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Girl A
Someone thinks they know who she is… and what she did.
But she insists it’s a mistake.
All Beth has ever wanted is a quiet life for her and her family. And that is what she has, until one evening a note is pushed through the door, with two words scrawled in menacing black ink;
Found you.
As Beth’s neatly crafted life begins to unravel, an unseen menace torments her and those she loves. But who’s behind the threats?
Somebody is out to get Beth, but do they have the right woman?
Beth faces losing everything, and there is far more at stake than just her marriage…
But she insists it’s a mistake.
All Beth has ever wanted is a quiet life for her and her family. And that is what she has, until one evening a note is pushed through the door, with two words scrawled in menacing black ink;
Found you.
As Beth’s neatly crafted life begins to unravel, an unseen menace torments her and those she loves. But who’s behind the threats?
Somebody is out to get Beth, but do they have the right woman?
Beth faces losing everything, and there is far more at stake than just her marriage…
Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
March 13, 2021
GIRL A is a standalone psychological thriller by Dan Scottow. This novel is everything plus! I loved it!
In 1985, a two-year-old boy, Billy was abducted from his mother at a summer fair and then beaten and killed. An eleven -year-old boy and a seven- year-old girl were both put on trial. The girl was found not guilty, because of her age, but the boy was found guilty and sent to prison.
The novel then switches to present day where Charlie and Beth and their two children, lived a quiet life in a nice secluded farmhouse with no neighbours. Beth works in publishing and Charlie in advertising. Their life was soon going to change.
Late one night the doorbell rings and a note is pushed through the door, with two words. FOUND YOU.
Then over a short period of time…more notes.
What is going on?
Someone thinks they know who she is… and what she did. But she insists it’s a mistake.
As Beth’s life begins to unravel before her, she needs to discover who is behind the threats, before any harm comes to her and her family.
This is an extremely well written and tightly woven psychological thriller with unforgettable characters. I was glued from the very first page to the very last unpredictable explosive ending.
Highly recommended! Very thought-provoking! Still thinking about the ending, I didn’t see coming.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
In 1985, a two-year-old boy, Billy was abducted from his mother at a summer fair and then beaten and killed. An eleven -year-old boy and a seven- year-old girl were both put on trial. The girl was found not guilty, because of her age, but the boy was found guilty and sent to prison.
The novel then switches to present day where Charlie and Beth and their two children, lived a quiet life in a nice secluded farmhouse with no neighbours. Beth works in publishing and Charlie in advertising. Their life was soon going to change.
Late one night the doorbell rings and a note is pushed through the door, with two words. FOUND YOU.
Then over a short period of time…more notes.
What is going on?
Someone thinks they know who she is… and what she did. But she insists it’s a mistake.
As Beth’s life begins to unravel before her, she needs to discover who is behind the threats, before any harm comes to her and her family.
This is an extremely well written and tightly woven psychological thriller with unforgettable characters. I was glued from the very first page to the very last unpredictable explosive ending.
Highly recommended! Very thought-provoking! Still thinking about the ending, I didn’t see coming.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
March 3, 2021
Probably the most anticipated follow up to a debut from an author for me, ‘Damaged’ was so good this had a lot to live up to
And it did
We meet Beth and her family, living a fairly normal life, all is going well until a note is delivered to her home one evening, the 2 words written on it change Beth and her family forever as secrets, lies and revenge come hurtling back at her, to say more on this would spoil the story
The characters are interesting, I wavered with Beth, you will see why when read it, her family were likeable and their reactions when faced with the impossible spot on
The story progressed well, and then, well I suddenly had a ‘flash moment’ and knew who had been causing all the trouble BUT never did I imagine the why, how, where and why, I read a lot ( 🤓 ) and this was a ‘gasp’ moment when the truth was unveiled, very clever and blindsided me totally, and then the end end where all my questions were answered and, nope, again I am giving nothing away but to say the whole thing is a resounding success for the reader, a book you feel more than satisfied with after reading and this author has again delivered a superb, shocking, different, thought provoking read
10/10
5 Stars
And it did
We meet Beth and her family, living a fairly normal life, all is going well until a note is delivered to her home one evening, the 2 words written on it change Beth and her family forever as secrets, lies and revenge come hurtling back at her, to say more on this would spoil the story
The characters are interesting, I wavered with Beth, you will see why when read it, her family were likeable and their reactions when faced with the impossible spot on
The story progressed well, and then, well I suddenly had a ‘flash moment’ and knew who had been causing all the trouble BUT never did I imagine the why, how, where and why, I read a lot ( 🤓 ) and this was a ‘gasp’ moment when the truth was unveiled, very clever and blindsided me totally, and then the end end where all my questions were answered and, nope, again I am giving nothing away but to say the whole thing is a resounding success for the reader, a book you feel more than satisfied with after reading and this author has again delivered a superb, shocking, different, thought provoking read
10/10
5 Stars
November 25, 2021
The book blurb for Girl A promises an “unforgettable thriller”. Unfortunately, it’s been less than 24 hours since I finished reading and already the details are beginning to fuzz around the edges. The premise is solid—a woman who perpetrated a horrific crime as a seven year old has reinvented herself in an effort to outrun her past. When someone recognizes her and begins to anonymously taunt her and her family, however, the carefully built house of cards she has constructed begins to fall apart around her.
