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Córka mordercy
Jesteś córką zabójcy, mordercy małych dziewczynek.
Trudno żyć z takim piętnem. Nawet jeśli zmienisz nazwisko, i tak żyjesz w ciągłym lęku, że ktoś rzuci ci te słowa w twarz.
Kathryn miała pięć lat, kiedy jej ukochany tata zabił jej rówieśniczkę i najlepszą przyjaciółkę, Elsie. Teraz jest trzydziestoletnią kobietą i nadal sobie z tym nie poradziła. Regularnie odwiedza ojca, który odsiaduje wyrok, i bezskutecznie próbuje się od niego dowiedzieć, gdzie ukrył ciało swojej ofiary. A dziennikarze dbają o to, by nie zapomniała o tamtym strasznym zdarzeniu. Regularnie pojawiają się przed jej domem i bombardują ją pytaniami.
I na pewno sobie tego nie odpuszczą w dwudziestą piątą rocznicę śmierci Elsie. Ale tego dnia to nie paparazzi sprawiają, że serce zamiera Kathryn zamiera z przerażenia, lecz wiadomość o zniknięciu pięcioletniej Abigail z domu, z którego dwie i pół dekady wcześniej zniknęła Elsie.
Zdeterminowana, by wreszcie uzyskać odpowiedzi, Kathryn wraca w swoje rodzinne strony, na walijską wyspę, i włącza się w poszukiwania zaginionej dziewczynki. I już pierwszej nocy przekonuje się, że jest ktoś, kto bardzo jej tam nie chce.
Trudno żyć z takim piętnem. Nawet jeśli zmienisz nazwisko, i tak żyjesz w ciągłym lęku, że ktoś rzuci ci te słowa w twarz.
Kathryn miała pięć lat, kiedy jej ukochany tata zabił jej rówieśniczkę i najlepszą przyjaciółkę, Elsie. Teraz jest trzydziestoletnią kobietą i nadal sobie z tym nie poradziła. Regularnie odwiedza ojca, który odsiaduje wyrok, i bezskutecznie próbuje się od niego dowiedzieć, gdzie ukrył ciało swojej ofiary. A dziennikarze dbają o to, by nie zapomniała o tamtym strasznym zdarzeniu. Regularnie pojawiają się przed jej domem i bombardują ją pytaniami.
I na pewno sobie tego nie odpuszczą w dwudziestą piątą rocznicę śmierci Elsie. Ale tego dnia to nie paparazzi sprawiają, że serce zamiera Kathryn zamiera z przerażenia, lecz wiadomość o zniknięciu pięcioletniej Abigail z domu, z którego dwie i pół dekady wcześniej zniknęła Elsie.
Zdeterminowana, by wreszcie uzyskać odpowiedzi, Kathryn wraca w swoje rodzinne strony, na walijską wyspę, i włącza się w poszukiwania zaginionej dziewczynki. I już pierwszej nocy przekonuje się, że jest ktoś, kto bardzo jej tam nie chce.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2022
383 people are currently reading
4612 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 689 reviews
June 30, 2022
HAPPY PUB DAY TO THIS FUNNY YET DARK MYSTERY THRILLER
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before publication. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Kathryn is tryna navigate life with a dad locked up for murdering her bestie in her backyard 25 yrs ago when another girl is snatched from her childhood garden. Coincidence or nah???
MY OPINION
This was Honda Civic reliable but with upgrades. We're talking sunroof. We're talking leather interior. We're talking matte black rims. (Idk if these are actual upgrades but you know what I'm saying). A juicy j premise enhanced by dark humour, great pacing, and dual POVs.
I was getting my Nancy Drew on and I thought I had it... but I didn't... sorta. It may be obvious to some, but I was totally wrapped up in the action and jokey jokes that I wasn't really checking for the clues that much.
I'm usually not a fan of civilians gone rogue, but Blackhurst used humour to poke fun at Kathryn's amateur sleuthing skills, so I was on board. Plus, the other POV was an actual DI, so it gave the book the balance super hard asses like me require.
I would like to see more books featuring DI Maggie. She's funny. She reminds me of Kim Stone from Angela Marons's bangerlicious series. I'll definitely be checking out more Jenny Blackhurst books. Legit my only complaint with this book is one of character's was named Verity #TRIGGERED LOL. Nah but, this isn't a 5 star because it was just missing a lil more oomph and I did have some questions at the end.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: juicy premise, dual RELEVANT POVs (key word: relevant), fast-paced with short chapters, suspenseful, good ending (wasn't giving me "catching up with a friend over coffee vibes"), funny af
Cons: the spoilt sister in law was named Verity... was this intentional??? 😂
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before publication. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Kathryn is tryna navigate life with a dad locked up for murdering her bestie in her backyard 25 yrs ago when another girl is snatched from her childhood garden. Coincidence or nah???
MY OPINION
This was Honda Civic reliable but with upgrades. We're talking sunroof. We're talking leather interior. We're talking matte black rims. (Idk if these are actual upgrades but you know what I'm saying). A juicy j premise enhanced by dark humour, great pacing, and dual POVs.
I was getting my Nancy Drew on and I thought I had it... but I didn't... sorta. It may be obvious to some, but I was totally wrapped up in the action and jokey jokes that I wasn't really checking for the clues that much.
I'm usually not a fan of civilians gone rogue, but Blackhurst used humour to poke fun at Kathryn's amateur sleuthing skills, so I was on board. Plus, the other POV was an actual DI, so it gave the book the balance super hard asses like me require.
