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The Demand
As a parent you’d die for your children. But could you kill for them?
When her daughter’s school calls to ask why Freya hasn’t arrived that morning, Beth Lomax tries to stay calm. She’s probably at home she tells herself, or with friends.
But an hour later her phone rings again and Beth's worst fears are realised...
Freya is not at home and she's certainly not with friends.
There is one demand. One thing Beth must do to get her daughter back. But what is asked of her makes her blood run cold....
If she calls the police Freya will die.
If she does anything but carry out the demand, Freya will die.
The phone goes dead.
Beth is on her own.
She has two days... The clock is ticking...
From bestselling author M I Hattersley. The Demand is an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller.
Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Mark Edwards, K.L. Slater, Miranda Rijks, Iain Maitland and Harlan Coben
When her daughter’s school calls to ask why Freya hasn’t arrived that morning, Beth Lomax tries to stay calm. She’s probably at home she tells herself, or with friends.
But an hour later her phone rings again and Beth's worst fears are realised...
Freya is not at home and she's certainly not with friends.
There is one demand. One thing Beth must do to get her daughter back. But what is asked of her makes her blood run cold....
If she calls the police Freya will die.
If she does anything but carry out the demand, Freya will die.
The phone goes dead.
Beth is on her own.
She has two days... The clock is ticking...
From bestselling author M I Hattersley. The Demand is an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller.
Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Mark Edwards, K.L. Slater, Miranda Rijks, Iain Maitland and Harlan Coben
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2022
381 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
M.I. Hattersley
9 books57 followersM. I. Hattersley was born in Yorkshire, UK. Over the last twenty years, he’s toured Europe in a rock 'n' roll band, trained as a professional actor, and founded a theatre and media company, none of which paid particularly well. To keep the lights on, he’s also held a long list of mind-numbing day jobs. He now writes psychological and domestic thrillers, which, fortunately, let him put all that experience with strange people and tense situations to good use.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 30, 2025
Not all child abduction thrillers are created equal.
This emotionally charged, riveting, pacy domestic thriller punches well above its weight in the crowded “missing child” sub-genre.
It masterfully probes the question, ‘How far would a law-abiding working mom go to save her abducted daughter?’”
WHAT SETS THIS BOOK APART?
The author's strong characterizations and the plotline's unflinching focus on an unusual ransom demand.
No "typical" cash ransom payoffs in this book!
From start to finish, this gripping and suspense-driven thriller kept me second-guessing.
Twists were well executed and gasp-worthy.
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
There was some repetitive text in the middle of the book and a few aspects of the ending were eyerolling.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Charlotte Worthing.
Charlotte Worthing's performance was outstanding.
4.5 stars
April 2, 2022
Don't Bother !
Skimmed through most of the book. Totally boring !
Had potential though.
I guess that's why it was free 😆
Skimmed through most of the book. Totally boring !
Had potential though.
I guess that's why it was free 😆
February 6, 2023
Not an overall great read. I found it hard to get through at times. Not enough suspense for me.
July 19, 2022
Ok
I did not find this to be a thriller or gripping. Beth's daughter is kidnapped and she must meet the kidnappers demands to get her back. It wasn't a bad book but I thought it was a bit drawn out in parts and I thought it was easy to figure out who was behind it, pretty early on.
I did not find this to be a thriller or gripping. Beth's daughter is kidnapped and she must meet the kidnappers demands to get her back. It wasn't a bad book but I thought it was a bit drawn out in parts and I thought it was easy to figure out who was behind it, pretty early on.
March 20, 2023
A Very Riveting Book!
This book was filled with twists and turns, deceit, lies and a very traumatic experience suffered by mother and daughter. A good story line that kept the pages turning until the wee hours of morning to see what happened. The ending was shocking and totally unexpected. A great read!!
This book was filled with twists and turns, deceit, lies and a very traumatic experience suffered by mother and daughter. A good story line that kept the pages turning until the wee hours of morning to see what happened. The ending was shocking and totally unexpected. A great read!!
May 12, 2022
Totally Enjoyable Book
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Couldn't wait to pick up where I had left off. One of those books where the characters really pull you. I was completely distracted from everything else going on in this crazy world we are living in today!
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Couldn't wait to pick up where I had left off. One of those books where the characters really pull you. I was completely distracted from everything else going on in this crazy world we are living in today!
August 16, 2022
Ludicrous
The overall plot was ludicrous. The explanation for picking Beth was poor and unlikely - you would use a professional or someone with the same goal. Some chapters were well written, other chapters dragged and were unnecessary. There is an increase in swearing as the book progresses.
The overall plot was ludicrous. The explanation for picking Beth was poor and unlikely - you would use a professional or someone with the same goal. Some chapters were well written, other chapters dragged and were unnecessary. There is an increase in swearing as the book progresses.
April 27, 2024
I thought the ending was going to be really predictable, but I was wrong. That DEFINITELY took a twist I wasn’t expecting!!
Did notice a couple of grammatical errors though which is a tad annoying but not sure if that’s just errors from whoever transcribed it from the physical book to the kindle version. Definitely worth a read!
Did notice a couple of grammatical errors though which is a tad annoying but not sure if that’s just errors from whoever transcribed it from the physical book to the kindle version. Definitely worth a read!
