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She's Mine
Her missing daughter was just the start of the nightmare
Twenty years ago, Christine Donovan took a call she should have ignored while shopping. In those few seconds while her back was turned, her toddler, Heidi, was kidnapped. She’s never been seen again.
Despite having two other children with husband Greg, Christine remains guilt-stricken that her neglect caused her child to be stolen, while haunted by a secret that consumes her.
Just as she takes measures to finally heal, a note is posted through her door, with the words she has always longed to hear: Heidi isn’t dead.
Christine might finally get the answers she craves - but what she doesn’t know is that finding her daughter will uncover dark secrets close to home.
In seeking the truth, Christine might destroy everything that she loves … so how far is she willing to go to find Heidi?
Twenty years ago, Christine Donovan took a call she should have ignored while shopping. In those few seconds while her back was turned, her toddler, Heidi, was kidnapped. She’s never been seen again.
Despite having two other children with husband Greg, Christine remains guilt-stricken that her neglect caused her child to be stolen, while haunted by a secret that consumes her.
Just as she takes measures to finally heal, a note is posted through her door, with the words she has always longed to hear: Heidi isn’t dead.
Christine might finally get the answers she craves - but what she doesn’t know is that finding her daughter will uncover dark secrets close to home.
In seeking the truth, Christine might destroy everything that she loves … so how far is she willing to go to find Heidi?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2021
70 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Chaudhuri
18 books174 followersA.A. Chaudhuri is a former City lawyer turned thriller writer, born and raised in Portsmouth, but who now lives in Surrey with her family. Once a highly ranked British junior tennis player, competing in the national championships and a member of the national squad, she went on to tour the women’s professional satellite circuit as a teenager and achieved a world ranking of 650.
THE SCRIBE (republished in October 2024 as THE LAWYER) and THE ABDUCTION (republished in February 2025 as THE PARTNER), published by LUME BOOKS in July and December 2019, are her first crime book series, plunging readers into London’s glamorous legal world and featuring series’ heroine, Maddy Kramer, fiction’s first female City lawyer amateur sleuth, who teams up with charismatic DCI Jake Carver to solve a gruesome series of murders and a puzzling abduction. THE SCRIBE and THE ABDUCTION were published as audio books by Isis Audio on 1st January and 1st March 2021, both read by David Thorpe.
She has also contributed an original short story THE ENCOUNTER to crime anthology GIVEN IN EVIDENCE published by LUME BOOKS in May 2020, has written many articles and short stories for The Crime Writers’ Association.
Her first psychological thriller with HERA BOOKS, SHE’S MINE, was published in e-book, paperback and audio in August 2021, the second, THE LOYAL FRIEND, was published in all three formats in June 2022 and published in the USA by Canelo US on 20th June 2023. Her third, THE FINAL PARTY, was published in e-book and paperback on May 25th 2023. and released in audiobook on 1st February 2024.
Her fourth psychological thriller - UNDER HER ROOF - was released in e-book, paperback and audio on 13th June 2024. THE SCHOOL GATES will be published on 5th June 2025.
Besides being an avid reader, she enjoys fitness, films, anything Italian and a good margarita!
All of Alex's books have achieved bestseller status on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Australia and Amazon Canada.
Twitter: A.A. Chaudhuri (@AAChaudhuri) / Twitter
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Instagram: A.A. Chaudhuri (Author) (@a.a.chaudhuri) • Instagram photos and videos
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
June 30, 2021
This is the story of Christine, her husband Greg and children Ella and Daniel. At the centre of this is their firstborn child Heidi, who goes missing at the age of two, twenty three years ago. Ever since, Christine has tortured and punished herself and has had no closure for the loss. It soon becomes clear that someone is out to make Chrissy pay very late in the day and the question is, why??? The story is told from then and now in alternating perspectives.
The premise of this sounds good but I find it an unsavoury story which, apart from the end, becomes very predictable. There are NINE alternating points of view which is just too much and does also mean there is repetition. There are only so many times you can be told what Chrissy is like before it becomes tedious. It’s a very toxic tale which some people may like but it becomes very obvious from fairly early on who is behind the revengeful actions and I have to say they are a very blinkered and gullible family with Chrissy in particular being very slow on the uptake. I think that certain aspects of the story don’t add up, especially one persons actions that just don’t make any sense to me. The plotting becomes too messy and far fetched to buy into, I appreciate it’s fiction but there has to be an element of believability and there’s just too much going on it just becomes dizzying. The big reveal isn’t a huge surprise but the end IS a good twist though you do ask yourself why people keep things that are just so darned incriminating- but then we wouldn’t have had a good end would we??!! The ending pushes the rating from 2.5 into 3.
Overall I find this disappointing but other readers may throughly enjoy it so check out other reviews before making your mind up.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for the arc in return for an honest review.
The premise of this sounds good but I find it an unsavoury story which, apart from the end, becomes very predictable. There are NINE alternating points of view which is just too much and does also mean there is repetition. There are only so many times you can be told what Chrissy is like before it becomes tedious. It’s a very toxic tale which some people may like but it becomes very obvious from fairly early on who is behind the revengeful actions and I have to say they are a very blinkered and gullible family with Chrissy in particular being very slow on the uptake. I think that certain aspects of the story don’t add up, especially one persons actions that just don’t make any sense to me. The plotting becomes too messy and far fetched to buy into, I appreciate it’s fiction but there has to be an element of believability and there’s just too much going on it just becomes dizzying. The big reveal isn’t a huge surprise but the end IS a good twist though you do ask yourself why people keep things that are just so darned incriminating- but then we wouldn’t have had a good end would we??!! The ending pushes the rating from 2.5 into 3.
Overall I find this disappointing but other readers may throughly enjoy it so check out other reviews before making your mind up.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for the arc in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2022
Having read and enjoyed other books by A.A. Chaudhuri, I was eager to get my hands on this one. Usually full of great twists throughout the narrative, Chaudhuri impresses readers with the style of writing that develops thrills from the opening pages. This book proved to be a little different from the others and I could not feel the same connection developing, though I know many will flock to it, as it is told in a unique and captivating fashion.