I would like to see more books featuring DI Maggie. She's funny. She reminds me of Kim Stone from Angela Marons's bangerlicious series. I'll definitely be checking out more Jenny Blackhurst books. Legit my only complaint with this book is one of character's was named Verity #TRIGGERED LOL. Nah but, this isn't a 5 star because it was just missing a lil more oomph and I did have some questions at the end.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: juicy premise, dual RELEVANT POVs (key word: relevant), fast-paced with short chapters, suspenseful, good ending (wasn't giving me "catching up with a friend over coffee vibes"), funny af
Cons: the spoilt sister in law was named Verity... was this intentional??? 😂
June 8, 2022
‘Abandon hope all ye who enter here’ is exactly how Kathryn Starling feels every time she visits her father Patrick Bowen in prison. She’s demanding an answer to a question- ‘Where is she?’ This is the twenty five year long awaited answer to the puzzle of five year old Elsie Button’s murder and subsequent disappearance for which Patrick is convicted. He remains silent. Later, she receives a strange and perturbing voice mail from her mother. Then, to everyone’s shock and horror twenty five years to the day since Elsie disappeared another little girl goes missing. She is Abigail Warner from Pentraeth, Anglesey and the coincidences don’t end there. DI Maggie Grant is in charge of the investigation and despite the pleas from her family, Kathryn sets off to Wales to help in the search for Abigail.
There is much to praise in this latest novel by Jenny Blackhurst. First of all, the impact of Elsie on Kathryn’s life is done very well, she can never settle to anything as it casts a huge shadow over her life. She also feels the need to atone because of her father. She is very likeable, despite being a bit of a mess and I like her sense of humour. The attitude of the locals on Anglesey towards the Bowen family comes across loud and clear too - unfair though that may be. The setting is terrific, it’s a small place where everyone knows everyone and so the atmosphere created perfectly matches the tense situation and building suspicion.
The characterisation is really good too with DI Maggie Grant also being very likeable. She’s quite a character, you wouldn’t mess with her and yet you’d be so glad she’s in your corner. She’s whip smart and is a class act in the art of the excellent retort.
The writing is lively, the plot is well thought out, the pace is quick and it’s immersive and entertaining. In places it feels creepy, there are some scary moments, there’s deception, you’re full of questions and on a couple of occasions there’s a bit of a supernatural vibe which I really like. There are good twists and although I do figure out some it doesn’t spoil the enjoyment as there are some jaw droppers you don’t expect as it builds to a good ending.
Overall, a good read from start to finish.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
There is much to praise in this latest novel by Jenny Blackhurst. First of all, the impact of Elsie on Kathryn’s life is done very well, she can never settle to anything as it casts a huge shadow over her life. She also feels the need to atone because of her father. She is very likeable, despite being a bit of a mess and I like her sense of humour. The attitude of the locals on Anglesey towards the Bowen family comes across loud and clear too - unfair though that may be. The setting is terrific, it’s a small place where everyone knows everyone and so the atmosphere created perfectly matches the tense situation and building suspicion.
The characterisation is really good too with DI Maggie Grant also being very likeable. She’s quite a character, you wouldn’t mess with her and yet you’d be so glad she’s in your corner. She’s whip smart and is a class act in the art of the excellent retort.
The writing is lively, the plot is well thought out, the pace is quick and it’s immersive and entertaining. In places it feels creepy, there are some scary moments, there’s deception, you’re full of questions and on a couple of occasions there’s a bit of a supernatural vibe which I really like. There are good twists and although I do figure out some it doesn’t spoil the enjoyment as there are some jaw droppers you don’t expect as it builds to a good ending.
Overall, a good read from start to finish.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 15, 2025
4⭐️
This was such an interesting thriller! I had such a good time and the audiobook form of this? *chefs kiss*
Whenever I write audiobook reviews, they tend to be shorter and more straight to the point rather than analyzing everything more heavily since I’m not technically reading the words on paper. BUT what I can say is that this was so fast paced and gripping and exciting! There was not a single part of this book where I was bored and that’s one of the best feelings while reading a thriller. The whole plot and basis of the book isn’t anywhere near unique, but the way it’s spoken and narrated made this made my skin crawl at points and it made the story feel more immersive and individualized. The thing about thrillers like these are that yes, the plots are usually very similar, but there’s always the writing that sets them apart. This was very basic and easy to read and understand and get hooked. I liked the premise of ‘murderer dad that tore the whole family apart who may or may not even be guilty and then another little child goes missing so who could it be?’ You can never really go wrong with a story like that.
I wish the characters were more unique and had something to set them apart from other thriller characters but hey, they can’t all be winners.
Speaking of characters, the ones in this book were very basic and there was nothing really to shout out about them. Catherine was the typical “I’m gonna lose my common sense and go against everything in my gut is telling me not to” and Maggie, the cop, was the typical “no nonsense police officer who more often than not is bitchy and always has an attitude” kind of character. I wish they had more unique personalities throughout the book. The narrator, however, did a great job of making them FEEL more personalized.
Overall, this was a pretty good thriller and I would HIGHLY recommend the audiobook of this. It’s fun, gripping, thrilling, and keeps your attention from the very beginning. You’re constantly going through this story asking, “what is going to happen next?” And I loveeee that about thrillers. I am not someone who likes to look for the secret little hints throughout a book to try and predict what will happen, but I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns this took to keep the story interesting. There were some things I truly could guess.