May 9, 2022
A must read
This is the first book.I have read by this author but certainly won't be the last. The story was great anyway but the way ideas told made it even better. Kept the tension going Thoroughly enjoyed it and absolutely recommend
This is the first book.I have read by this author but certainly won't be the last. The story was great anyway but the way ideas told made it even better. Kept the tension going Thoroughly enjoyed it and absolutely recommend
May 21, 2022
Taut and exciting psychological thriller
When Beth's daughter Freya is kidnapped the demands for her release are unthinkable. If Beth does not commit murder, her daughter will be killed. The tension builds to it's crescendo finish in this mesmerising thriller.
When Beth's daughter Freya is kidnapped the demands for her release are unthinkable. If Beth does not commit murder, her daughter will be killed. The tension builds to it's crescendo finish in this mesmerising thriller.
May 23, 2022
One phonecall that can change your life 'we have your daughter. To get her back alive we just need you to kill someone'. Can Beth actually do this or can she turn the tables to her advantage? This book is so full of twists and turns and an ending that will surprise you.
June 16, 2022
we’ll written
Intriguing and nonstop thrills. Love Hattersley’s style. Kept me guessing then quizzing my guess the whole read. Never thought it would be the character written as the “bad guy”
Intriguing and nonstop thrills. Love Hattersley’s style. Kept me guessing then quizzing my guess the whole read. Never thought it would be the character written as the “bad guy”
June 22, 2022
Good mother daughter read
Easy read that was more thriller than psychological thriller. Clever plot with a fairly predictable ending. No major twists that are expected in this genera.
Easy read that was more thriller than psychological thriller. Clever plot with a fairly predictable ending. No major twists that are expected in this genera.
March 26, 2023
Well that was a very safe, straightforward story with a small but very predictable twist towards the very end of the book.
Nothing exciting or gripping about it. Lots of unrealistic situations and scenarios in this book, a little silly really. Glad it’s over.
Nothing exciting or gripping about it. Lots of unrealistic situations and scenarios in this book, a little silly really. Glad it’s over.
July 8, 2023
Very generous 2 stars ! ! !
Before starting this I though the plot sounded interesting, wrong ! ! !
Probably one if the most bizarre storys I have ever read but I have given it 2 stars because I ploughed through it
Before starting this I though the plot sounded interesting, wrong ! ! !
Probably one if the most bizarre storys I have ever read but I have given it 2 stars because I ploughed through it
April 22, 2022
The Demand, a thriller
Could hardly put this one down. A kidnapping, a planned murder, so much in this story to love! I’m so glad I found this author.
Could hardly put this one down. A kidnapping, a planned murder, so much in this story to love! I’m so glad I found this author.
May 11, 2022
Page turner
Great book, read it all in one day, couldn't put it down. Nice twist at the end. I would recommend and look forward to reading more great work from this author.
Great book, read it all in one day, couldn't put it down. Nice twist at the end. I would recommend and look forward to reading more great work from this author.
May 16, 2022
Excellent
This is an excellent book. A gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. A real page turner!
This is an excellent book. A gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. A real page turner!
August 7, 2022
A demand as made of you to save your daughter could you carry it out?
August 21, 2022
What an fast paced, twisted thriller. The plot was enthralling and very unique.I loved every single page. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
September 25, 2022
Great book!
Enjoyed every minute of it. Very suspenseful and kept my interest from the very beginning. Plot was different from most books I have read recently.
Enjoyed every minute of it. Very suspenseful and kept my interest from the very beginning. Plot was different from most books I have read recently.
October 2, 2022
A divorced single mum, with a teenage daughter. Daughter gets kidnapped why? They’re not a famous family. Would you murder to get your child back? Enjoyed it!
December 13, 2022
Suspense
Kept in suspense throughout the book.
Fast moving story Some characters are not what they appear to be.
Recommended read
Kept in suspense throughout the book.
Fast moving story Some characters are not what they appear to be.
Recommended read
November 27, 2023
Weak story line. A lot of works for not a lot. Disappointed.
February 22, 2024
Perfect ending
Never to disappoint, this author has it going on. Some really excellent twists and turns, literally. Very satisfying in more than one way.
Never to disappoint, this author has it going on. Some really excellent twists and turns, literally. Very satisfying in more than one way.
July 19, 2022
Great beach read. Reminded me a lot of Taken, but with an everyday person.
March 21, 2023
Bit drawn out and predictable
March 20, 2022
Was sent an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Beth, a single parent, who struggles through the daily grind of a demanding job and an equally demanding home life as the mother to a teenage girl Freya, a situation arises and suddenly she is left battling her conscience when she is asked to do the unthinkable.
Brilliantly written, this psychological thriller is full of twists and turns, that will literally have you on the edge of your seat cheering Beth on as she struggles to complete "The Demand".
This is the story of Beth, a single parent, who struggles through the daily grind of a demanding job and an equally demanding home life as the mother to a teenage girl Freya, a situation arises and suddenly she is left battling her conscience when she is asked to do the unthinkable.
Brilliantly written, this psychological thriller is full of twists and turns, that will literally have you on the edge of your seat cheering Beth on as she struggles to complete "The Demand".
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews