being fair to her?
Trouble abounds in this domestic thriller. In the end, you realize there were red herrings all over the place. Not such a huge surprise in the end, but the writing style leads you to believe the author has told you what is going on in a specific character's mind, when in fact she had obviously withheld other, more sinister thoughts and motives.
I am not fond of the breezy writing style the author employed here. In fact, I find many British novels are being written in this style these days. Dialogue makes the characters more present and real to the reader. We are able to observe action in play, instead of reacting to it as if we were listening to a newscaster reading from a teleprompter:. "In today's news......"
I think you get why I am not blown away by this book like all the other reviewers are, but good grammar always gets high marks from me, so I'm going to rate this one a 3.7 out of 5.
Merged review:
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Good writing, but a fair amount of showing and not telling. The undertone of the writing style starts off cheerfully, almost as if you are reading a fairy tale: Easter bunnies and chocolate egg hunts - how pleasant!
But then all hell breaks loose and patients start to die at a local hospital. Alexa's sister Carrie is suspected of wrongdoing and then later gets into more trouble. Reputations are ruined by all the allegations flying around in the press and among the hospital staff.. Carrie is a domineering pain, but did she really do it? Is the press and Carrie's employers/co-workers being fair to her?
Trouble abounds in this domestic thriller. In the end, you realize there were red herrings all over the place. Not such a huge surprise in the end, but the writing style leads you to believe the author has told you what is going on in a specific character's mind, when in fact she had obviously withheld other, more sinister thoughts and motives.
I am not fond of the breezy writing style the author employed here. In fact, I find many British novels are being written in this style these days. Dialogue makes the characters more present and real to the reader. We are able to observe action in play, instead of reacting to it as if we were listening to a newscaster reading from a teleprompter:. "In today's news......"
I think you get why I am not blown away by this book like all the other reviewers are, but good grammar always gets high marks from me, so I'm going to rate this one a 3.7 out of 5.
Good writing, but a fair amount of showing and not telling. The undertone of the writing style starts off cheerfully, almost as if you are reading a fairy tale: Easter bunnies and chocolate egg hunts - how pleasant!
But then all hell breaks loose and patients start to die at a local hospital. Alexa's sister Carrie is suspected of wrongdoing and then later gets into more trouble. Reputations are ruined by all the allegations flying around in the press and among the hospital staff.. Carrie is a domineering pain, but did she really do it? Is the press and Carrie's employers/co-workers being fair to her?
Trouble abounds in this domestic thriller. In the end, you realize there were red herrings all over the place. Not such a huge surprise in the end, but the writing style leads you to believe the author has told you what is going on in a specific character's mind, when in fact she had obviously withheld other, more sinister thoughts and motives.
I am not fond of the breezy writing style the author employed here. In fact, I find many British novels are being written in this style these days. Dialogue makes the characters more present and real to the reader. We are able to observe action in play, instead of reacting to it as if we were listening to a newscaster reading from a teleprompter:. "In today's news......"
I think you get why I am not blown away by this book like all the other reviewers are, but good grammar always gets high marks from me, so I'm going to rate this one a 3.7 out of 5.
Merged review:
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Good writing, but a fair amount of showing and not telling. The undertone of the writing style starts off cheerfully, almost as if you are reading a fairy tale: Easter bunnies and chocolate egg hunts - how pleasant!
But then all hell breaks loose and patients start to die at a local hospital. Alexa's sister Carrie is suspected of wrongdoing and then later gets into more trouble. Reputations are ruined by all the allegations flying around in the press and among the hospital staff.. Carrie is a domineering pain, but did she really do it? Is the press and Carrie's employers/co-workers being fair to her?
Trouble abounds in this domestic thriller. In the end, you realize there were red herrings all over the place. Not such a huge surprise in the end, but the writing style leads you to believe the author has told you what is going on in a specific character's mind, when in fact she had obviously withheld other, more sinister thoughts and motives.
I am not fond of the breezy writing style the author employed here. In fact, I find many British novels are being written in this style these days. Dialogue makes the characters more present and real to the reader. We are able to observe action in play, instead of reacting to it as if we were listening to a newscaster reading from a teleprompter:. "In today's news......"
I think you get why I am not blown away by this book like all the other reviewers are, but good grammar always gets high marks from me, so I'm going to rate this one a 3.7 out of 5.
August 13, 2021
I usually thoroughly enjoy Ms Slater’s work but this was dis not rate as highly for me.
This story is long, and personally I felt, way too long. The characters are well-crafted but I didn’t like any of them. The plot is definitely the typical psychological - a few good twists and turns, but to me it felt flat and forced in places. Not a bad read but definitely not a great one either.
And the title - I can only hazard a guess as to its connection to the story…but…I’m still left wondering on that one!
This story is long, and personally I felt, way too long. The characters are well-crafted but I didn’t like any of them. The plot is definitely the typical psychological - a few good twists and turns, but to me it felt flat and forced in places. Not a bad read but definitely not a great one either.
And the title - I can only hazard a guess as to its connection to the story…but…I’m still left wondering on that one!
November 8, 2020
3 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is an ok mystery thriller about the relationship of two sisters and what happens when mistrust is sowed by outside forces.
Alex is married with a one year old daughter Florence. Her older sister Carrie is a nurse and is living with Alexa after the break-up of her marriage. Carrie and Florence love each other and Carrie dotes on the little girl. After Carrie is suspended from her nursing job under suspicion of causing the death of two patients, Alexa's home is assessed to determine if it's a safe environment for Florence. Alexa is fiercely protective of Carrie and has no doubts about her innocence, but as the evidence begins to pile up, Alexa must admit that she needs to start questioning what she thinks she knows about her sister.
This was an ok book for me. Alexa is a hot mess and after awhile, it was tiresome to read her anxious thoughts and self doubts. Carrie was secretive and closed off and considering the author repeatedly said how close the sisters were, it was not realistic that they wouldn't sit down and talk about anything. I mean I get it, the author had to create tension, but the idea that the sisters were close, but then couldn't hold a simple conversation didn't gel.
Overall, this story just didn't engage me, and the odd twist at the end seemed abrupt and too far out of left field. I can see why this book would appeal to a lot of people, unfortunately just not me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is an ok mystery thriller about the relationship of two sisters and what happens when mistrust is sowed by outside forces.
Alex is married with a one year old daughter Florence. Her older sister Carrie is a nurse and is living with Alexa after the break-up of her marriage. Carrie and Florence love each other and Carrie dotes on the little girl. After Carrie is suspended from her nursing job under suspicion of causing the death of two patients, Alexa's home is assessed to determine if it's a safe environment for Florence. Alexa is fiercely protective of Carrie and has no doubts about her innocence, but as the evidence begins to pile up, Alexa must admit that she needs to start questioning what she thinks she knows about her sister.
This was an ok book for me. Alexa is a hot mess and after awhile, it was tiresome to read her anxious thoughts and self doubts. Carrie was secretive and closed off and considering the author repeatedly said how close the sisters were, it was not realistic that they wouldn't sit down and talk about anything. I mean I get it, the author had to create tension, but the idea that the sisters were close, but then couldn't hold a simple conversation didn't gel.
Overall, this story just didn't engage me, and the odd twist at the end seemed abrupt and too far out of left field. I can see why this book would appeal to a lot of people, unfortunately just not me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2020
Alexa has always looked up to her older sister Carrie. Carrie lives in Alexa’s family home, and adores her one-year-old niece Florence. Alexa doesn’t know how they would cope without her. So, when Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse, accused of the most terrible crime, Alexa reels in disbelief.
Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie and so Alexa shuts him out. But, when Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care, she begins to wonder whom to believe.
Such a well written psychological thriller with lot of surprises and twists. Right from the start it keeps making you wonder who is telling the truth and who is not.
In terms of the main characters, they are well written but are not too likable. Alexa is indecisive and rather than being strong and trying to find out the facts, she constantly refuses to accept the circumstances in front of her. Carrie keeps lying and makes it very difficult to have a positive feeling about her.