My major issue with this book is related to character development. Kitty Briscoe, as a child, is described as cold, calculating and void of any remorse or conscience. As an adult, however, we see a dedicated mother and wife who has shown no signs of who she once was. Is it really possible to outrun one’s true character and hide the corrupted mind of a killer? Additionally, in spite of Margot’s gender transition, surely she would have been recognized at some point by her closest childhood friend.
The second deficit of the book is the absence of critical plot points. How had Beth managed to avoid telling Charlie the significance of the key she wore around her neck for the entirety of her adult life? When Charlie died, how were they rescued? Was Zoe found? Where? And the list goes on.
As a whole, it isn’t a “bad” read, and in fact, the pages turn rather quickly. The writing itself is definitely sound and well-structured. The holes in the plot and the lack of consistency in the characters just presented issues for me that were not easily overlooked.
My major issue with this book is related to character development. Kitty Briscoe, as a child, is described as cold, calculating and void of any remorse or conscience. As an adult, however, we see a dedicated mother and wife who has shown no signs of who she once was. Is it really possible to outrun one’s true character and hide the corrupted mind of a killer? Additionally, in spite of Margot’s gender transition, surely she would have been recognized at some point by her closest childhood friend.
The second deficit of the book is the absence of critical plot points. How had Beth managed to avoid telling Charlie the significance of the key she wore around her neck for the entirety of her adult life? When Charlie died, how were they rescued? Was Zoe found? Where? And the list goes on.
As a whole, it isn’t a “bad” read, and in fact, the pages turn rather quickly. The writing itself is definitely sound and well-structured. The holes in the plot and the lack of consistency in the characters just presented issues for me that were not easily overlooked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2021
Take a deep breath, limber up and brace yourself for a sprint to get to the end of this book! It was a novel that I could have easily read in one sitting and by the end, was as breathless as if I had run a very fast race. For a debut novel, this is an excellent story from Scottow and one that should not be missed.
The book grabbed me immediately with a parent’s worse nightmare. Opening with the scenes showing Billy’s final moments before his abduction, the panic that follows is palpable, leaping from the pages. I felt chilled to the bone when it became clear that Billy had gone missing and over the course of the novel, Scottow reveals what really happened to Billy. Jump forwards to present day and Beth and Charlie seem to have the perfect life, the perfect marriage. However, when the first note arrives, this is when cracks start to appear in the life that Beth has fought hard to establish. Suddenly Beth can no longer feel safe in her own home and gradually her husband and even eldest son, begin to distrust her. With more threatening messages arriving, it is clear that Beth and her family are being watched. The plot spirals into mystery and conspiracy, as the past resurfaces. Learning more about what happened to Billy and Beth’s childhood years, the story intensifies as it is less clear who is leaving these notes. Will Beth ever feel safe again?
Scottow’s writing is full of intrigue and suspense. I liked the story moving between present and past, giving a greater understanding of Beth’s character. I found it difficult to ascertain who was behind the notes and my list of suspects frequently changed! Furthermore, I could really get a sense of Beth’s isolation in her barn house in the countryside. Indeed, the fog scenes and when she is in the bath were particularly chilling and I could not begin to imagine how terrified Beth must have been.
The story charges to a dramatic climax full of shocking and unexpected revelations. I could not have foreseen the plot development and was surprised by Scottow’s narrative – even down to the closing pages. I found that I could not put the book down as I was desperate to see, like Beth, who was threatening her family. With the relatively short chapters, this added to the suspense of the story and the feeling of claustrophobia – particularly when Beth’s family leave for their own safety and she loses her job.
Although a major reveal comes about half way through the story, this did not lessen my enjoyment. I actually was even more interested to see how the story would develop and what would happen next. The twists and turns in the narrative made for a read that was full of suspense and intrigue, despite the horrific circumstances of a little boy being abducted. I think Beth’s daughter, Daisy, intensifies these emotions, especially as Beth projects Billy’s abduction on to her own daughter.
This was a great read and I could not get enough of it. I read it quickly because I felt addicted to finding out more. The story was full of plenty of surprises and questions. For a debut novel, this is a solid piece of writing and I cannot wait to see what Scottow produces next.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book grabbed me immediately with a parent’s worse nightmare. Opening with the scenes showing Billy’s final moments before his abduction, the panic that follows is palpable, leaping from the pages. I felt chilled to the bone when it became clear that Billy had gone missing and over the course of the novel, Scottow reveals what really happened to Billy. Jump forwards to present day and Beth and Charlie seem to have the perfect life, the perfect marriage. However, when the first note arrives, this is when cracks start to appear in the life that Beth has fought hard to establish. Suddenly Beth can no longer feel safe in her own home and gradually her husband and even eldest son, begin to distrust her. With more threatening messages arriving, it is clear that Beth and her family are being watched. The plot spirals into mystery and conspiracy, as the past resurfaces. Learning more about what happened to Billy and Beth’s childhood years, the story intensifies as it is less clear who is leaving these notes. Will Beth ever feel safe again?
Scottow’s writing is full of intrigue and suspense. I liked the story moving between present and past, giving a greater understanding of Beth’s character. I found it difficult to ascertain who was behind the notes and my list of suspects frequently changed! Furthermore, I could really get a sense of Beth’s isolation in her barn house in the countryside. Indeed, the fog scenes and when she is in the bath were particularly chilling and I could not begin to imagine how terrified Beth must have been.