Also I just had to mention the ending of this book…I AM SPEECHLESS. I was NOT expecting that and if y’all could’ve seen the look on my face…
I was gonna give this book a 3 star, but the ending was just too good to rate it less than a 4. Loved it! 🤭
The only things I wish would’ve been better was something to set this apart from other thrillers and the characters having more individuality. HOWEVER, I would definitely recommend this as a thriller lover and even better? Those wanting to dip their toes in the genre!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭:
Currently on a thriller audiobook kick cause the romance ones I've been listening to are just not.. it... 😭
This was such an interesting thriller! I had such a good time and the audiobook form of this? *chefs kiss*
Whenever I write audiobook reviews, they tend to be shorter and more straight to the point rather than analyzing everything more heavily since I’m not technically reading the words on paper. BUT what I can say is that this was so fast paced and gripping and exciting! There was not a single part of this book where I was bored and that’s one of the best feelings while reading a thriller. The whole plot and basis of the book isn’t anywhere near unique, but the way it’s spoken and narrated made this made my skin crawl at points and it made the story feel more immersive and individualized. The thing about thrillers like these are that yes, the plots are usually very similar, but there’s always the writing that sets them apart. This was very basic and easy to read and understand and get hooked. I liked the premise of ‘murderer dad that tore the whole family apart who may or may not even be guilty and then another little child goes missing so who could it be?’ You can never really go wrong with a story like that.
I wish the characters were more unique and had something to set them apart from other thriller characters but hey, they can’t all be winners.
Speaking of characters, the ones in this book were very basic and there was nothing really to shout out about them. Catherine was the typical “I’m gonna lose my common sense and go against everything in my gut is telling me not to” and Maggie, the cop, was the typical “no nonsense police officer who more often than not is bitchy and always has an attitude” kind of character. I wish they had more unique personalities throughout the book. The narrator, however, did a great job of making them FEEL more personalized.
Overall, this was a pretty good thriller and I would HIGHLY recommend the audiobook of this. It’s fun, gripping, thrilling, and keeps your attention from the very beginning. You’re constantly going through this story asking, “what is going to happen next?” And I loveeee that about thrillers. I am not someone who likes to look for the secret little hints throughout a book to try and predict what will happen, but I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns this took to keep the story interesting. There were some things I truly could guess.
Also I just had to mention the ending of this book…I AM SPEECHLESS. I was NOT expecting that and if y’all could’ve seen the look on my face…
I was gonna give this book a 3 star, but the ending was just too good to rate it less than a 4. Loved it! 🤭
The only things I wish would’ve been better was something to set this apart from other thrillers and the characters having more individuality. HOWEVER, I would definitely recommend this as a thriller lover and even better? Those wanting to dip their toes in the genre!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭:
Currently on a thriller audiobook kick cause the romance ones I've been listening to are just not.. it... 😭
June 22, 2022
When five year old Elsie Button was snatched from a garden in a sleepy town in the Welsh Island of Anglesey, a local man later confessed, it dent shockwaves through the tight-knit community. How could one of their own do such a thing? Especially when his own little girl was the same age - and the victims best friend. Kathryn and her family left under a cloak of darkness one night, unable to bear the shame and the anger of their neighbours. When another child id taken from the same garden, twenty five years to the day of Elsie's murder, Kathryn is determined to join the search and atone her father's deed.
I was constantly trying to figure out who had taken Abigail and why she had been taken on the same day that Elsie Button was taken twenty five years ago. The story is told from Kathryn and the senior investigating police offer, DI Grant's perspectives. I liked the the people of Anglesey were tight=knit. Someone doesn't want Kathryn back on the island. But who or why? There's plenty of twists to choose from. I was quickly pulled in and it didn't let me go until the last page. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #Canelo and the author #JennyBlackhurst for my ARC of #TheGirlWhoLeft in exchange for an honest review.
I was constantly trying to figure out who had taken Abigail and why she had been taken on the same day that Elsie Button was taken twenty five years ago. The story is told from Kathryn and the senior investigating police offer, DI Grant's perspectives. I liked the the people of Anglesey were tight=knit. Someone doesn't want Kathryn back on the island. But who or why? There's plenty of twists to choose from. I was quickly pulled in and it didn't let me go until the last page. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #Canelo and the author #JennyBlackhurst for my ARC of #TheGirlWhoLeft in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
Twenty-five years ago, Elsie Button and Kathryn Bowen were 5 year old best friends. That is, until Elsie disappeared and Kathryn's father Patrick confessed to the murder. Patrick has spent the entire time in prison and Kathryn continues to see him to press for the location of the body. Now, another 5 year old is missing from the same yard as Elsie. Despite all rational arguments that going back is not a good idea, Kathryn goes back to assist in the search. She should not have returned.
I liked the telling of the novel from the different view points. The two main characters are Kathryn and DI Maggie Grant and I liked both of them. Maggie is pretty brassy and I liked her best. Ah, the twists.....Of all the possibilities running through my head, the author threw me off. As to what happened 25 years ago, I didn't particularly like the reason everyone did what they did or the final outcome. I understand it but wanted the killer to be someone else. Doesn't detract from the enjoyment of reading the story.
I won a Kindle copy from a Goodreads giveaway. I'm glad I did because my library doesn't have any books by this author.
I liked the telling of the novel from the different view points. The two main characters are Kathryn and DI Maggie Grant and I liked both of them. Maggie is pretty brassy and I liked her best. Ah, the twists.....Of all the possibilities running through my head, the author threw me off. As to what happened 25 years ago, I didn't particularly like the reason everyone did what they did or the final outcome. I understand it but wanted the killer to be someone else. Doesn't detract from the enjoyment of reading the story.
I won a Kindle copy from a Goodreads giveaway. I'm glad I did because my library doesn't have any books by this author.
April 17, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this. The writing wasn’t bad, it was the story itself. I couldn’t understand the hostility towards Katy. She was five when her father was charged for murder. I found people’s anger towards her a little much. Mostly I found this to be predictable. Honestly, right from the beginning I knew where the story was going. Without giving spoilers……I also thought what actually happened was extreme &, maybe, a little unrealistic. ( Highly aware this is a work of fiction) Not a favorite from this author. On a good note: I really liked the character of Miriam 😊
December 5, 2025
“The Girl Who Left”, by Jenny Blackhurst
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good concept and good storytelling.
A fast paced read and some chapters are short.
The story is told by alternating characters (two POVs).
But there was something missing here, for me.
Even though I did not find it boring, I was not thrilled enough.
Also I did not connect with the characters and found some behaviour a bit strange or unrealistic.
There was nothing new or remarkable, and although the conclusion was surprising, it was also unrealistic. Too much drama for something that could have had a different outcome, if the characters had decide to stick with the truth from the start.
But this is a work of fiction, so one must take it as it is.
I paired the ebook with the audiobook, which is currently included with Audible subscription. I thought that the audiobook was very enjoyable.
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good concept and good storytelling.
A fast paced read and some chapters are short.
The story is told by alternating characters (two POVs).
But there was something missing here, for me.
Even though I did not find it boring, I was not thrilled enough.
Also I did not connect with the characters and found some behaviour a bit strange or unrealistic.
There was nothing new or remarkable, and although the conclusion was surprising, it was also unrealistic. Too much drama for something that could have had a different outcome, if the characters had decide to stick with the truth from the start.
But this is a work of fiction, so one must take it as it is.
I paired the ebook with the audiobook, which is currently included with Audible subscription. I thought that the audiobook was very enjoyable.
July 29, 2025
Jenny Blackhurst's "The Final Wife" (2025) was a 5-star Audible Plus freebie.
Jenny Blackhurst's "The Summer Girl" and "The Girl Who Left" were also recent Audible Plus freebies.
"The Summer Girl" and "The Girl Who Left" were painfully slow and replete with repetitive text.
"The Final Wife" was a full-cast audiobook.
"The Summer Girl" and "The Girl Who Left" both unfolded from different POVs and timelines with one narrator.
Perhaps this made a difference?
UGH!
DNF. Soooo disappointing!!!!!
May 3, 2022
Mała społeczność, która nie życzy sobie intruzów i straszne wydarzenie przypominające te sprzed lat... Kathryn do tej pory nie może poradzić sobie ze świadomością, że jej ojciec zabił kiedyś jej pięcioletnią przyjaciółkę. Kiedy w rodzinnym miasteczku dochodzi do zaginięcia małej dziewczynki, główna bohaterka wraca tam, aby zmierzyć się z przeszłością, która może okazać się brutalniejsza niż ktokolwiek by przypuszczał.
Ta historia uświadamia, że nie wolno oceniać i skreślać innych ludzi, ponieważ może to być bardzo niesprawiedliwe oraz krzywdzące. Niektórzy są w stanie poświęcić wszystko dla najbliższych, nawet za cenę własnego szczęścia bądź życia. Świadczy to o prawdziwej miłości, jednak czy zawsze jest to dobry wybór? Każdy powinien ocenić to samodzielnie...
Bardzo przyjemnie czytało mi się tę książkę, ale na pewno nie jest to najlepsza historia w dorobku pisarki. Po upływie kilku dni nie pamiętałam zbyt wiele z fabuły, więc tytuł nie zapada w pamięci na długo. Natomiast podczas lektury byłam zainteresowana opowieścią, chociaż nie ukrywam, że zakończenie nie wywarło na mnie większego wrażenia. "Córka mordercy" to wciągająca i lekko napisana książka, która przypadnie do gustu osobom, które nie będą miały zbyt wielkich wymagań.
Ta historia uświadamia, że nie wolno oceniać i skreślać innych ludzi, ponieważ może to być bardzo niesprawiedliwe oraz krzywdzące. Niektórzy są w stanie poświęcić wszystko dla najbliższych, nawet za cenę własnego szczęścia bądź życia. Świadczy to o prawdziwej miłości, jednak czy zawsze jest to dobry wybór? Każdy powinien ocenić to samodzielnie...
Bardzo przyjemnie czytało mi się tę książkę, ale na pewno nie jest to najlepsza historia w dorobku pisarki. Po upływie kilku dni nie pamiętałam zbyt wiele z fabuły, więc tytuł nie zapada w pamięci na długo. Natomiast podczas lektury byłam zainteresowana opowieścią, chociaż nie ukrywam, że zakończenie nie wywarło na mnie większego wrażenia. "Córka mordercy" to wciągająca i lekko napisana książka, która przypadnie do gustu osobom, które nie będą miały zbyt wielkich wymagań.
September 15, 2025
Another audible original, and I didn’t realise until I can’t to review that I’ve inadvertently read/listened to two titles in a row by the author, I much preferred absolutely everything about this one.
3.5 🌟
3.5 🌟
June 26, 2022
Two five year old girls (Elsie and Abigail) who look eerily similar go missing on the same day on the same town years apart while the murderer, Patrick, is still in Prison for Elsie’s murder, so what’s going on?
I have mixed feelings on this one. A lot of the buildup and background was really excellent and riveting. A lot of the twists were really surprising and therefore great fun to read.
I didn’t really love the final twist that brought the story all together and found it hard to believe that certain choices of other characters would have been made based on this revelation, when sticking to the truth would’ve been better for everyone involved in the long term.
Three stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank You to NetGalley and Canelo for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have mixed feelings on this one. A lot of the buildup and background was really excellent and riveting. A lot of the twists were really surprising and therefore great fun to read.
I didn’t really love the final twist that brought the story all together and found it hard to believe that certain choices of other characters would have been made based on this revelation, when sticking to the truth would’ve been better for everyone involved in the long term.
Three stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank You to NetGalley and Canelo for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
I feel very frustrated for this book. I was very hyped to read it as I'd heard good things. From the start it's clear Patrick is not the murderer but he is covering for someone. Who would a father go to jail for 25 years to protect. We know it can only be 2 people so from the very start I knew it'd be one of the 2. That was frustrating reading a whole book knowing the outcome. I did enjoy some of the little twists thrown in throughout the book. At the end I was more frustrated with fact a man went to jail for 25yrs to protect a 5 Yr old kid who didn't even kill it was an accident. That 5 Yr old would've said what happened. Evidence would've shown what happened and they won't shove a 5 Yr old in jail for 25 years. Patrick made a very silly and ridiculous decision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
Such an easy read, great writing style, the plot was interesting but not amazing. I did really enjoy the final twist though, wouldn’t have guessed that at all, I thought
August 20, 2022
Ok. The third sentence of this book was so chaotic I almost put this down and never picked it back up. I still don’t understand that sentence. I reluctantly ploughed on it with it and am now convinced that it is in fact the editing at fault.
The story itself is well paced and keeps you guessing. I had figured out what the twist was going to be about three chapters in (I guess I watch too much anime lol) but there were still things I hadn’t expected so it was still a good read. There isn’t a single relationship in this book that is explored, which actually made it a lot easier for me to guess who did it. Character development was pretty thin so this story relies heavily on plot.
I know it’s petty but the police officer’s name being Maggie threw me off ngl. I couldn’t picture her being anything under 80 years old 😂
Ending was well paced until the last 2 chapters which felt a bit lazy but I guess it’s to be expected in this type of story.
There was one paragraph at the top of page 14 that included the words “flaccid cock” and “spreadeagled” and I can’t stress enough how much this really didn’t need to be in this book. It’s not even a relevant relationship and I wish desperately that there had been an editor to say “hey Jenny. Let’s not have this part.”
The story itself is well paced and keeps you guessing. I had figured out what the twist was going to be about three chapters in (I guess I watch too much anime lol) but there were still things I hadn’t expected so it was still a good read. There isn’t a single relationship in this book that is explored, which actually made it a lot easier for me to guess who did it. Character development was pretty thin so this story relies heavily on plot.
I know it’s petty but the police officer’s name being Maggie threw me off ngl. I couldn’t picture her being anything under 80 years old 😂
Ending was well paced until the last 2 chapters which felt a bit lazy but I guess it’s to be expected in this type of story.
There was one paragraph at the top of page 14 that included the words “flaccid cock” and “spreadeagled” and I can’t stress enough how much this really didn’t need to be in this book. It’s not even a relevant relationship and I wish desperately that there had been an editor to say “hey Jenny. Let’s not have this part.”
September 23, 2021
Kathryns Vater sitzt seit 25 Jahren im Gefängnis. Ausgerechnet ihre beste Freundin Elsie soll er damals ermordet haben, doch er schweigt bis heute dazu. Nun wurde am 25. Jahrestag ein Mädchen entführt – wieder auf der kleinen und sonst so beschaulichen Heimatinsel von Kathryn. Was hat der Fall von damals damit zu tun, gibt es überhaupt eine Verbindung? Kathryn kehrt auf die Insel zurück, um selbst Nachforschungen anzustellen, doch schon bald findet sie furchtbares heraus…
Wir lesen abwechseln aus der Sicht von Kathryn und DI Grant. Kathryn, inzwischen Anfang 30, hat noch immer schwer daran zu knabbern, dass ihr Vater damals ihre beste Freundin ermordet hat. Als dann plötzlich ihre Mutter Zweifel an der Geschichte in ihr rührt, muss Kathryn dem Drang nachgehen, selbst die Wahrheit herauszufinden. Auf der anderen Seite haben wir DI Maggie Grant, die wohl das Paradebeispiel einer toughen Ermittlerin mit Haaren auf den Zähnen darstellen soll. Anfangs fand ich die Darstellung etwas übertrieben, aber irgendwie hat es sich dann doch in ihre Rolle gefügt.
Der Storyverlauf war eine wahre Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle. Ich glaube, ich habe so ziemlich jeden mal kurz verdächtigt, da die Autorin die Hinweise immer mal wieder subtil in eine andere Richtung gestreut hat. Mit der Story selbst hat man natürlich nicht das Rad neu erfunden, doch ich fand es insgesamt sehr stimmig und einfach mitreißend- und mehr braucht eine gute Story doch gar nicht. Die Autorin schreibt wie immer flüssig und macht interessante Geschichten mit oftmals guten Twists.
Vom Label „Psychothriller“ bin ich irgendwie immer noch nicht ganz überzeugt, da mir eigentlich nicht genug „psycho“ Enthalten war, wenngleich dieses Buch der Autorin noch am ehesten dort einzuordnen wäre.
“Dein dunkelstes Geheimnis” ist nun schon das vierte Buch, das ich von der Autorin lese und bisher waren für mich alle in einem guten Mittelfeld angesiedelt. Die vorangegangenen Bücher waren keinesfalls schlecht, sie waren sehr solide, aber eben nicht überragend. Für Thriller-Anfänger sind sie sicherlich gut geeignet, aber jemand der ausschließlich Thriller liest, der könnte sie vielleicht ein wenig zu seicht finden. Mir fehlte immer ein wenig der letzte Kick – aber mit „Dein dunkelstes Geheimnis“ hat die Autorin es nun geschafft, mich vollends zu fesseln. Vermutlich war es eine Mischung aus den Figuren und der mitreißenden Geschichte, aber dieses Buch hat mir mit Abstand bisher am besten gefallen von ihr.