Christine Donovan took a call that ought to have been ignored twenty years ago. While she turned away to speak, her daughter, Heidi went missing at the playground. Distraught and unsure what do do, Christine spiralled out of control. Heidi has not been seen since, though her memory lingers for Christine.
Christine and her husband, Greg, have two other children, which might be a silver lining in all of this. However, the guilt and responsibility weigh on Christine, so much so that she’s sought therapeutic help to work through the emotions of the event. Tied into it all is the secret of the phone call that had Christine turn away from Heidi, which could be devastating, should anyone else find out who was on the other end of the line.
As Christine tries to rebuild her life and make inroads with her new therapist, a note appears to offer a piece of news that will turn everyone on its head. Heidi is not dead and has been growing up with another family all this time. Who could have taken her and kept it under wraps for this long? What will Heidi feel when she comes face to face with her mother after all this time? Behind it all is a handful of truths that no one could have expected to come flooding out, as well as a chance for Christine to come to terms with everything that’s happened over the past two decades. A.A. Chaudhuri does well to keep the reader engaged and provides a few ‘aha’ moments to keep them on their toes.
I enjoy a thriller where things are less than linear, forcing the reader to pay close attention in order to follow what’s taking place. A.A. Chaudhuri does just that in this piece, addressing a number of issues across the backdrop of a long period of time. Her writing style is strong and the ideas appear to flow with ease, creating an entertaining outcome that many will enjoy. While not as stunning ad some of her past work, I did enjoy this move away from what I have come to expect.
THe story centres around Christine Donovan and all she has had to overcome, but there were many whose lives have been impacted by the kidnapping. Chaudhuri offers up numerous perspectives in the piece, enriching the reader’s experience with a number of moments whereby there is both backstory and development. Christine’s struggles, Heidi’s coming to terms with what has happened, and even the new family who raised a toddler. The emotional strains of all three of these perspectives arise in the story and keep the reader wondering how they will mesh together. Chaudhuri does well to paint her characters in such a light that it makes sense and impacts the reader quite effectively throughout the reading experience.
A strong story cannot rely simply on a few ingredients for success. Rather, there has to see something to captivate the reader from the get-go and sustain that impact throughout the experience. A.A. Chaudhuri does that well and keeps the reader guessing what is to come through a narrative that packs quite the punch. As mentioned above, there are some formidable characters that add depth and flavour to the piece, as well as plot twists that keep the reader guessing. Told through a number of perspectives, the piece offers up angled storytelling that gives a fuller and more exciting reading experience for everyone involved, which is something I truly admired. I’ll keep my eyes open for more by the author, which is sure to be a treat for me in the moving years.
Kudos, Madam Chaudhuri, on another successful piece of writing. I am eager to delve deeper into more of your work, as they are published.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Christine Donovan took a call that ought to have been ignored twenty years ago. While she turned away to speak, her daughter, Heidi went missing at the playground. Distraught and unsure what do do, Christine spiralled out of control. Heidi has not been seen since, though her memory lingers for Christine.
Christine and her husband, Greg, have two other children, which might be a silver lining in all of this. However, the guilt and responsibility weigh on Christine, so much so that she’s sought therapeutic help to work through the emotions of the event. Tied into it all is the secret of the phone call that had Christine turn away from Heidi, which could be devastating, should anyone else find out who was on the other end of the line.
As Christine tries to rebuild her life and make inroads with her new therapist, a note appears to offer a piece of news that will turn everyone on its head. Heidi is not dead and has been growing up with another family all this time. Who could have taken her and kept it under wraps for this long? What will Heidi feel when she comes face to face with her mother after all this time? Behind it all is a handful of truths that no one could have expected to come flooding out, as well as a chance for Christine to come to terms with everything that’s happened over the past two decades. A.A. Chaudhuri does well to keep the reader engaged and provides a few ‘aha’ moments to keep them on their toes.
I enjoy a thriller where things are less than linear, forcing the reader to pay close attention in order to follow what’s taking place. A.A. Chaudhuri does just that in this piece, addressing a number of issues across the backdrop of a long period of time. Her writing style is strong and the ideas appear to flow with ease, creating an entertaining outcome that many will enjoy. While not as stunning ad some of her past work, I did enjoy this move away from what I have come to expect.
THe story centres around Christine Donovan and all she has had to overcome, but there were many whose lives have been impacted by the kidnapping. Chaudhuri offers up numerous perspectives in the piece, enriching the reader’s experience with a number of moments whereby there is both backstory and development. Christine’s struggles, Heidi’s coming to terms with what has happened, and even the new family who raised a toddler. The emotional strains of all three of these perspectives arise in the story and keep the reader wondering how they will mesh together. Chaudhuri does well to paint her characters in such a light that it makes sense and impacts the reader quite effectively throughout the reading experience.
A strong story cannot rely simply on a few ingredients for success. Rather, there has to see something to captivate the reader from the get-go and sustain that impact throughout the experience. A.A. Chaudhuri does that well and keeps the reader guessing what is to come through a narrative that packs quite the punch. As mentioned above, there are some formidable characters that add depth and flavour to the piece, as well as plot twists that keep the reader guessing. Told through a number of perspectives, the piece offers up angled storytelling that gives a fuller and more exciting reading experience for everyone involved, which is something I truly admired. I’ll keep my eyes open for more by the author, which is sure to be a treat for me in the moving years.
Kudos, Madam Chaudhuri, on another successful piece of writing. I am eager to delve deeper into more of your work, as they are published.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 16, 2021
One of the best psychological thrillers I have read in a long time. It was fast paced and very thrilling. The book is written from multiple perspectives and I’ve to say that the author pulled it off, impressive. It’s a very clever book with a lot of twists. I’m glad I read this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this copy
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this copy
July 18, 2021
Twenty years ago, Christine Donovan accepted a call she should have ignored while shopping. In the few seconds while her back was turned, her toddler, Heidi, was kidnapped. She's never been seen again. Despite having two other children with her husband Greg, Christine remains guilt stricken that her neglect caused her child to be stolen, while being haunted by a secret that consumes her. Then a note is posed through her door, with words she's always longed to hear: Heidi isn't dead.