The plot moves a bit slow initially but slowly picks up pace as the secrets come tumbling out. The mystery about Alexa and Carrie’s past as well as the current accusations are maintained right till the end with an unexpected twist at the end, so it keeps you hooked on.
The only doubt in my mind is the title. In spite of finishing and enjoying the book, I am still wondering how is it relevant? I guess I need to re-read it!
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie and so Alexa shuts him out. But, when Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care, she begins to wonder whom to believe.
Such a well written psychological thriller with lot of surprises and twists. Right from the start it keeps making you wonder who is telling the truth and who is not.
In terms of the main characters, they are well written but are not too likable. Alexa is indecisive and rather than being strong and trying to find out the facts, she constantly refuses to accept the circumstances in front of her. Carrie keeps lying and makes it very difficult to have a positive feeling about her.
The plot moves a bit slow initially but slowly picks up pace as the secrets come tumbling out. The mystery about Alexa and Carrie’s past as well as the current accusations are maintained right till the end with an unexpected twist at the end, so it keeps you hooked on.
The only doubt in my mind is the title. In spite of finishing and enjoying the book, I am still wondering how is it relevant? I guess I need to re-read it!
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
November 19, 2020
This is my first book written by K.L Slater and it was great. I loved the characters ( Alexa, especially), the plot, and so many secrets. It was fast, no time to get bored.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
May 17, 2021
The Girl She Wanted is the first book I've read by K L Slater and it was an enjoyable psychological thriller. It is the story of Carrie, who is a senior nurse who currently lives with her sister - Alexa and her husband as Alexa is struggling to cope with her one year old daughter and Carrie has recently split from her husband. After a couple of unexplained deaths at the hospital Carrie gets reported by a junior Doctor and investigated, but then Carrie is suspended from her job and things get more difficult.
I didn't really relate to the characters that well at first and felt they were a bit wishywashy, It took a while for the book to explain the background to Carrie, which I think if had come much earlier in the book, it would have helped me to understand her better, but it all made sense in the end and I did enjoy it.. I will definitely read more by this author and I liked the narrative from different characters points of view.
I was also a bit puzzled by the title as I cant see how it relates to the storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book. .
Merged review:
The Girl She Wanted is the first book I've read by K L Slater and it was an enjoyable psychological thriller. It is the story of Carrie, who is a senior nurse who currently lives with her sister - Alexa and her husband as Alexa is struggling to cope with her one year old daughter and Carrie has recently split from her husband. After a couple of unexplained deaths at the hospital Carrie gets reported by a junior Doctor and investigated, but then Carrie is suspended from her job and things get more difficult.
I didn't really relate to the characters that well at first and felt they were a bit wishywashy, It took a while for the book to explain the background to Carrie, which I think if had come much earlier in the book, it would have helped me to understand her better, but it all made sense in the end and I did enjoy it.. I will definitely read more by this author and I liked the narrative from different characters points of view.
I was also a bit puzzled by the title as I cant see how it relates to the storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book.
I didn't really relate to the characters that well at first and felt they were a bit wishywashy, It took a while for the book to explain the background to Carrie, which I think if had come much earlier in the book, it would have helped me to understand her better, but it all made sense in the end and I did enjoy it.. I will definitely read more by this author and I liked the narrative from different characters points of view.
I was also a bit puzzled by the title as I cant see how it relates to the storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book. .
Merged review:
The Girl She Wanted is the first book I've read by K L Slater and it was an enjoyable psychological thriller. It is the story of Carrie, who is a senior nurse who currently lives with her sister - Alexa and her husband as Alexa is struggling to cope with her one year old daughter and Carrie has recently split from her husband. After a couple of unexplained deaths at the hospital Carrie gets reported by a junior Doctor and investigated, but then Carrie is suspended from her job and things get more difficult.
I didn't really relate to the characters that well at first and felt they were a bit wishywashy, It took a while for the book to explain the background to Carrie, which I think if had come much earlier in the book, it would have helped me to understand her better, but it all made sense in the end and I did enjoy it.. I will definitely read more by this author and I liked the narrative from different characters points of view.
I was also a bit puzzled by the title as I cant see how it relates to the storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book.