Wir lesen abwechseln aus der Sicht von Kathryn und DI Grant. Kathryn, inzwischen Anfang 30, hat noch immer schwer daran zu knabbern, dass ihr Vater damals ihre beste Freundin ermordet hat. Als dann plötzlich ihre Mutter Zweifel an der Geschichte in ihr rührt, muss Kathryn dem Drang nachgehen, selbst die Wahrheit herauszufinden. Auf der anderen Seite haben wir DI Maggie Grant, die wohl das Paradebeispiel einer toughen Ermittlerin mit Haaren auf den Zähnen darstellen soll. Anfangs fand ich die Darstellung etwas übertrieben, aber irgendwie hat es sich dann doch in ihre Rolle gefügt.
Der Storyverlauf war eine wahre Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle. Ich glaube, ich habe so ziemlich jeden mal kurz verdächtigt, da die Autorin die Hinweise immer mal wieder subtil in eine andere Richtung gestreut hat. Mit der Story selbst hat man natürlich nicht das Rad neu erfunden, doch ich fand es insgesamt sehr stimmig und einfach mitreißend- und mehr braucht eine gute Story doch gar nicht. Die Autorin schreibt wie immer flüssig und macht interessante Geschichten mit oftmals guten Twists.
Vom Label „Psychothriller“ bin ich irgendwie immer noch nicht ganz überzeugt, da mir eigentlich nicht genug „psycho“ Enthalten war, wenngleich dieses Buch der Autorin noch am ehesten dort einzuordnen wäre.
“Dein dunkelstes Geheimnis” ist nun schon das vierte Buch, das ich von der Autorin lese und bisher waren für mich alle in einem guten Mittelfeld angesiedelt. Die vorangegangenen Bücher waren keinesfalls schlecht, sie waren sehr solide, aber eben nicht überragend. Für Thriller-Anfänger sind sie sicherlich gut geeignet, aber jemand der ausschließlich Thriller liest, der könnte sie vielleicht ein wenig zu seicht finden. Mir fehlte immer ein wenig der letzte Kick – aber mit „Dein dunkelstes Geheimnis“ hat die Autorin es nun geschafft, mich vollends zu fesseln. Vermutlich war es eine Mischung aus den Figuren und der mitreißenden Geschichte, aber dieses Buch hat mir mit Abstand bisher am besten gefallen von ihr.
February 9, 2022
W sumie mam mieszane uczucie co do tej książki. Z jednej strony mi się podobała z drugiej nie ogarniałam początku. Zakończenia nawet nie przewidziałam więc uważam że zasługuje na 4 gwiazdki. Ciekawa i dynamiczna akcja, ale nie było to nic nowego. Zaginięcie - morderstwo - tajemnice - zaginięcie. Ale była przyjemna i fajnie spędziłam przy niej czas,szybko ją się też czyta.
July 4, 2022
4.5* --> 5*
I read and enjoyed all of Jenny Blackhurst’s books in the past and then, Jenny disappeared due to personal issues and I lost track of her. Sorry, Jenny! So when I accidentally came across ‘The Girl Who Left‘, I got a little overexcited and possibly let out a sound only dogs can hear. Because Jenny is back and then some!
Every month, Kathryn sets out to visit her father in prison. Every month she asks him the exact same question. “Where is she?” Every time her father refuses to answer. You see, Kathryn’s father was convicted of the kidnapping and murder of five year old “cute as a button” Elsie Button on Anglesey twenty-five years ago, even though her body was never found. These events have obviously had an enormous impact on Kathryn. To be honest, she’s a bit of a screw-up. Can’t hold down a job, can’t form decent relationships and likes to get behind the wheel of her car when she’s had too much to drink. Kathryn thinks that closure and knowing where Elsie’s body is buried will lift this dark cloud from above her head and she might just be able to lead a normal life. Why won’t her father tell her where Elsie is, when he’s already confessed to everything else?
On the day of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Elsie’s disappearance, another young child called Abby vanishes from the same house on the same island. Coincidence? If Abby was taken, is there a copycat afoot? Is there a monster in the woods behind the house? Was Kathryn’s father wrongly convicted? So many answers, very little questions. To find out more, Kathryn decides to head back to Anglesey. But the island residents are a tight-knit community, they look out for their own, and they don’t for one second hide the fact that they don’t want Kathryn anywhere near their island.
Even a blind bat can pick up on the suspicious behaviour of some of the residents, but if they are really hiding something what on earth could it possibly be? What really happened to Elsie all those years ago? And where is Abby? Then there are Kathryn’s family members who also don’t seem to be acting like regular folks. Before you know it, you have a long list of people you wouldn’t trust if they were the last person on the planet. The investigation into the disappearance of Abby is led by DI Maggie Grant and I’d love to see her and her team again in another story some time, if someone can make that happen.
But ‘The Girl Who Left‘ isn’t just about solving these mysteries. There is more of a thought-provoking layer to it when the author tackles the impact of a killer’s acts on the family that is left behind. A wife who has to come to terms with the fact that the man she loved so much killed a little girl who was the same age as their own daughter. A wife who surely must have known the kind of monster her husband was. A son who was forced to grow up quickly and feels it is his duty to take care of the family. And then Kathryn herself, who can’t seem to figure out what to do with her life at all. A family who is forced to move time and again, change their names, doesn’t know who to trust or even if they can ever trust anyone at all, and a family who constantly has to defend itself against public scrutiny and a relentless media. Even decades later. I can, thankfully, not even begin to imagine.