This is a multi-layered and intriguing story. Told in the first person and with the perspectives of multiple characters in alternate chapters, we are given different viewpoints. This is a descriptively written story but you need to keep your wits about you. This is also a dark, tense and twisted psychological thriller. You will be suspicious of nearly every character. Some parts of the story are a little bit predicable. This fast paced read held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #AAChaubhuri for my ARC of #ShesMine in exchange for an honest review.
This is a multi-layered and intriguing story. Told in the first person and with the perspectives of multiple characters in alternate chapters, we are given different viewpoints. This is a descriptively written story but you need to keep your wits about you. This is also a dark, tense and twisted psychological thriller. You will be suspicious of nearly every character. Some parts of the story are a little bit predicable. This fast paced read held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #AAChaubhuri for my ARC of #ShesMine in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2022
The book introduces us to Chrissy, grief stricken at the loss of her daughter Heidi from over twenty years ago. Greg her husband is now embroiled in an affair with a younger girl. Her children who hate Chrissy for her lack of motherly love are also in new relationships. All of them with a young blonde woman. As the story plays out it becomes evident that someone is trying to revenge the affair Chrissy had before and during her marriage and the birth of Heidi. Heidi taken in a moment but her loss has repercussions that stream through Chrissy life and the lives of her family and best friend. The bill had good story telling in the beginning, towards the end it seemed to loose it’s way a little. The ending had a final unexpected twist which was the best thing about this book. A book that will help you pass some time but will not stay memorable forever.
June 18, 2021
Well thank you to the publishers, the author, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for a review.
Where do I even start?
I would say that besides the last few pages most of the plot is predictable. You’re pretty much given two paths and hints are thrown at you that it’s the one so much so that it’s too obvious and you know it can’t be that.
All of these characters are deeply ****** up. Which fine. But I’ve never been good with unlikeable narrators and I don’t think there was a single likeable character in this book. It certainly paints a dark picture of humanity as petty and narcissistic and relishing in the pain of others.
The unnessecesary second person narration was certainly a choice. I know it can be done well but I didn’t feel like this was one of those times. Especially considering it wasn’t all addressing the same characters. I thought the writing was pretty clunky and the author certainly loves commas.
And then there were the little things that bugged me. Why would a psychiatrist be performing the function of a therapist? Why would they not have seen their friends kid in two decades of existing?
At a certain point it’s like I get it, Chrissy is a self-centered cheating ‘cow’ and a terrible mother. But the loathing every single character felt for her was just….a lot. Nobody else ever takes responsibility for anything. Like why would you urge your wife who is in mourning to have more children???? And then be surprised that they have a messed up relationship??
The only thing I can say about this book was that it was a pretty quick read. I hated the book more with every chapter though.
I don’t know maybe i just can’t deal with a book that has such a bleak outlook but this was not for me at all. And I can’t recommend it to anyone as I feel there are much better thrillers out there to spend your time on.
Where do I even start?
I would say that besides the last few pages most of the plot is predictable. You’re pretty much given two paths and hints are thrown at you that it’s the one so much so that it’s too obvious and you know it can’t be that.
All of these characters are deeply ****** up. Which fine. But I’ve never been good with unlikeable narrators and I don’t think there was a single likeable character in this book. It certainly paints a dark picture of humanity as petty and narcissistic and relishing in the pain of others.
The unnessecesary second person narration was certainly a choice. I know it can be done well but I didn’t feel like this was one of those times. Especially considering it wasn’t all addressing the same characters. I thought the writing was pretty clunky and the author certainly loves commas.
And then there were the little things that bugged me. Why would a psychiatrist be performing the function of a therapist? Why would they not have seen their friends kid in two decades of existing?
At a certain point it’s like I get it, Chrissy is a self-centered cheating ‘cow’ and a terrible mother. But the loathing every single character felt for her was just….a lot. Nobody else ever takes responsibility for anything. Like why would you urge your wife who is in mourning to have more children???? And then be surprised that they have a messed up relationship??
The only thing I can say about this book was that it was a pretty quick read. I hated the book more with every chapter though.
I don’t know maybe i just can’t deal with a book that has such a bleak outlook but this was not for me at all. And I can’t recommend it to anyone as I feel there are much better thrillers out there to spend your time on.
October 20, 2021
Choo Choo, believability has left the station and pulling in is a dark, psychological thriller with characters you will hate until the very end. From multiple narrator perspectives, A.A. Chaudhuri tells the story of missing Heidi and the impact her disappearance had on everyone connected to her. Her mother's failures, her father's unhappiness, their new unloved children, and the friends that stay by their side. Only, nothing is ever as it seems in a thriller. What started out exceptionally slow turns into a fast paced thriller that would've only been better had it been somewhat believable and written in a different narrative style. The plot gives much away, but somehow kept me guessing and despite the irritants I found myself addicted to completing this novel.
I hated the ever changing narrators, I hated how their perspective was written as though speaking or writing to an unknown "you" that we as readers had to guess, and I really didn't enjoy the inability for characters to accept actions. A.A. Chaudhuri allows each character to justify their actions and in turn has more than one character commit suicide, something that can be triggering for readers in just one instance, let alone multiple. Yes, it's dark and twisted, but for me it became quite contrived.
I think some readers will love this, it's certainly one I'd like to discuss with others, but I admit it just wasn't the right thriller read for me.
ARC PROVIDED.
I hated the ever changing narrators, I hated how their perspective was written as though speaking or writing to an unknown "you" that we as readers had to guess, and I really didn't enjoy the inability for characters to accept actions. A.A. Chaudhuri allows each character to justify their actions and in turn has more than one character commit suicide, something that can be triggering for readers in just one instance, let alone multiple. Yes, it's dark and twisted, but for me it became quite contrived.
I think some readers will love this, it's certainly one I'd like to discuss with others, but I admit it just wasn't the right thriller read for me.
ARC PROVIDED.