October 22, 2020
3.5 stars
The Girl She Wanted by K.L. Slater is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Alexa and her husband Perry open their doors to Alexa's sister Carrie when her marriage falls apart. Carrie's presence has been helpful to Alexa, who sometimes struggles with looking after her one-year old daughter Florence, especially since Perry's work takes him away for 2 and 3 weeks at a time. But that was eight months ago, and Carrie shows no signs of leaving. Perry is getting frustrated and wants his home back to just his wife and daughter.
When Carrie is suspended from the hospital where she is a senior nurse in the Emergency ward, Alexa is stunned. Why didn't Carrie tell her there was a problem? When Carrie is arrested for two deaths on the ward, Alexa is more than stunned. Her sister couldn't possibly be responsible for these deaths. Perry, on the other hand isn't surprised at anything that Carrie does. He just wants her out of his house, and away from his daughter. Alexa is determined to stick up for her sister. But even Alexa starts to doubt things when Florence is injured while in Carrie's care.
Alexa and Carrie have been very close, but there are secrets in this house, and peoples lives are going to change.
My Opinions:
As always, Kim Slater's writing is exceptional. The plot premise was different, but it boiled down to a rather dysfunctional family, lies, secrets, and controlling behaviour. It was a fast read. The twist was good, although I did suspect.... The ending was drawn out while every person's "after-the-event" life was detailed, so that it all wrapped up in a neat little bow. That was too much.
I guess the main problem I had with the book is that I didn't like any of the characters. Although Alexa came across as weak, and then found her strength later in the book, I still didn't like her. I did not like Carrie from word go, and I had no use for Perry either. The dynamics of their relationships was "off".
I'm probably in the minority on this one. It was good, but it just didn't feel up to her usual standard. I have read 9 or 10 of Kim Slater's books, and rated them all 4 or 5 stars. This was good, but it just didn't sit well with me. All that being said, it certainly won't stop me from reading her next one.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and quotations), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 23, 2020
Alexa and her husband Perry are having some problems and it seems that their primary difficulties is that Alexa are due to the fact that Alexa is supporting her troubled older sister Carrie above all else. If Perry had his way he would insist that Carrie leave their home. Instead, after Carrie's marriage ended, Alexa invited Carrie to stay with them and their toddler daughter Florence. Alexa loves the bond that Carrie and Florence shares. Furthermore, Perry works away from home for weeks at a time on an oil rig, so Alexa enjoys having extra help with the baby.
However, one day the police arrive and they take Carrie away for questioning. Alexa is quite concerned, but so relieved that Perry is currently away. She knows that if he knew Carrie had any issues that concerned the police, she would have no choice but to ask Carrie to leave. Alexa is utterly shocked when she learns that Carrie might have been involved in the death of two patients. Carrie is a senior nurse at a nearby hospital and the deaths proved to be unusual. Carrie is not charged, but she is suspended from her job. Alexa is very concerned as to how to tell Perry, all while trying to figure out a way to get information and to help Carrie.
When Florence is hurt under Carrie's care, Alexa begins to wonder, and she knows she must inform Perry as to what is going on. Could Carrie have indeed been responsible for the deaths at the hospital? Could the fact that Florence was hurt be due to Carrie's actions? Then there is the fact that there is a hidden secret between Alexa and Carrie, and if the truth came out, so much could be lost, and at the very least, the safety of Florence.
I love the way that this book was written. I wanted to believe Carrie guilty of wrongdoing from the very start, so I love the winding trail that this book took to get my feelings so involved. I was captivated from beginning to end, even to the point that Perry began to raise doubts with me. When an author can keep me on my toes and invested in the characters, then I count it as a win for me. Actually, every book I have read by K. L. Slater has managed to evoke strong feelings in me while reading, and this book is right up there with the ones I've read previously by her.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
However, one day the police arrive and they take Carrie away for questioning. Alexa is quite concerned, but so relieved that Perry is currently away. She knows that if he knew Carrie had any issues that concerned the police, she would have no choice but to ask Carrie to leave. Alexa is utterly shocked when she learns that Carrie might have been involved in the death of two patients. Carrie is a senior nurse at a nearby hospital and the deaths proved to be unusual. Carrie is not charged, but she is suspended from her job. Alexa is very concerned as to how to tell Perry, all while trying to figure out a way to get information and to help Carrie.