The story charges to a dramatic climax full of shocking and unexpected revelations. I could not have foreseen the plot development and was surprised by Scottow’s narrative – even down to the closing pages. I found that I could not put the book down as I was desperate to see, like Beth, who was threatening her family. With the relatively short chapters, this added to the suspense of the story and the feeling of claustrophobia – particularly when Beth’s family leave for their own safety and she loses her job.
Although a major reveal comes about half way through the story, this did not lessen my enjoyment. I actually was even more interested to see how the story would develop and what would happen next. The twists and turns in the narrative made for a read that was full of suspense and intrigue, despite the horrific circumstances of a little boy being abducted. I think Beth’s daughter, Daisy, intensifies these emotions, especially as Beth projects Billy’s abduction on to her own daughter.
This was a great read and I could not get enough of it. I read it quickly because I felt addicted to finding out more. The story was full of plenty of surprises and questions. For a debut novel, this is a solid piece of writing and I cannot wait to see what Scottow produces next.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2021
"Girl A" did not earn an "A" from me.
Was it the audiobook's bland and monotone narrator that completely turned me off? Not quite sure.
Since the book received such great reviews, I persuaded/coerced myself to finish the book -- only to be rewarded with a book that just dragged on and on and on, with a contrived ending that lacked credibility.
This was my first book by this author.
Everyone deserves a second chance and I certainly will give this author another try if his future books are paired up with a different narrator.
Two stars, rounded up.
Was it the audiobook's bland and monotone narrator that completely turned me off? Not quite sure.
Since the book received such great reviews, I persuaded/coerced myself to finish the book -- only to be rewarded with a book that just dragged on and on and on, with a contrived ending that lacked credibility.
This was my first book by this author.
Everyone deserves a second chance and I certainly will give this author another try if his future books are paired up with a different narrator.
Two stars, rounded up.
May 29, 2021
being an agatha christie stout reader, I'd guessed
easily the main plot twist in this fast paced story
but it didn't make me love it any less - due to its
well drawn characters, and its great take on
the old crime and punishment dichotomy.
easily the main plot twist in this fast paced story
but it didn't make me love it any less - due to its
well drawn characters, and its great take on
the old crime and punishment dichotomy.
April 28, 2021
My review CONTAINS SPOILERS.
UGH!!
I was all set to give this 3 stars because I loved the short chapters and the way it had me wanting to read/know more but the closer I got to the end the more compassion I lost towards Beth. It really annoyed me how she continued to refuse to contact the police despite all the shit that was happening to her AND HER FAMILY!
MY BIGGEST GRIPE was how the story kind of mirrored the real life Jamie Bulger case - a little too close to the mark for my liking to be honest so this was an uncomfortable read at times.
I also predicted the big twist (which was a bit ridiculous). Not only did I guess Beth wasn’t as innocent as she made out (her buying of the hammer and describing of how she wanted to kill Michael with no question or moral fibre kinda gave that away lol), but the whole Margot thing too. Girl A? More like Pretty Little Liars A! When in doubt and you wanna make a villain unrecognisable - just give them a sex change right! Ugh!
DISAPPOINTING
UGH!!
I was all set to give this 3 stars because I loved the short chapters and the way it had me wanting to read/know more but the closer I got to the end the more compassion I lost towards Beth. It really annoyed me how she continued to refuse to contact the police despite all the shit that was happening to her AND HER FAMILY!
MY BIGGEST GRIPE was how the story kind of mirrored the real life Jamie Bulger case - a little too close to the mark for my liking to be honest so this was an uncomfortable read at times.
I also predicted the big twist (which was a bit ridiculous). Not only did I guess Beth wasn’t as innocent as she made out (her buying of the hammer and describing of how she wanted to kill Michael with no question or moral fibre kinda gave that away lol), but the whole Margot thing too. Girl A? More like Pretty Little Liars A! When in doubt and you wanna make a villain unrecognisable - just give them a sex change right! Ugh!
DISAPPOINTING
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
After finishing this book I had to give myself a good half a day to let it all sink in! The very first chapter had my worst nightmare on the page. The book was so easy to read, Dan's writing style made the story flow so effortlessly, and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to put it down. The story line itself had me petrified, the gruesome characters, the big twists and the final page 😳 I was not ready for it and actually felt disturbed! 5 stars for a brilliantly written book, despite the terryfing, sickening and night marish story!
March 12, 2021
Another entirely unbaised review from the author's brother...
I thought this was an excellent read, an author really coming into his stride - character development and plot were as good as any I've read in this genre, 'un-put-downable' from a certain point where you just *HAVE* to find out what is going on and another twist I absolutely did not see coming!
As an aside, I have just read his third book and he is getting better and better - if you've enjoyed his first 2 you have got a treat in store! I am not jealous of his talent in any way, shape or form ;) A very proud older brother...
I thought this was an excellent read, an author really coming into his stride - character development and plot were as good as any I've read in this genre, 'un-put-downable' from a certain point where you just *HAVE* to find out what is going on and another twist I absolutely did not see coming!
As an aside, I have just read his third book and he is getting better and better - if you've enjoyed his first 2 you have got a treat in store! I am not jealous of his talent in any way, shape or form ;) A very proud older brother...
July 9, 2021
The cons of this book outweighed the pros for me. And while I didn't hate it, it failed to surprise me.