June 18, 2021
Pacy, compelling and downright addictive, I couldn't put this down. I spent the entire book feeling suspicious of everyone and that final twist floored me. What a corker.
June 22, 2021
So this turned out to be one of those books that ended up in my ambivalent list. Was it a jaw-dropping psychological thriller? - Yes. Did I love it? - Inconclusive. Would I recommend it? - Definitely, because I need to know what others think of this book to help me make up my mind.
Christine Donovan's perfect life is shattered when her two-year old daughter, Heidi, is kidnapped during a shopping trip. Twenty-three years, two kids, a broken family life and a volley of therapists later, Christine is a shell of the woman that she used to be, immersed in her own guilt and having turned away all her loved ones, including devoted husband, Greg. Just when each family member is settling down with their version of a normal life, Christine and Greg receive a letter stating that Heidi is alive. As they make one last attempt to find their long lost daughter, their own lives begin to unravel at a startling pace.
The author has a very unique narrative style that draws in the reader. But the story is told from the POVs of every character in the book, which is a bit hard to keep track of. Right from the start, Christine was an unlikeable character for whom I had little sympathy; her family, on the other hand, were the actual victims in this twisted tale of revenge. I was quite peeved that Christine's 'secret,' that she goes on and on about, wasn't all that earth-shattering and something that I had already sussed out half-way through the book. The plot twist at at the very end made up for it, though.
This was quite an exhausting read. I went from interest to irritation to boredom, then curiosity, to ickiness (yes, that's a word; I checked) and finally indignation at the injustice of it all. The first half of the book drags by, but you realise the author was just setting the stage for the more dramatic second half, which flies past. The author maintains a tension throughout the book which manages to keep you hooked even though you already figure out who the kidnapper is. Certain portions of the storyline may seem distateful - it did to me, hence the ickiness.
Overall, a disturbing yet gripping read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Christine Donovan's perfect life is shattered when her two-year old daughter, Heidi, is kidnapped during a shopping trip. Twenty-three years, two kids, a broken family life and a volley of therapists later, Christine is a shell of the woman that she used to be, immersed in her own guilt and having turned away all her loved ones, including devoted husband, Greg. Just when each family member is settling down with their version of a normal life, Christine and Greg receive a letter stating that Heidi is alive. As they make one last attempt to find their long lost daughter, their own lives begin to unravel at a startling pace.
The author has a very unique narrative style that draws in the reader. But the story is told from the POVs of every character in the book, which is a bit hard to keep track of. Right from the start, Christine was an unlikeable character for whom I had little sympathy; her family, on the other hand, were the actual victims in this twisted tale of revenge. I was quite peeved that Christine's 'secret,' that she goes on and on about, wasn't all that earth-shattering and something that I had already sussed out half-way through the book. The plot twist at at the very end made up for it, though.
This was quite an exhausting read. I went from interest to irritation to boredom, then curiosity, to ickiness (yes, that's a word; I checked) and finally indignation at the injustice of it all. The first half of the book drags by, but you realise the author was just setting the stage for the more dramatic second half, which flies past. The author maintains a tension throughout the book which manages to keep you hooked even though you already figure out who the kidnapper is. Certain portions of the storyline may seem distateful - it did to me, hence the ickiness.
Overall, a disturbing yet gripping read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2021
Oh boy, I just finished reading She's Mine, and I don't even know where to start. Christine and Greg's 2 year old daughter was kidnapped, and their lives were shattered. 23 years later, Christine is still punishing herself for letting this happen, and she has pushed away Greg and their other two children. Everyone in the family has a secret, though; and, as the book cover says, the missing daugher is just the beginning of the nightmare.
I had my suspicions early on as to what was happening, so there is not a lot of surprise as the big reveals come; and yet, I still found myself jumping to read more of this book every chance I got. The characters are all so unlikeable; and yet, again, I had a hard time putting this book down. The story is twisted with many intertwined, terrible events. Overall, it depicts people in general as really horrible, self-centered creatures. This story is not light, happy, or redeeming ... and yet - you know what I am going to say - I couldn't stop reading it! I can't put my finger on exactly what was so captivating about this book. Maybe I was hoping to prove my suspicions correct? There is one surprise at the end that I didn't guess ahead of time.
The story is told from at least 7 different point of view, maybe more. Every narrator speaks as though he is talking directly to one of the other characters, but not always to the same character. It is an interesting, although slightly distracting, stroytelling device.
The book contains various sensitive topics including suicide, child death and/or kidnapping, miscarriage, infidelity, and lots of steamy scenes. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I had my suspicions early on as to what was happening, so there is not a lot of surprise as the big reveals come; and yet, I still found myself jumping to read more of this book every chance I got. The characters are all so unlikeable; and yet, again, I had a hard time putting this book down. The story is twisted with many intertwined, terrible events. Overall, it depicts people in general as really horrible, self-centered creatures. This story is not light, happy, or redeeming ... and yet - you know what I am going to say - I couldn't stop reading it! I can't put my finger on exactly what was so captivating about this book. Maybe I was hoping to prove my suspicions correct? There is one surprise at the end that I didn't guess ahead of time.
The story is told from at least 7 different point of view, maybe more. Every narrator speaks as though he is talking directly to one of the other characters, but not always to the same character. It is an interesting, although slightly distracting, stroytelling device.