When Florence is hurt under Carrie's care, Alexa begins to wonder, and she knows she must inform Perry as to what is going on. Could Carrie have indeed been responsible for the deaths at the hospital? Could the fact that Florence was hurt be due to Carrie's actions? Then there is the fact that there is a hidden secret between Alexa and Carrie, and if the truth came out, so much could be lost, and at the very least, the safety of Florence.
I love the way that this book was written. I wanted to believe Carrie guilty of wrongdoing from the very start, so I love the winding trail that this book took to get my feelings so involved. I was captivated from beginning to end, even to the point that Perry began to raise doubts with me. When an author can keep me on my toes and invested in the characters, then I count it as a win for me. Actually, every book I have read by K. L. Slater has managed to evoke strong feelings in me while reading, and this book is right up there with the ones I've read previously by her.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 28, 2024
3.75 ⭐️This was a quick & easy read that I didn’t love but I didn’t hate. It was fast-paced and kept me engaged. I didn’t like many of the characters and both sisters pissed me off. I love a good twist in the book (which I didn’t see coming) but It still felt like an anticlimax.
October 21, 2020
Oh dear!! My head is still spinning, and I blame the author K. L. Slater for the way she kept me twirling like a leaf in the storm.
I have to admit that I was arrogant enough to think I had the story all figured out and felt so proud of myself until the author took the sharp edge of her pen and hacked all my theories. This was one time where I was so happy losing.
2 sisters, Alexa with a family and child Florence, and Carrie who was a nurse down on her luck and was staying with Alexa to tide things over. A whistle-blower at work, after the deaths of a couple of patients, led to a police investigation. Carrie was in the center of it. Secrets were everywhere. Alexa was determined to help her sister and be there for her.
WHAT A THRILL!!
Kim has done it again, written a book so filled with uncertainties that I didn’t know which was the right way. Everything I thought I knew about the characters was cleaved to pieces. It was a thrill-a-minute, and it was done so subtly that I couldn’t help but bow down to the sheer brilliance.
This was one heck of a different story, unlike any thriller I have read so far. The usual formula was left far behind. I never knew a new approach like this would work. But damn. It did so brilliantly. Full credit to the author.
The story was told in multiple POV, but fear not, there was never any confusion.
The story hid more secrets than I knew, and each one felt apt.
The story went in so many directions, but it was still cohesive in all aspects.
The characters were friendly enough but kept to the edge of unlikable, but they didn’t alienate me.
Every character was turned inside out, but they still made sense.
How was it possible? I kept thinking about the story long after I finished it and realized only a genius puppeteer with well-outlined plotlines could fool me like this.
Wow!! Well played, Ms. Slater. We’ll meet again in the next book.
I have to admit that I was arrogant enough to think I had the story all figured out and felt so proud of myself until the author took the sharp edge of her pen and hacked all my theories. This was one time where I was so happy losing.
2 sisters, Alexa with a family and child Florence, and Carrie who was a nurse down on her luck and was staying with Alexa to tide things over. A whistle-blower at work, after the deaths of a couple of patients, led to a police investigation. Carrie was in the center of it. Secrets were everywhere. Alexa was determined to help her sister and be there for her.
WHAT A THRILL!!
Kim has done it again, written a book so filled with uncertainties that I didn’t know which was the right way. Everything I thought I knew about the characters was cleaved to pieces. It was a thrill-a-minute, and it was done so subtly that I couldn’t help but bow down to the sheer brilliance.
This was one heck of a different story, unlike any thriller I have read so far. The usual formula was left far behind. I never knew a new approach like this would work. But damn. It did so brilliantly. Full credit to the author.
The story was told in multiple POV, but fear not, there was never any confusion.
The story hid more secrets than I knew, and each one felt apt.
The story went in so many directions, but it was still cohesive in all aspects.
The characters were friendly enough but kept to the edge of unlikable, but they didn’t alienate me.