I could predict all the plot-twists and was disappointed when I was proven right, the start was too slow for my liking, there were plot holes galore, also the writing felt unrefined.
My biggest complain was the MURDER OF PETS. Just a huge Trigger warning for this :|
I can't stand animals being tortured, killed be it by a psychopath or anyone. Just no.
I could predict all the plot-twists and was disappointed when I was proven right, the start was too slow for my liking, there were plot holes galore, also the writing felt unrefined.
My biggest complain was the MURDER OF PETS. Just a huge Trigger warning for this :|
I can't stand animals being tortured, killed be it by a psychopath or anyone. Just no.
April 5, 2021
Dreadful - was I reading a different book to the reviews written!
March 16, 2021
Ok...what rollercoaster have I just been in ? I was so excited to read this book and oh my giddy aunt did it exceeded my expectations. It's dark, evil and twisted and absolutely all consuming. Dan Scottow 2nd book 📖 and boy am I looking forward to many more of them. I am normally good in guessing and I guessed the who but not the what the hell came with it, but to be fair... I didn't see the last bit of the ending coming !⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me 📚📖
August 14, 2021
Recommend!! Talk about a psychopath!! Beth or Kitty?
March 9, 2021
I so wanted to give this book five stars; such a disappointment then that I felt obliged to remove two of those in the last few pages. Why?
This was always going to be a difficult subject to tackle, and I respected the author for taking it on. Those of us who remember the murder of Jamie Bulger by two other children were always going to struggle with the fact that his murderers were eventually released and are out in the wider community with new identities; as is Mary Bell, some of the gruesome details of her case also being used in this book.
So for an author to present the subject of one such child, and suggest the question of how responsible for their actions they could be, so young and with challenging home lives, as well as how difficult their new lives might be, was brave to say the least.
I had gone with the story, and was even feeling some sympathy for this character; but then, on the home run, the author had to spoil it by turning it into a cheap pantomime. Oh yes you did, Oh no I didn’t, Look behind you! And enter the dame, stage left.
This bizarre finale showed little respect for the real-life victims of such horrendous crimes and left this reader sickened and determined to read no more by this author.
It could have been a great book, but this was sacrificed for a pulp-fiction ending; the wrong ending. How very sad and disappointing.
This was always going to be a difficult subject to tackle, and I respected the author for taking it on. Those of us who remember the murder of Jamie Bulger by two other children were always going to struggle with the fact that his murderers were eventually released and are out in the wider community with new identities; as is Mary Bell, some of the gruesome details of her case also being used in this book.
So for an author to present the subject of one such child, and suggest the question of how responsible for their actions they could be, so young and with challenging home lives, as well as how difficult their new lives might be, was brave to say the least.
I had gone with the story, and was even feeling some sympathy for this character; but then, on the home run, the author had to spoil it by turning it into a cheap pantomime. Oh yes you did, Oh no I didn’t, Look behind you! And enter the dame, stage left.
This bizarre finale showed little respect for the real-life victims of such horrendous crimes and left this reader sickened and determined to read no more by this author.
It could have been a great book, but this was sacrificed for a pulp-fiction ending; the wrong ending. How very sad and disappointing.
March 16, 2021
Oh I loved this book!
I’ve not read Dan’s first book, Damaged, but I will be buying it shortly as this one was so good.
The book begins with the abduction of a two year old boy back in the 80s.
We then follow the present day and Beth and Charlie receive a note through the door which says ‘Found you.’ Neither of them claim to know what it means so they try and forget about it.
A few unexplained incidents happen and another note is received so Charlie wants to go to the Police.
Beth is not sure until her car is rammed off the road and she then realises this is serious. However, she still won’t go to the Police and so Charlie starts looking into the situation.
I can’t say much more about what happens as you really need to read this one to appreciate the full impact of the revelations.
My feelings towards Beth changed several times throughout the story and in my view, it’s a sign of a great book as the character really came to life for me.
This is a brilliant psychological thriller that will quite simply take your breath away.
I’ve not read Dan’s first book, Damaged, but I will be buying it shortly as this one was so good.
The book begins with the abduction of a two year old boy back in the 80s.
We then follow the present day and Beth and Charlie receive a note through the door which says ‘Found you.’ Neither of them claim to know what it means so they try and forget about it.
A few unexplained incidents happen and another note is received so Charlie wants to go to the Police.
Beth is not sure until her car is rammed off the road and she then realises this is serious. However, she still won’t go to the Police and so Charlie starts looking into the situation.
I can’t say much more about what happens as you really need to read this one to appreciate the full impact of the revelations.
My feelings towards Beth changed several times throughout the story and in my view, it’s a sign of a great book as the character really came to life for me.
This is a brilliant psychological thriller that will quite simply take your breath away.
April 15, 2021
It’s hard to read a story where the characters name are mentioned in almost every sentence. The story subject was good, just poorly executed.
June 19, 2021
I never expect much out of the thrillers with some sort of additional tagline on their title from kindle unlimited, but this one left me more disappointed than normal.
The plot itself is sound: children who make a horrific mistake, hints of an abusive household in the past and the blurring of timelines to try and tell the whole story. Except the whole story is never revealed - not a disappointment, really, considering that I was forcing myself to finish it to find ‘the big twist’ anyways.