The book contains various sensitive topics including suicide, child death and/or kidnapping, miscarriage, infidelity, and lots of steamy scenes. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2021
Suspense was good. Style of writing was different. The plotline foretold secrets and lies closer to home. It was an interesting tale
August 3, 2023
10*
Omg I have no words
Im in shock, i did not see that coming
Amazing story
Omg I have no words
Im in shock, i did not see that coming
Amazing story
August 19, 2021
My thoughts about A A Chaudhuri’s She’s Mine is a good psychological thriller that gives you goosebumps with its breathtaking suspense and mystery. I am a fan of suspense drama with full of mystery specially when it belongs to psychological crime genre and this one is just fantastic. Hats off to author A A Chaudhuri who has written such an exciting thriller that is not only breathtaking,it also has a strong storyline which is the main ingredient to deliver such a incredible piece in this genre,that is brilliantly written and well crafted and A A Chaudhuri delivers just that. A A Chaudhuri’s proves yet again she is not only talented she is a master class storyteller. The story of She’s Mine begins Twenty years ago, Christine Donovan took a call she should have ignored while shopping. In those few seconds while her back was turned, her toddler, Heidi, was kidnapped. She’s never been seen again.Despite having two other children with husband Greg, Christine remains guilt-stricken that her neglect caused her child to be stolen, while haunted by a secret that consumes her.Just as she takes measures to finally heal, a note is posted through her door, with the words she has always longed to hear: Heidi isn’t dead.Christine might finally get the answers she craves – but what she doesn’t know is that finding her daughter will uncover dark secrets close to home. In seeking the truth, Christine might destroy everything that she loves … so how far is she willing to go to find Heidi?With a truly jaw-dropping end twist, She’s Mine is a dark, scandalous, and gripping read from a major new talent in psychological thriller writing.A A Chaudhuri’s thriller Shes Mine I’m going to say one thing and one thing only it is magnificent Chaudhuri excels in her writing that no other writer does a powerful thriller that has lots of twists and turns that going to leave you breathless Shes Mine has blockbuster all written over it. A.A.CHAUDHURI’S SHE’S MINE IS ONE OF THE BEST THRILLERS OF 2021, WILL SURELY LEAVE YOU STATE OF DEEP THINKING…. I would like to say thank you to Author A A Chaudhuri, Publishers Hera Books And book blogger Danielle Loise,for giving me a gifted copy and arranging a blog tour, for me to read and review this spectacular thriller,which has been a privilege reading.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
July 5, 2021
While Christine Donovan is distracted by a phone call, her daughter Heidi is kidnapped. Twenty years later, Heidi has never been found. By then, Christine is a shell of her former self. So is the rest of her family. But now they may have reason to believe Heidi is still alive.
SHE’S MINE is dark, twisted and entertaining. It unfolds through multiple first-person viewpoints, both in the past and in the present. The story is clear despite the point-of-view complexity, which is a testament to A.A. Chaudhuri’s skill. This book is different to most psychological thrillers and has a final twist I didn’t see coming. Don’t miss SHE’S MINE and its cast of wonderfully awful characters!
SHE’S MINE is dark, twisted and entertaining. It unfolds through multiple first-person viewpoints, both in the past and in the present. The story is clear despite the point-of-view complexity, which is a testament to A.A. Chaudhuri’s skill. This book is different to most psychological thrillers and has a final twist I didn’t see coming. Don’t miss SHE’S MINE and its cast of wonderfully awful characters!
June 14, 2021
Dark, chilling and emotionally absorbing, I found this hard to put down. The twisty plot was cleverly constructed and told from multiple characters’ viewpoints, all well executed, and none of whom I was sure could be trusted, while the shocking end twist left me gasping. Compulsive reading not to be missed!
August 18, 2021
A.A. Chaudhuri's debut psychological thriller with Hera books is a twisted exploration of every parent's worst fear - losing a child. Christine was only distracted for a minute when her toddler was taken, yet the reverberations last a lifetime. Chaudhuri shows us a family torn asunder, buckling under the weight of their secrets and lies. Her skilful use of first-person narrative, from various points of view, makes for an unusually intimate reading experience, as we are drawn into the lives of her characters. I found the prologue particularly chilling. "She's Mine" is a deliciously dark and compelling read.
August 21, 2021
Secrets. Lies. Deceit. Vengeance. A mother’s worst nightmare come true. These are the things at the heart of this twisty psychological thriller. Like an iceberg, there is much more to this story than at first appears; layers hidden beneath the surface that slowly reveal themselves to the reader. Intricately woven and expertly plotted, the author skillfully crafts a hall of smoke and mirrors where nothing is quite what it seems and each time you think you have it figured out, that things couldn’t get any more dark, sinister or shocking, Chaudhuri pulls the rug from under you and leaves your jaw on the floor.
Utterly mind-blowing and addictive, this is exactly the kind of dark and twisted thriller that sings to me. A story oozing with atmosphere that has tension leaping from the pages. It takes you on a wild ride, your heart pounding as you immerse yourself in this convoluted game of revenge. My mind was full of so many theories and suspicions, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, unable to turn away as things spiralled more and more out of control. But would I be proven correct or be blindsided by the truth? I couldn't wait to find out.
The author tells the story from multiple points of view and various timelines, seamlessly shifting between them and creating a connection between the reader and each character. It offered us a glimpse of the fuller picture. An insight into the character’s true selves. What they really think and feel. The things they kept secret from those closest to them. It allows us to explore their deepest, darkest memories, dreams and fantasies in a way that wouldn’t have been possible if we’d only had one or two points of view.
What I think I loved most about this story is the complex, fractured and unlikeable characters. No one is completely innocent. And no one is completely guilty. A miasma of despair surrounding them. It is a hard feat to pull off writing so many unlikeable characters while also making them compelling, but Chaudhuri does so with finesse, managing to add sympathetic qualities to even the most detestable characters. A great example of this is Chrissy. As the mother of the missing child you would traditionally expect her to be a very likeable, sympathetic character. But she’s not. She repeatedly makes bad choices and is a selfish woman who made me frustrated and angry most of the time.
She’s Mine is a dark, devious, warped and suspenseful psychological thriller that quite honestly blew my mind. And that ending: Wow! It was impossible to predict, my jaw was on the floor when the kidnapper was unmasked and the truth was revealed. This is by far one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time. If you like this genre then READ THIS BOOK.
Utterly mind-blowing and addictive, this is exactly the kind of dark and twisted thriller that sings to me. A story oozing with atmosphere that has tension leaping from the pages. It takes you on a wild ride, your heart pounding as you immerse yourself in this convoluted game of revenge. My mind was full of so many theories and suspicions, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, unable to turn away as things spiralled more and more out of control. But would I be proven correct or be blindsided by the truth? I couldn't wait to find out.