Every character was turned inside out, but they still made sense.
How was it possible? I kept thinking about the story long after I finished it and realized only a genius puppeteer with well-outlined plotlines could fool me like this.
Wow!! Well played, Ms. Slater. We’ll meet again in the next book.
October 7, 2020
K.L. is back with a bang with her latest offering The Girl she wanted. Another Excellent read.
Carrie Parsons has been living with her sister Alexa, her husband Perry, and their daughter Florence after her messy divorce, about eight months now. She is awfully close with her sister Alexa and they always support each other. Especially as Alexa is still not got over the death of her first child Daisy-Mae. She now has One-year old Florence who Alexa asks helps with when she is not working at the hospital as a Ward manger at the local hospital A & E. When one day Carrie is accused of a terrible crime the unexplained deaths of two patients one which was a child. At first Carrie does not confide in her sister until the police arrive at the door. Alexa though, is naïve and they have got the wrong person. Except for Perry, who wants Carrie out of the house ASAP.
I can’t really explain how good this book is. You think you know what is going on in this book and then there is another twist. This is a gripping thriller and kept me hooked. There are not many books that I read in one sitting, but this is one of them. I didn’t want to stop. I highly recommend.
Carrie Parsons has been living with her sister Alexa, her husband Perry, and their daughter Florence after her messy divorce, about eight months now. She is awfully close with her sister Alexa and they always support each other. Especially as Alexa is still not got over the death of her first child Daisy-Mae. She now has One-year old Florence who Alexa asks helps with when she is not working at the hospital as a Ward manger at the local hospital A & E. When one day Carrie is accused of a terrible crime the unexplained deaths of two patients one which was a child. At first Carrie does not confide in her sister until the police arrive at the door. Alexa though, is naïve and they have got the wrong person. Except for Perry, who wants Carrie out of the house ASAP.
I can’t really explain how good this book is. You think you know what is going on in this book and then there is another twist. This is a gripping thriller and kept me hooked. There are not many books that I read in one sitting, but this is one of them. I didn’t want to stop. I highly recommend.
October 24, 2021
the idea for the story was good, the execution bad. i couldn’t stand the way everything in the book is just… explained. there’s no storytelling, no prose, only explaining events as they occur, in an infuriating amount of detail. i skipped entire paragraphs and could still follow the story because there were pages, even chapters full of explanations of mundane things and the inner musings of the dithering, boring main character that provided absolutely nothing to further the story.
and the main character who i heavily disliked was still the only character with any kind of a personality, any uniqueness to her at all in the book; the rest were just uninteresting and many of them very similar to each other, and half the characters spoke like robots, or like dictionaries.
the “shocking twist” wasn’t shocking at all (shockingly boring maybe) and the ending fell flat.
the only reason it’s 2 stars rather than 1 is that there were a few good scenes that had me on the edge of my seat for a little while.
and the main character who i heavily disliked was still the only character with any kind of a personality, any uniqueness to her at all in the book; the rest were just uninteresting and many of them very similar to each other, and half the characters spoke like robots, or like dictionaries.
the “shocking twist” wasn’t shocking at all (shockingly boring maybe) and the ending fell flat.
the only reason it’s 2 stars rather than 1 is that there were a few good scenes that had me on the edge of my seat for a little while.
October 15, 2020
What starts as a simple story ends with a cunning twist! Slater never goes wrong with her plot and the twists. The reader should be ready with her knack to blow the readers with the twists.
The story has a steady pace and, one can finish reading the book in one sitting.
The central theme of the book is about human tendencies and different shades of grey in their personality. But for an observer, they judge whether it’s right or wrong.
The finale of the book gives a shock to the reader. It’s a deserving end.
Again, KL Slater's books never disappoint you. If you haven’t read her book, it’s highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookuture for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The story has a steady pace and, one can finish reading the book in one sitting.
The central theme of the book is about human tendencies and different shades of grey in their personality. But for an observer, they judge whether it’s right or wrong.
The finale of the book gives a shock to the reader. It’s a deserving end.
Again, KL Slater's books never disappoint you. If you haven’t read her book, it’s highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookuture for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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