The writing was often stilted, with short, concise sentences that somehow spent too long on describing aesthetics - outfits, primarily, something that’s completely unrelated to anything else going on. There was never any real draw into the drama, because it was either given away too soon or never explained at all.
There’s also the fact that the main villain ( aside from the main character, who’s never really ‘hidden’ behind the narrative - for those claiming she’s a ‘doting’ mother, she doesn’t seem to give a shit about her son, only her daughter, and it seems like a narcissistic shallow dedication to be honest ) is revealed to be a trans woman, blaming her crimes on ‘never fitting into the right body’. This has become a more and more regular occurrence in thrillers, and a trend I hope dies ASAP. It reads less like a twist, and more like poorly disguised transphobia and those who are already inclined to it will only add it as ammunition to their own hatred.
It’s a quick read with a decent base plot, but the execution was poor in both concept and writing. The only real win I had was that I got it from kindle unlimited, so at least I didn’t pay for it?
The plot itself is sound: children who make a horrific mistake, hints of an abusive household in the past and the blurring of timelines to try and tell the whole story. Except the whole story is never revealed - not a disappointment, really, considering that I was forcing myself to finish it to find ‘the big twist’ anyways.
The writing was often stilted, with short, concise sentences that somehow spent too long on describing aesthetics - outfits, primarily, something that’s completely unrelated to anything else going on. There was never any real draw into the drama, because it was either given away too soon or never explained at all.
There’s also the fact that the main villain ( aside from the main character, who’s never really ‘hidden’ behind the narrative - for those claiming she’s a ‘doting’ mother, she doesn’t seem to give a shit about her son, only her daughter, and it seems like a narcissistic shallow dedication to be honest ) is revealed to be a trans woman, blaming her crimes on ‘never fitting into the right body’. This has become a more and more regular occurrence in thrillers, and a trend I hope dies ASAP. It reads less like a twist, and more like poorly disguised transphobia and those who are already inclined to it will only add it as ammunition to their own hatred.
It’s a quick read with a decent base plot, but the execution was poor in both concept and writing. The only real win I had was that I got it from kindle unlimited, so at least I didn’t pay for it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2021
This book was fantastic! Twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I did not want to stop reading! Just when you thought you had it figured out here comes another twist that you wouldn’t have thought of. A definite recommend! Awesome job on this one!
March 6, 2021
This book flowed effortlessly across the pages. The writing was so smooth. The story was fast paced and the ending threw me for a loop. It was an insanely good book Mr. SCOTTOW is definitely a great author. I hope you take the time to read such an amazing book.
April 20, 2021
Well, well well I do have to say Dan Scottow has earned a place in my top thriller author list with his newest release Girl A. Holy Moly! This is definitely my favorite thriller book so far this year!
In 1985 Wendy and her two year old son were at a fair. Wendy only took her eyes off of her son for just a few seconds and when she turned back around, Billy was gone and later found dead after being beaten, tortured and stabbed. This was a horrendous crime that shocked the community and the culprits behind the murder were never forgotten.
Beth, her husband, Charlie and their two kids, Daisy and Peter live in a remote farmhouse. Their nearest neighbors are a five minute drive away. So, who could be on their property well after dark leaving a mysterious note “Found You” under their door. Why is Beth being targeted and is she as innocent as she claims she is? Beth will do anything to protect her family and wants to get to the truth before it is too late.
Did Scottow give us a credible narrator or is Beth in fact an unreliable one? I kept wavering between the two and often found myself caught right in the middle going back and forth saying “is she psycho or an innocent bystander in all of this?” Yikes!
I say this all the time “I probably should not read thriller stories late at night” because let’s face it, I get scared very easily and when Beth is being watched and someone is apparently in her home, I would have been running for the hills screaming like a lunatic. Beth definitely had some kind of courage to stay in an empty house with a looney running around outside while being in the middle of nowhere with no nearby neighbors. I would have been crying in a closet. You know I would be the first person killed in any horror movie!
The story moves at a pretty good pace dropping hints little by little along the way until all of the missing pieces of the puzzle are finally revealed. I read this in one sitting because I just could not put it down and just kept flipping through the pages needing to find out the truth. Oh boy those twists! They are a doozy!
If you love stories with characters who may be unreliable narrators, twists that will bogle the mind and a story pretty much ripped from the headlines then you do not want to miss Girl A by Dan Scottow.
In 1985 Wendy and her two year old son were at a fair. Wendy only took her eyes off of her son for just a few seconds and when she turned back around, Billy was gone and later found dead after being beaten, tortured and stabbed. This was a horrendous crime that shocked the community and the culprits behind the murder were never forgotten.
Beth, her husband, Charlie and their two kids, Daisy and Peter live in a remote farmhouse. Their nearest neighbors are a five minute drive away. So, who could be on their property well after dark leaving a mysterious note “Found You” under their door. Why is Beth being targeted and is she as innocent as she claims she is? Beth will do anything to protect her family and wants to get to the truth before it is too late.
Did Scottow give us a credible narrator or is Beth in fact an unreliable one? I kept wavering between the two and often found myself caught right in the middle going back and forth saying “is she psycho or an innocent bystander in all of this?” Yikes!
I say this all the time “I probably should not read thriller stories late at night” because let’s face it, I get scared very easily and when Beth is being watched and someone is apparently in her home, I would have been running for the hills screaming like a lunatic. Beth definitely had some kind of courage to stay in an empty house with a looney running around outside while being in the middle of nowhere with no nearby neighbors. I would have been crying in a closet. You know I would be the first person killed in any horror movie!