The author tells the story from multiple points of view and various timelines, seamlessly shifting between them and creating a connection between the reader and each character. It offered us a glimpse of the fuller picture. An insight into the character’s true selves. What they really think and feel. The things they kept secret from those closest to them. It allows us to explore their deepest, darkest memories, dreams and fantasies in a way that wouldn’t have been possible if we’d only had one or two points of view.
What I think I loved most about this story is the complex, fractured and unlikeable characters. No one is completely innocent. And no one is completely guilty. A miasma of despair surrounding them. It is a hard feat to pull off writing so many unlikeable characters while also making them compelling, but Chaudhuri does so with finesse, managing to add sympathetic qualities to even the most detestable characters. A great example of this is Chrissy. As the mother of the missing child you would traditionally expect her to be a very likeable, sympathetic character. But she’s not. She repeatedly makes bad choices and is a selfish woman who made me frustrated and angry most of the time.
She’s Mine is a dark, devious, warped and suspenseful psychological thriller that quite honestly blew my mind. And that ending: Wow! It was impossible to predict, my jaw was on the floor when the kidnapper was unmasked and the truth was revealed. This is by far one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time. If you like this genre then READ THIS BOOK.
August 5, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley, Hera Books, & the author A.A. Chaudhuri for the ARC of She’s Mine.
Christine Donovan is shopping with her young daughter Heidi when she is distracted by a phone call only to return a few minutes later to find her daughter missing. Although Christine goes on to have two more beautiful children with her husband Greg, she cannot stop blaming herself for losing Heidi and punishes herself for the secret she has kept all these years.
This dark and twisted psychological thriller is told from the perspective of many different characters. At times all the different perspectives became a bit repetitive and the loathing each person felt for Christine was sometimes a bit much. That being said this book kept me on my toes and was hard to put down. I thought I had predicted the ending but this story continued to have disturbing twists right up to the last page. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fast paced psychological thrillers.
Christine Donovan is shopping with her young daughter Heidi when she is distracted by a phone call only to return a few minutes later to find her daughter missing. Although Christine goes on to have two more beautiful children with her husband Greg, she cannot stop blaming herself for losing Heidi and punishes herself for the secret she has kept all these years.
This dark and twisted psychological thriller is told from the perspective of many different characters. At times all the different perspectives became a bit repetitive and the loathing each person felt for Christine was sometimes a bit much. That being said this book kept me on my toes and was hard to put down. I thought I had predicted the ending but this story continued to have disturbing twists right up to the last page. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fast paced psychological thrillers.
September 11, 2021
I would like to say thank you so much to Alex Chaudhuri and Ania (@bookaholicme) for my gifted copies of She's mine.
I wasn't sure what to expect as this is my first read of one of AA Chaudhuri's book, but from the first chapter, I knew I was in for a fantastic read, and that it had me gripped.
Child Abduction, Depression, Drug Abuse, relationships are all intertwined in this absolutely brilliant psychological thriller.
Alex has written a deeply tense and twisty thriller, and I could not put the book down....nor stop gasping out loud! The emotional writing of this story from several people's points of view is stunning, so well researched and written that you would think Alex has gone thru this herself!
All the characters are extremely well rounded and really made you feel their emotions like it was coming off the page in waves! Although there are many protagonists, the storyline is clear and easy to follow but be ready for MANY twists and gasp-inducing moments!
I am not going to give any spoilers here as I really think it's a book that needs to be read to fully appreciate how talented AA Chaudhuri is, if this is her first thriller then holy moly, she needs to get writing more!
This is going to be one of my favorite books this year and will be fighting for a position in my top 5 ( I may have to make it a top 10!)
If you like a book that keeps you thrilled and one that you cannot put down, then She's Mine is one you MUST buy!
5 Star read
I wasn't sure what to expect as this is my first read of one of AA Chaudhuri's book, but from the first chapter, I knew I was in for a fantastic read, and that it had me gripped.
Child Abduction, Depression, Drug Abuse, relationships are all intertwined in this absolutely brilliant psychological thriller.
Alex has written a deeply tense and twisty thriller, and I could not put the book down....nor stop gasping out loud! The emotional writing of this story from several people's points of view is stunning, so well researched and written that you would think Alex has gone thru this herself!
All the characters are extremely well rounded and really made you feel their emotions like it was coming off the page in waves! Although there are many protagonists, the storyline is clear and easy to follow but be ready for MANY twists and gasp-inducing moments!
I am not going to give any spoilers here as I really think it's a book that needs to be read to fully appreciate how talented AA Chaudhuri is, if this is her first thriller then holy moly, she needs to get writing more!
This is going to be one of my favorite books this year and will be fighting for a position in my top 5 ( I may have to make it a top 10!)
If you like a book that keeps you thrilled and one that you cannot put down, then She's Mine is one you MUST buy!
5 Star read
August 18, 2021
Utterly twisted and dark beyond my wildest dreams but also strangely compelling. A real tangle of families, relationships, friendships and affairs and an abducted child thrown into that mix which causes deep psychological trauma for the parents which is long lasting and far reaching.
A times this is so incredible and far fetched that I took a bit of a step back and said really!?! but the overall effect is a deliciously tangled and fast paced ride that doesn’t hold back and leaves you reeling. It reaches a big crescendo and just when you think there can be no more surprises then a few more epic ones are unleashed. Definitely recommend this if you’re open minded and willing to go with the flow (actually more of a raging torrent). Enjoy.
A times this is so incredible and far fetched that I took a bit of a step back and said really!?! but the overall effect is a deliciously tangled and fast paced ride that doesn’t hold back and leaves you reeling. It reaches a big crescendo and just when you think there can be no more surprises then a few more epic ones are unleashed. Definitely recommend this if you’re open minded and willing to go with the flow (actually more of a raging torrent). Enjoy.
June 16, 2021
I almost didn’t read this one because of the reviews but I am sooo glad that I did! What a sick, twisted story! I personally loved the authors writing style and thought the way each narrator was talking to someone made it that much more sinister. I sometimes don’t like when chapters alternate narrators but with this book, each time there was a chapter for a new character I found myself excited to see things from their perspective. The twists kept coming and even when I thought I figured it out, the last chapter blew my mind. Absolutely loved this one! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 10, 2021
I could see where this was going from VERY early in the book.