I did figure some things out and I will never not be smug about that, for your information. However, that didn’t bother me at all because I felt ‘The Girl Who Left‘ was just that good. It’s incredibly addictive, engrossing, compelling and it had me swiping the pages so fast I almost pulled a muscle in my finger. It is at times also surprisingly witty. There were various moments where I chuckled, despite the rather dark topic. I flew through this story and enjoyed every minute of it. This, for me, is Jenny Blackhurst at her best and I’m thrilled that she’s back!
I read and enjoyed all of Jenny Blackhurst’s books in the past and then, Jenny disappeared due to personal issues and I lost track of her. Sorry, Jenny! So when I accidentally came across ‘The Girl Who Left‘, I got a little overexcited and possibly let out a sound only dogs can hear. Because Jenny is back and then some!
Every month, Kathryn sets out to visit her father in prison. Every month she asks him the exact same question. “Where is she?” Every time her father refuses to answer. You see, Kathryn’s father was convicted of the kidnapping and murder of five year old “cute as a button” Elsie Button on Anglesey twenty-five years ago, even though her body was never found. These events have obviously had an enormous impact on Kathryn. To be honest, she’s a bit of a screw-up. Can’t hold down a job, can’t form decent relationships and likes to get behind the wheel of her car when she’s had too much to drink. Kathryn thinks that closure and knowing where Elsie’s body is buried will lift this dark cloud from above her head and she might just be able to lead a normal life. Why won’t her father tell her where Elsie is, when he’s already confessed to everything else?
On the day of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Elsie’s disappearance, another young child called Abby vanishes from the same house on the same island. Coincidence? If Abby was taken, is there a copycat afoot? Is there a monster in the woods behind the house? Was Kathryn’s father wrongly convicted? So many answers, very little questions. To find out more, Kathryn decides to head back to Anglesey. But the island residents are a tight-knit community, they look out for their own, and they don’t for one second hide the fact that they don’t want Kathryn anywhere near their island.
Even a blind bat can pick up on the suspicious behaviour of some of the residents, but if they are really hiding something what on earth could it possibly be? What really happened to Elsie all those years ago? And where is Abby? Then there are Kathryn’s family members who also don’t seem to be acting like regular folks. Before you know it, you have a long list of people you wouldn’t trust if they were the last person on the planet. The investigation into the disappearance of Abby is led by DI Maggie Grant and I’d love to see her and her team again in another story some time, if someone can make that happen.
But ‘The Girl Who Left‘ isn’t just about solving these mysteries. There is more of a thought-provoking layer to it when the author tackles the impact of a killer’s acts on the family that is left behind. A wife who has to come to terms with the fact that the man she loved so much killed a little girl who was the same age as their own daughter. A wife who surely must have known the kind of monster her husband was. A son who was forced to grow up quickly and feels it is his duty to take care of the family. And then Kathryn herself, who can’t seem to figure out what to do with her life at all. A family who is forced to move time and again, change their names, doesn’t know who to trust or even if they can ever trust anyone at all, and a family who constantly has to defend itself against public scrutiny and a relentless media. Even decades later. I can, thankfully, not even begin to imagine.
I did figure some things out and I will never not be smug about that, for your information. However, that didn’t bother me at all because I felt ‘The Girl Who Left‘ was just that good. It’s incredibly addictive, engrossing, compelling and it had me swiping the pages so fast I almost pulled a muscle in my finger. It is at times also surprisingly witty. There were various moments where I chuckled, despite the rather dark topic. I flew through this story and enjoyed every minute of it. This, for me, is Jenny Blackhurst at her best and I’m thrilled that she’s back!
April 21, 2022
4.75 tam się więcej odjaniepawlilo niż w terapeutce, a zakończenia totalnie się nie spodziewałam, ale -0.25 za niektóre niepotrzebne skręcające mnie momenty.
September 15, 2024
Najsłabsza z książek tej autorki, które czytałam. Jakoś już przestało mnie ciągnąć do następnych.
Intryga taka sobie, miałam wrażenie że była trochę klejona na ślinę.
Intryga taka sobie, miałam wrażenie że była trochę klejona na ślinę.
January 29, 2025
A quick read, bit of a page turner but some of the plot points are ridiculous. I find it hard to believe everyone is so hostile towards Kat for something her dad did when she was 5 lol. Twist ending was unconvincing and was delivered in a tedious yet messy way, rolled my eyes a lot
July 2, 2022
On July 18th, twenty-five years ago, Kathryn Bowen’s father, Patrick, admitted to taking 5-year-old Elsie Button and killing her. Kathryn was also 5 years old and Elsie was her best friend. Patrick is in prison and each year Kathryn visits him asking what he did with Elsie. He never answers her. The crime was so scandalous, that Kathryn always has to hide out on the anniversary of Elsie’s disappearance. Her older brother, Jordan, always checks in with Kathryn on the anniversary. She has not kept in touch with her mother but the family moved from their home after the crime.
This year, another child, 5-year-old girl, Abigail Warner, has gone missing from her yard. It so happens that the family lives in the house where the original crime happened. Now, DI Maggie Grant is on the case and they are working frantically to find the missing child.
Kathryn decides to return to the town and, hoping no one will recognize her, help to find the missing girl. But some people do recognize her and are determined to get her to leave town. However, Kathryn is equally as stubborn wanting to learn more and help if possible. As she learns more from the people close to her family during that time, an explosive truth reveals itself leaving her devastated.