The story moves at a pretty good pace dropping hints little by little along the way until all of the missing pieces of the puzzle are finally revealed. I read this in one sitting because I just could not put it down and just kept flipping through the pages needing to find out the truth. Oh boy those twists! They are a doozy!
If you love stories with characters who may be unreliable narrators, twists that will bogle the mind and a story pretty much ripped from the headlines then you do not want to miss Girl A by Dan Scottow.
March 3, 2021
On a hot summer night in 1985, at a fairground in Perry Barr, Birmingham..something happened that was so cruel, unimaginable and beyond comprehension that night ..that changed lives forever ...Charlie and Beth Carter live in a remote farmhouse, along with their two children Peter sixteen , little Daisy six and their dog Cooper .They are settled, happy and comfortable. When a note is dropped through their door one night they palm it off as some kind of prank ...But suddenly the Carter's world begins to spin on its axis...And as you read and pitter between the past and the present , you know there is something coming ..but you don't know when or where . ..you just feel it creeping up on you ...Softly..and Darkly ...Dan Scottow's Girl A is beyond a shadow of a doubt ,one of the most chilling , cloying and twisted psychological thrillers I have read this year ...from the first pages to the build up to the end ....Breathtaking...
May 25, 2022
This book held my attention the whole way through. Every time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it back up.
April 18, 2021
WOW! WOW! WOW! What a corker!! I'm so glad to have picked up and read this brilliant book on the recommendation of two lovely facebook friends. This must be one of the most breathtaking, suspenseful books I've ever read.
A strange note posted through Beth's door is just the first in a number of weird things that start to happen to her and her family. Someone seems to have targeted them, for what reason neither Beth nor her husband, Charlie, seem to know. Beth tries to play it down as some joke by a colleague but when these weird things start getting progressively more serious and deadly, Charlie is understandably worried and decides to involve the police. But Beth doesn't seem as keen on doing so, why? Who is doing these things to Beth's family? And why?
When lies and secrets begin to see the light of day, the serene life as Beth, Charlie and their kids know it in their lovely farmhouse starts to crack at the seams, until ultimately it is completely blown apart. The first chapter in the book, taking place in the eighties, gives us a clue as to the origin of these strange occurrances.
This is THE kind of book I LOVE, a brilliant plot with great characters and non-stop tension, and having read it now, I'll make sure to get a copy of the author's other book. The suspense in 'Girl a' never wavers and is at a high level from start to finish. My mind was immediately invaded by myriad questions and I found myself gnawing my nails, desperately wanting to know what happens next from one chapter to the next. I really felt scared for Beth and her family coming to any harm. And when I thought I had sussed it all out, the author expertly pulled the carpet from under my feet and sent me flying with even more questions than before. The ending was totally unexpected and I was left open-mouthed. OMG!!
'Girl a' is an astonishingly brilliant book and I highly, highly recommend it! Will be surely looking for more books by this talented author. Well done!
A strange note posted through Beth's door is just the first in a number of weird things that start to happen to her and her family. Someone seems to have targeted them, for what reason neither Beth nor her husband, Charlie, seem to know. Beth tries to play it down as some joke by a colleague but when these weird things start getting progressively more serious and deadly, Charlie is understandably worried and decides to involve the police. But Beth doesn't seem as keen on doing so, why? Who is doing these things to Beth's family? And why?
When lies and secrets begin to see the light of day, the serene life as Beth, Charlie and their kids know it in their lovely farmhouse starts to crack at the seams, until ultimately it is completely blown apart. The first chapter in the book, taking place in the eighties, gives us a clue as to the origin of these strange occurrances.
This is THE kind of book I LOVE, a brilliant plot with great characters and non-stop tension, and having read it now, I'll make sure to get a copy of the author's other book. The suspense in 'Girl a' never wavers and is at a high level from start to finish. My mind was immediately invaded by myriad questions and I found myself gnawing my nails, desperately wanting to know what happens next from one chapter to the next. I really felt scared for Beth and her family coming to any harm. And when I thought I had sussed it all out, the author expertly pulled the carpet from under my feet and sent me flying with even more questions than before. The ending was totally unexpected and I was left open-mouthed. OMG!!
'Girl a' is an astonishingly brilliant book and I highly, highly recommend it! Will be surely looking for more books by this talented author. Well done!
April 27, 2021
Mixed feelings about this book, it was a thrilling and easy read with me speeding through it in two days. The premise was interesting of the point of view of a girl who was accused but ultimately dismissed of child murder charges as a child herself.
As a trans person I feel kinda betrayed by this book? At the mention of Margot and hrt I got excited cause yay a book with a casual trans character! Then I remembered books never include trans characters unless them being trans is relevant to the plot (except in books written by queer/ trans people) so I figured out the plot twist reluctantly early on.
At least she wasnt revealed to be a man using transition as a disguise which is a pretty low bar
Someone else here said the ending felt like a cheap pantomine which really sums it up, I felt that the epilogue could have been left out and let the reader decide whether Beth was an active part of the murder or not, or at least leave out the line about her nipples hardening that just felt a bit too much and uncomfortable in a distasteful way
As a trans person I feel kinda betrayed by this book? At the mention of Margot and hrt I got excited cause yay a book with a casual trans character! Then I remembered books never include trans characters unless them being trans is relevant to the plot (except in books written by queer/ trans people) so I figured out the plot twist reluctantly early on.