It was an entertaining read,where people spilled secrets and lies on every page.
I had the plot down perfectly until the last few pages,and that definitely made me like it more.
Fast and fun.
It was an entertaining read,where people spilled secrets and lies on every page.
I had the plot down perfectly until the last few pages,and that definitely made me like it more.
Fast and fun.
June 11, 2021
A tangled web of secrets and lies that kept me turning those pages, and a delicious twist. Loved it!
July 15, 2021
A fantastic, roller coaster ride. Twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming. A super debut.
July 10, 2022
I felt like it was a mostly predictable ending from about 1/3 of the way through, but I very much enjoyed it nonetheless
August 21, 2021
Today is my stop on the blogtour for 𝗦𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲 by A A Chaudhuri. Thank you to Danielle Louis and Hera Books for having me along on the tour and for sending me a copy of the ebook.
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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲, 𝘀𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗱'𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁? 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗜 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆, 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱?
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She's Mine is a fast-paced and complex thriller, with interesting characters throughout.
The plot is centred around the disappearance of a child, Heidi, who is abducted when her mother, Christine, turns her back to take a phonecall in a busy shopping centre.
Christine's life is turned upside down, especially as she has no closure about what happened, and she blames herself, arguably with good reason.
Several years later, a mysterious note appears claiming that Heidi is still alive, once again throwing Christine's life into turmoil. But is it true, and who sent the note?
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𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼.
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The story evolves and is revealed through multiple character perspectives, which switch between past and present to build tension well.
There are a whole raft of characters surrounding Christine, including her partner Greg, their two grown up children, and their two close friends Janine and Miranda (with an added layer of complexity in that Miranda used to date Greg).
Another key character is Christine's new therapist who seems to be making headway and encouraging Christine to genuinely open up, after years of hiding secrets and punishing herself.
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𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗼𝗿 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁.
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There are various themes tackled throughout the book, including infidelity, jealousy, revenge, guilt, and what hiding secrets can do to a person.
This is a story that focuses on the dark side of humanity and the messiness of people's everyday lives. Although it's centred around a child's disappearance, the story is rich and complex, and the abduction doesn't simply do all the work to drive the plot.
There are twists aplenty, and Chaudhuri really kept me guessing throughout with subtle hints and misdirections before revealing the truth.
Also, for those who like a bit of spice in a book, there are also a number of very steamy scenes throughout.
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𝗪𝗲’𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗲’𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹.
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Overall I would highly recommend She's Mine if you enjoy thrillers, and would definitely read more by A A Chaudhuri. I think fans of Call Me Mummy by Tina Baker would enjoy this thriller for sure.
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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲, 𝘀𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗱'𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁? 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗜 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆, 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱?
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She's Mine is a fast-paced and complex thriller, with interesting characters throughout.
The plot is centred around the disappearance of a child, Heidi, who is abducted when her mother, Christine, turns her back to take a phonecall in a busy shopping centre.
Christine's life is turned upside down, especially as she has no closure about what happened, and she blames herself, arguably with good reason.
Several years later, a mysterious note appears claiming that Heidi is still alive, once again throwing Christine's life into turmoil. But is it true, and who sent the note?
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𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼.
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The story evolves and is revealed through multiple character perspectives, which switch between past and present to build tension well.
There are a whole raft of characters surrounding Christine, including her partner Greg, their two grown up children, and their two close friends Janine and Miranda (with an added layer of complexity in that Miranda used to date Greg).
Another key character is Christine's new therapist who seems to be making headway and encouraging Christine to genuinely open up, after years of hiding secrets and punishing herself.
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𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗼𝗿 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁.
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There are various themes tackled throughout the book, including infidelity, jealousy, revenge, guilt, and what hiding secrets can do to a person.
This is a story that focuses on the dark side of humanity and the messiness of people's everyday lives. Although it's centred around a child's disappearance, the story is rich and complex, and the abduction doesn't simply do all the work to drive the plot.
There are twists aplenty, and Chaudhuri really kept me guessing throughout with subtle hints and misdirections before revealing the truth.
Also, for those who like a bit of spice in a book, there are also a number of very steamy scenes throughout.
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𝗪𝗲’𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗲’𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹.
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Overall I would highly recommend She's Mine if you enjoy thrillers, and would definitely read more by A A Chaudhuri. I think fans of Call Me Mummy by Tina Baker would enjoy this thriller for sure.
June 15, 2021
**This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
1.5 stars
There’s certainly a reader for this book, and I’m sure many people will love this dark and twisted thriller for what it is. I’ll try as best I can to articulate what this book has to offer and why it didn’t work for me.
The story takes place 23 years after a two-year-old child, Heidi, was kidnapped from her mother Christine. Now Christine receives a note alleging that Heidi is still alive, and implying she was kidnapped because of Christine’s moral failings—her affair with a married man.
I don’t find cheating a particularly interesting plot point, and the story focuses heavily on Christine’s past affair: her motivations, her guilt, her thoughts before and during and after. I started this book thinking the affair would be one of a series of twists and turns in a thriller, one of many potential social embarrassments and sins in the community dug up in the course of an investigation—but no, the story really lingers on this one singular affair as source of guilt and blame for Christine and central to baby Heidi’s kidnapping.
The story is conveyed through multiple POV narration chapters, which I think is a good choice for a thriller of this style; however, each chapter isn’t just a character’s inner thoughts and feelings, but is directed to “you,” the “you” being whatever other character our POV character is currently thinking about. I never quite got used to this and felt it was unnecessary, and also led to a great deal of extraneous, self-conscious narration on the part of the characters, as they explained themselves to the various “you”s. In my opinion, this bogged down the narrative and didn’t add anything of significance.
There is a dark and twisted kidnapping plot, and a variety of damaged personalities. I think this story will appeal to those who are interested in, or at least unbothered by, stories of infidelity and other, darker sexual taboos. It really isn’t a story about child abduction, but rather the story of the drawn-out psychological torture of a mother who blames herself for her child’s disappearance. If that sounds up your alley, then this is the book for you.