I thought I had figured out the ending but was totally wrong. While this is a scary and action-filled book, I couldn’t help but feel bad for all those involved in this sad story.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This year, another child, 5-year-old girl, Abigail Warner, has gone missing from her yard. It so happens that the family lives in the house where the original crime happened. Now, DI Maggie Grant is on the case and they are working frantically to find the missing child.
Kathryn decides to return to the town and, hoping no one will recognize her, help to find the missing girl. But some people do recognize her and are determined to get her to leave town. However, Kathryn is equally as stubborn wanting to learn more and help if possible. As she learns more from the people close to her family during that time, an explosive truth reveals itself leaving her devastated.
I thought I had figured out the ending but was totally wrong. While this is a scary and action-filled book, I couldn’t help but feel bad for all those involved in this sad story.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 24, 2025
I guessed the "twist" at like page 10 😅
I didnt dislike this book though. it was fine and if youve never read a thriller before this might work for you.
I didnt dislike this book though. it was fine and if youve never read a thriller before this might work for you.
August 15, 2025
Well. I didn’t expect this from an Audible freebie! There’s no way I’d have ever guessed the ending of this whodunit. Surprise!
November 15, 2022
3,5/5⭐
Wiedziałam, jakie będzie zakończenie już na 20 stronie, ale to nie zmienia faktu, że bawiłam się świetnie.
Wiedziałam, jakie będzie zakończenie już na 20 stronie, ale to nie zmienia faktu, że bawiłam się świetnie.
September 27, 2025
Plot holes, implausible revelations and extremely stupid people make up the majority of this book.
July 30, 2025
Fajna książka, końcówka mnie nie zachwyciła i sam końcowy pomysł mordercy i tego jak to się potoczyło, ale mimo wszystko bardzo przyjemnie się czytało i ciekawie.
August 31, 2025
I called the ending right away but still enjoy my time!
November 19, 2025
This was actually so good and the plot twist was chefs kiss 😙
August 27, 2022
Enjoyed this, nice easy read!
February 14, 2022
Jenny Blackhurst to autorka bestsellerowych thrillerów psychologicznych, W swoich książkach zagłębia się w ludzką psychikę, tworzy postaci, z którymi łatwo się utożsamić, jak również totalnie znienawidzić. "Córka mordercy" nie odbiega od tego schematu.
Dwadzieścia pięć lat temu ojciec Kathryn został oskarżony o skrzywdzenie jej pięcioletniej przyjaciółki Elsie. Do dziś dziewczynka nie została odnaleziona, a piętno odciśnięte na rodzinie domniemanego mordercy, nie pozwala normalnie funkcjonować. Traumatyczne wydarzenia z przeszłości rzucają cień na wszystkie decyzje podejmowane przez główną bohaterkę. Nie potrafi ona wybaczyć, ani zapomnieć o tym co miało miejsce w jej rodzinnym domu. Dziwnym zrządzeniem losu, historia zatacza krąg i z tego samego miejsca ginie kolejne dziecko...
"Córkę mordercy" czyta się szybko i płynnie, gdyż pióro autorki charakteryzuje niezwykła plastyczność i lekkość. Nie ma tutaj miejsca na zbędne opisy przyrody, czy nic niewnoszące przydługie przeciągania fabuły. Wczytujemy się w przemyślenia Kathryn, poznajemy jej bolączki i motywacje, które nią kierują. Jest osobą kruchą, niestabilną emocjonalnie, skłonną do używek. Trudno ja polubić, lecz z pewnością wzbudzi ona wiele skrajnych uczuć - głównie współczucie i żal. Akcja jest dość dynamiczna, co jest szczególną domeną powieści z naprzemienną narracją. Autorka wodzi za nos, rzuca sporo fałszywych poszlak, wprowadza celowy zamęt. Niestety, ja zagadkę rozwiązałam relatywnie szybko , głównie za sprawą pewnego filmu, który niedawno obejrzałam.
Dwadzieścia pięć lat temu ojciec Kathryn został oskarżony o skrzywdzenie jej pięcioletniej przyjaciółki Elsie. Do dziś dziewczynka nie została odnaleziona, a piętno odciśnięte na rodzinie domniemanego mordercy, nie pozwala normalnie funkcjonować. Traumatyczne wydarzenia z przeszłości rzucają cień na wszystkie decyzje podejmowane przez główną bohaterkę. Nie potrafi ona wybaczyć, ani zapomnieć o tym co miało miejsce w jej rodzinnym domu. Dziwnym zrządzeniem losu, historia zatacza krąg i z tego samego miejsca ginie kolejne dziecko...
"Córkę mordercy" czyta się szybko i płynnie, gdyż pióro autorki charakteryzuje niezwykła plastyczność i lekkość. Nie ma tutaj miejsca na zbędne opisy przyrody, czy nic niewnoszące przydługie przeciągania fabuły. Wczytujemy się w przemyślenia Kathryn, poznajemy jej bolączki i motywacje, które nią kierują. Jest osobą kruchą, niestabilną emocjonalnie, skłonną do używek. Trudno ja polubić, lecz z pewnością wzbudzi ona wiele skrajnych uczuć - głównie współczucie i żal. Akcja jest dość dynamiczna, co jest szczególną domeną powieści z naprzemienną narracją. Autorka wodzi za nos, rzuca sporo fałszywych poszlak, wprowadza celowy zamęt. Niestety, ja zagadkę rozwiązałam relatywnie szybko , głównie za sprawą pewnego filmu, który niedawno obejrzałam.
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