At least she wasnt revealed to be a man using transition as a disguise which is a pretty low bar
Someone else here said the ending felt like a cheap pantomine which really sums it up, I felt that the epilogue could have been left out and let the reader decide whether Beth was an active part of the murder or not, or at least leave out the line about her nipples hardening that just felt a bit too much and uncomfortable in a distasteful way
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
This Book gave me a huge Book Hangover! It was amazing, and I read it in one sitting.
It is made up of short chapters which pique your interest and you think I will just read one more, and the next thing you know, it is finished.
The whole book is misleading, you are completely led to believe one thing and then the ending catches you unaware. There was always something happening, not particularly fast paced, but constant adding to the story. I still am shocked by the ending, I for one did not see it coming, especially the last chapter.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good Psychological Thriller!
It is made up of short chapters which pique your interest and you think I will just read one more, and the next thing you know, it is finished.
The whole book is misleading, you are completely led to believe one thing and then the ending catches you unaware. There was always something happening, not particularly fast paced, but constant adding to the story. I still am shocked by the ending, I for one did not see it coming, especially the last chapter.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good Psychological Thriller!
June 26, 2021
Difficult
There were aspects of this book that were redeeming, but far too many to make it absurd. The twist at the end was sub-par and, I feel, it led up to it the entire time. I highly disliked Beth’s actions in several parts (the obvious actions need not be stated), but more specifically, her husband takes the kids and leaves and she gets drunk and makes out with Mikey hours later? Highly unlikely...she’s run off the road and unconscious for an hour plus and still drives home and doesn’t call an ambulance? And Charlie is okay with this? Many parts I didn’t like, but I finished it, so that’s why I’ve given it a 2 star review...
There were aspects of this book that were redeeming, but far too many to make it absurd. The twist at the end was sub-par and, I feel, it led up to it the entire time. I highly disliked Beth’s actions in several parts (the obvious actions need not be stated), but more specifically, her husband takes the kids and leaves and she gets drunk and makes out with Mikey hours later? Highly unlikely...she’s run off the road and unconscious for an hour plus and still drives home and doesn’t call an ambulance? And Charlie is okay with this? Many parts I didn’t like, but I finished it, so that’s why I’ve given it a 2 star review...
May 26, 2021
I'd give this book zero stars but I have to give credit where credit is due. There are some twisty turns in this book. I'd actually guessed the identity of the killer early on but I thought I was wrong. I thought I was wrong because how could any author still use the "transgender killer" trope in 2021. Is Dan Scottow such a lazy writer? Unfortunately, Scottow went there and made his killer a transwoman. So very sad and a little bit lazy in the current age.
March 29, 2021
If you like a heart-thumping, pulse-pounding read then this is not to be missed!
Beth is very happy with her life; married to her handsome husband they live together with their teenage son and young daughter. She loves her job, has good friends and lives the quiet life which suits her down to the ground. That is, until the evening when someone puts a note through their door, simply saying 'found you'. Who are they talking about? As Beth's life falls apart, they have no idea who has targeted her - or why. As the pressure mounts, Beth faces losing everything. Who is behind this?
An expertly written novel, this is cleverly paced to draw the reader in; nice and gently at first until we really get to know Beth and, by association, her friends, family and workmates. I read a little of this book during the afternoon and intended continuing for perhaps another thirty minutes or so in bed, but I found it impossible to put aside and ended up finishing it in the early hours. Absolutely chilling! I was shocked, I cringed, I gasped, I re-read paragraphs to make sure I has it straight in my mind and let's just say that by the time I reached the very end my heart was galloping at such a pace and thudding so loudly in my ears that I would not have been surprised if I had roused my husband from his slumbers. Gobsmackingly good and one I definitely give my highest recommendation. Today I downloaded Dan Scottow's previous novel, Damaged, and he is an author now on my 'must not miss' list. Completely and definitely worth all five sparkling stars!
Beth is very happy with her life; married to her handsome husband they live together with their teenage son and young daughter. She loves her job, has good friends and lives the quiet life which suits her down to the ground. That is, until the evening when someone puts a note through their door, simply saying 'found you'. Who are they talking about? As Beth's life falls apart, they have no idea who has targeted her - or why. As the pressure mounts, Beth faces losing everything. Who is behind this?
An expertly written novel, this is cleverly paced to draw the reader in; nice and gently at first until we really get to know Beth and, by association, her friends, family and workmates. I read a little of this book during the afternoon and intended continuing for perhaps another thirty minutes or so in bed, but I found it impossible to put aside and ended up finishing it in the early hours. Absolutely chilling! I was shocked, I cringed, I gasped, I re-read paragraphs to make sure I has it straight in my mind and let's just say that by the time I reached the very end my heart was galloping at such a pace and thudding so loudly in my ears that I would not have been surprised if I had roused my husband from his slumbers. Gobsmackingly good and one I definitely give my highest recommendation. Today I downloaded Dan Scottow's previous novel, Damaged, and he is an author now on my 'must not miss' list. Completely and definitely worth all five sparkling stars!
April 4, 2021
It's a psychological thriller with a chill factor off the charts!