1.5 stars
There’s certainly a reader for this book, and I’m sure many people will love this dark and twisted thriller for what it is. I’ll try as best I can to articulate what this book has to offer and why it didn’t work for me.
The story takes place 23 years after a two-year-old child, Heidi, was kidnapped from her mother Christine. Now Christine receives a note alleging that Heidi is still alive, and implying she was kidnapped because of Christine’s moral failings—her affair with a married man.
I don’t find cheating a particularly interesting plot point, and the story focuses heavily on Christine’s past affair: her motivations, her guilt, her thoughts before and during and after. I started this book thinking the affair would be one of a series of twists and turns in a thriller, one of many potential social embarrassments and sins in the community dug up in the course of an investigation—but no, the story really lingers on this one singular affair as source of guilt and blame for Christine and central to baby Heidi’s kidnapping.
The story is conveyed through multiple POV narration chapters, which I think is a good choice for a thriller of this style; however, each chapter isn’t just a character’s inner thoughts and feelings, but is directed to “you,” the “you” being whatever other character our POV character is currently thinking about. I never quite got used to this and felt it was unnecessary, and also led to a great deal of extraneous, self-conscious narration on the part of the characters, as they explained themselves to the various “you”s. In my opinion, this bogged down the narrative and didn’t add anything of significance.
There is a dark and twisted kidnapping plot, and a variety of damaged personalities. I think this story will appeal to those who are interested in, or at least unbothered by, stories of infidelity and other, darker sexual taboos. It really isn’t a story about child abduction, but rather the story of the drawn-out psychological torture of a mother who blames herself for her child’s disappearance. If that sounds up your alley, then this is the book for you.
August 24, 2021
I loved A. A. Chaudhuri's legal thrillers that I listened to on audiobook so I was really excited to read her debut psychological thriller She's Mine and what a cracker it is! It's so gripping that it blew my reading plans out of the water and I raced through it a lot quicker than I had planned. Even though I thought I had it all worked out (and of course I really hadn't) I just couldn't put it down.
I had conflicting emotions for Christine, whose daughter Heidi disappeared from a department store when she was a toddler. Of course I felt sorry for Christine as her life changed irreparably the moment that Heidi was taken and her pain and guilt damaged all of her relationships, but Christine was far from the perfect mother. I don't want to spoil the plot by saying any more than that as you really need to read this book for yourself to experience all of the shocks and surprises.
It's heartbreaking to see how one terrible event can damage a family so badly and I would be lying if I said it hadn't crossed my mind that Christine only had herself to blame. Karma is indeed a b!tch, but even more so when it's manipulated. Christine and her family would be stronger together but they are broken beyond repair and somebody is out to destroy them...
Gripping and twisty doesn't even come close to describing this fantastic book. With characters you will love to hate, it's impossible to put down and even when you think you have it all worked out, there are still more surprises in store. A. A. Chaudhuri is super-talented and she's fast becoming one of my favourite authors, so if you haven't discovered her novels yet make sure you pick up a copy of She's Mine.
I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I had conflicting emotions for Christine, whose daughter Heidi disappeared from a department store when she was a toddler. Of course I felt sorry for Christine as her life changed irreparably the moment that Heidi was taken and her pain and guilt damaged all of her relationships, but Christine was far from the perfect mother. I don't want to spoil the plot by saying any more than that as you really need to read this book for yourself to experience all of the shocks and surprises.
It's heartbreaking to see how one terrible event can damage a family so badly and I would be lying if I said it hadn't crossed my mind that Christine only had herself to blame. Karma is indeed a b!tch, but even more so when it's manipulated. Christine and her family would be stronger together but they are broken beyond repair and somebody is out to destroy them...
Gripping and twisty doesn't even come close to describing this fantastic book. With characters you will love to hate, it's impossible to put down and even when you think you have it all worked out, there are still more surprises in store. A. A. Chaudhuri is super-talented and she's fast becoming one of my favourite authors, so if you haven't discovered her novels yet make sure you pick up a copy of She's Mine.
I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 25, 2023
Read this if you love:
🫥 Dark thrillers
🫥 Unreliable narrators
🫥 A frigging page turner
Finally got round to reading the last book of this authors on my TBR. I don’t know why I left it so long! Alex is an auto buy author for me & im so glad that my friend suggested buddy reading it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things I loved:
▫️The Characters.
◾️The Plot - Missing child, secrets & guilt. Followed by the side affects of poor choices
▫️A study in how poor choices really can define your future. (Probably a bit extreme in this instance but that’s the joy of a thriller!)
▪️I know I’ve put it at the top but the element of an unreliable narrator really helped carry the story
▫️The ending & how it all came together. So clever & bloody DARK.
Things I struggled with:
▪️Nothing. I followed the crumps the author left & loved every minute!!
If I’ve not made it crystal clear friends, I would highly recommend this book!! Can’t wait for the next book!
🫥 Dark thrillers
🫥 Unreliable narrators
🫥 A frigging page turner
Finally got round to reading the last book of this authors on my TBR. I don’t know why I left it so long! Alex is an auto buy author for me & im so glad that my friend suggested buddy reading it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things I loved:
▫️The Characters.
◾️The Plot - Missing child, secrets & guilt. Followed by the side affects of poor choices
▫️A study in how poor choices really can define your future. (Probably a bit extreme in this instance but that’s the joy of a thriller!)
▪️I know I’ve put it at the top but the element of an unreliable narrator really helped carry the story
▫️The ending & how it all came together. So clever & bloody DARK.
Things I struggled with:
▪️Nothing. I followed the crumps the author left & loved every minute!!
If I’ve not made it crystal clear friends, I would highly recommend this book!! Can’t wait for the next book!
August 10, 2021
The shocking lies, betrayal and revengeful plotline of SHE'S MINE kept me furiously turning the pages. What a ride! And just when you think the author has chewed you up and spat you out, she delivers a final gut-punch twist. A dark, devious and devastatingly twisted tale.
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