Beth Carter finally had a happy life with a wonderful husband and two beautiful children but all that is about to change when a note is slipped through their mail slot one night with two words written on it, "FOUND YOU". The fear and dread keep getting worse from there when they threaten to expose Beth's true identity from a very dark and horrific past. But is she the person they are looking for?
This book is a real nail-biter with the sinister and disturbing texts and the dangerous attempts to throw Beth off balance. I cringed several times when Beth realized the antagonist was actually in her house unbeknownst to her. I felt sorry for Beth and Charlie. They seemed like such a happy couple until everything came out into the open. Beth became too complacent with her life and let her guard down which resulted in all hell breaking loose. Literally. Did she deserve it? Perhaps. But I'll let other readers determine that without giving away anything else. As for Charlie, my heart broke for him. He is a good husband and father to his family and got caught in the middle of something menacing beyond his control.
I recommend this incredibly frightening thriller for those who want a book they can't put down. The characters are complex, the plot is creepy and very sad, and the outcome is shocking!
Thank you to Mr. Scottow for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Beth Carter finally had a happy life with a wonderful husband and two beautiful children but all that is about to change when a note is slipped through their mail slot one night with two words written on it, "FOUND YOU". The fear and dread keep getting worse from there when they threaten to expose Beth's true identity from a very dark and horrific past. But is she the person they are looking for?
This book is a real nail-biter with the sinister and disturbing texts and the dangerous attempts to throw Beth off balance. I cringed several times when Beth realized the antagonist was actually in her house unbeknownst to her. I felt sorry for Beth and Charlie. They seemed like such a happy couple until everything came out into the open. Beth became too complacent with her life and let her guard down which resulted in all hell breaking loose. Literally. Did she deserve it? Perhaps. But I'll let other readers determine that without giving away anything else. As for Charlie, my heart broke for him. He is a good husband and father to his family and got caught in the middle of something menacing beyond his control.
I recommend this incredibly frightening thriller for those who want a book they can't put down. The characters are complex, the plot is creepy and very sad, and the outcome is shocking!
Thank you to Mr. Scottow for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
July 7, 2021
I hate to write three reviews in a row which have to be hidden because of spoilers, but I could not do this book justice otherwise.
First of all, the Beth (or Kitty) at the beginning of the book is an entirely different person from the Beth at the very end. I don't care if she was a sociopath who was good at mimicking the behavior of others, she could not possibly be the loving mother and wife she was at the beginning and also be the monster who was sexually stimulated by the sight and smell of her "souvenirs" from the child she killed at age six, not to mention the fact that she killed her father at a later age with the same knife. Sorry, Dan Scottow, it does not compute.
Neither does the fact that Beth/Kitty and Margot could be such good friends and Beth didn't at least find something familiar about Margot, even if Margot had had plastic surgery on her face (which was hinted at near the end, when Margot screams about how much she paid for her face).
Plus I am very, very tired of books where the pet, in this case a dog, is killed to indicate the seriousness the person stalking/taunting the family. But hey, the author already killed off a two-year-old child, so what value does a pet have - or a girlfriend, either, for that matter?
Add to all this the occasional (not often, but enough to be noticeable) grammatical error, plus the general implausibility of the entire plot, and this book just doesn't do it for me. How did Beth hide all this from her husband Charlie? Charlie said he followed the case from Beth's childhood very closely. How is it that he never recognized the resemblance between his own daughter and the photos of Kitty from the newspaper article? Yes, those events happened thirty years before the events of the book, but still, once Charlie saw the newspaper article again, why did he believe his wife when she denied that she was Kitty?
I could go on and on but I will just say that I am being very generous, giving this book three stars. I know a lot of people enjoyed it so I don't want to drag down the overall rating too much. But if you like your thrillers logical, look elsewhere. Or just don't analyze too closely as you read.
First of all, the Beth (or Kitty) at the beginning of the book is an entirely different person from the Beth at the very end. I don't care if she was a sociopath who was good at mimicking the behavior of others, she could not possibly be the loving mother and wife she was at the beginning and also be the monster who was sexually stimulated by the sight and smell of her "souvenirs" from the child she killed at age six, not to mention the fact that she killed her father at a later age with the same knife. Sorry, Dan Scottow, it does not compute.
Neither does the fact that Beth/Kitty and Margot could be such good friends and Beth didn't at least find something familiar about Margot, even if Margot had had plastic surgery on her face (which was hinted at near the end, when Margot screams about how much she paid for her face).
Plus I am very, very tired of books where the pet, in this case a dog, is killed to indicate the seriousness the person stalking/taunting the family. But hey, the author already killed off a two-year-old child, so what value does a pet have - or a girlfriend, either, for that matter?
Add to all this the occasional (not often, but enough to be noticeable) grammatical error, plus the general implausibility of the entire plot, and this book just doesn't do it for me. How did Beth hide all this from her husband Charlie? Charlie said he followed the case from Beth's childhood very closely. How is it that he never recognized the resemblance between his own daughter and the photos of Kitty from the newspaper article? Yes, those events happened thirty years before the events of the book, but still, once Charlie saw the newspaper article again, why did he believe his wife when she denied that she was Kitty?
I could go on and on but I will just say that I am being very generous, giving this book three stars. I know a lot of people enjoyed it so I don't want to drag down the overall rating too much. But if you like your thrillers logical, look elsewhere. Or just don't analyze too closely as you read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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