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My Darling Daughter
The child you never knew
knows all your secrets . . .
Out of the blue, Susie Jones is contacted on social media by Anna, the girl she gave up for adoption fifteen years ago.
But when they meet, Anna's home life sounds distinctly strange to Susie and her husband Gabe. And when Anna's adoptive parents seem to overreact to the fact she contacted them at all, Susie becomes convinced that Anna needs her help.
But is Anna's own behaviour simply what you'd expect from someone recovering from a traumatic childhood? Or are there other secrets at play here - secrets Susie has also been hiding for the last fifteen years?
knows all your secrets . . .
Out of the blue, Susie Jones is contacted on social media by Anna, the girl she gave up for adoption fifteen years ago.
But when they meet, Anna's home life sounds distinctly strange to Susie and her husband Gabe. And when Anna's adoptive parents seem to overreact to the fact she contacted them at all, Susie becomes convinced that Anna needs her help.
But is Anna's own behaviour simply what you'd expect from someone recovering from a traumatic childhood? Or are there other secrets at play here - secrets Susie has also been hiding for the last fifteen years?
388 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2022
211 people are currently reading
6114 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Delaney
12 books5,312 followersJ. P. Delaney is the pseudonym of a writer who has previously published best-selling fiction under another name.
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November 1, 2022
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This is my third book by this author and I shouldn't be surprised that I liked it so much. My first read was Playing Nice and the second one I read was Believe Me and both were five-star reads for me. And oh boy was this one something else! I literally could not put it down.
There was just something about this family drama that had me glued to the pages, it was like a car crash you can't help but slow down and take a look at. The concept is nothing new; long lost daughter, given up for adoption, shows up unexpectedly. But this isn't your typical family reunited plot. This daughter knows her biological mother's secret and has a dastardly plan to use it to get what she wants.
I wouldn't put this book in the typical psychological thriller category and even though it is more of a domestic drama it did deliver the thrills. It was a bit over the top but in the best way possible and it has a lot of entertainment value. The chapters are short so it amps up the adrenaline and the multiple points of view give the reader a well-rounded look inside the three main characters' heads. The subject matter makes for a complex and emotional read, a very tense one at that. I have one more book by this author to acquire and add to my growing to-be-read pile.
This is my third book by this author and I shouldn't be surprised that I liked it so much. My first read was Playing Nice and the second one I read was Believe Me and both were five-star reads for me. And oh boy was this one something else! I literally could not put it down.
There was just something about this family drama that had me glued to the pages, it was like a car crash you can't help but slow down and take a look at. The concept is nothing new; long lost daughter, given up for adoption, shows up unexpectedly. But this isn't your typical family reunited plot. This daughter knows her biological mother's secret and has a dastardly plan to use it to get what she wants.
I wouldn't put this book in the typical psychological thriller category and even though it is more of a domestic drama it did deliver the thrills. It was a bit over the top but in the best way possible and it has a lot of entertainment value. The chapters are short so it amps up the adrenaline and the multiple points of view give the reader a well-rounded look inside the three main characters' heads. The subject matter makes for a complex and emotional read, a very tense one at that. I have one more book by this author to acquire and add to my growing to-be-read pile.
December 4, 2022
With the exception of “The Girl Before” (the Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Mystery and Thriller in 2017 which was NOT a winner for me) J.P. Delaney has delivered mostly 4 and 5 star books.
So, when I saw that the author had published a new book, NOT available in the U.S., I purchased a copy from my favorite book outlet-“The Book Depository”!
This one falls into the domestic drama category, and unfortunately, it’s likability factor was more in line with “The Girl Before” for me.
Fifteen years ago, Susie Jukes gave up a baby for adoption, but she has turned her life around from those darker times, and she now has an “up and coming” music career, and a stable and happy marriage with Gabe.
Unfortunately, they have suffered a few miscarriages, and she wonders if the only baby she will successfully carry to term, would be Sky, the baby she relinquished.
When Sky contacts Susie, finding her on social media with the information she has from her “for later on” letter, which explains the reasons why her birth mother had to give her up-and makes claims that her adoptive home is not a happy one, and could even be dangerous-Susie feels compelled to act.
Sky, now called Anna, preys upon Susie’s guilt-but is she genuinely interested in a relationship with her-or could there be an ulterior motive at play?
The story unfolds through the alternating POV’s of Susie, Gabe and Anna/Sky and starts out well as the quick chapters propel the story along-
BUT-about halfway through the book, the story became both tedious and over the top, and I lost interest rapidly.
I do appreciate that the author IS trying to educate us on some very REAL issues that both adoptive parents and adoptive children face-but this fictional account which sheds light on many of them (maybe too many of them?) missed the mark for me.
2.5 stars rounded up.
AVAILABLE NOW in the U.K.
So, when I saw that the author had published a new book, NOT available in the U.S., I purchased a copy from my favorite book outlet-“The Book Depository”!
This one falls into the domestic drama category, and unfortunately, it’s likability factor was more in line with “The Girl Before” for me.
Fifteen years ago, Susie Jukes gave up a baby for adoption, but she has turned her life around from those darker times, and she now has an “up and coming” music career, and a stable and happy marriage with Gabe.
Unfortunately, they have suffered a few miscarriages, and she wonders if the only baby she will successfully carry to term, would be Sky, the baby she relinquished.
When Sky contacts Susie, finding her on social media with the information she has from her “for later on” letter, which explains the reasons why her birth mother had to give her up-and makes claims that her adoptive home is not a happy one, and could even be dangerous-Susie feels compelled to act.
Sky, now called Anna, preys upon Susie’s guilt-but is she genuinely interested in a relationship with her-or could there be an ulterior motive at play?
The story unfolds through the alternating POV’s of Susie, Gabe and Anna/Sky and starts out well as the quick chapters propel the story along-
BUT-about halfway through the book, the story became both tedious and over the top, and I lost interest rapidly.
I do appreciate that the author IS trying to educate us on some very REAL issues that both adoptive parents and adoptive children face-but this fictional account which sheds light on many of them (maybe too many of them?) missed the mark for me.
2.5 stars rounded up.
AVAILABLE NOW in the U.K.
December 3, 2022
Short list of things that pivot:
1. Ballerinas
2. Pivot Tables
3. J.P. Delaney...but not in the way you might expect...
In her younger years, Susie Jukes gave up a child for adoption...a young girl she called Sky. She wasn't ready at the time to be a mother, but always wondered what happened to her baby. Susie has a successful music career now alongside fellow musician and husband Gabe, and is STUNNED when out of the blue, Sky (who her adoptive parents call Anna) reaches out to her with a simple question: "Could we perhaps meet? I believe you may be my birth mother."
Susie has been going through fertility struggles in recent years and jumps at the chance to get to know her daughter. But Anna doesn't have the happiest of stories to tell...and what Susie and Gabe learn about life at her adoptive parents' home is incredibly disconcerting. They feel compelled to extricate Anna/Sky from this mess and give her a happy home. But has Sky been telling the truth? And does the secret tidbit she knows about SUSIE'S past have a part to play?
I used to be one of J.P. Delaney's biggest fans, and COULD NOT put down any of his books once I'd started them. In Believe Me and The Perfect Wife in particular, the twists were fast and furious and the characters were so devious, interesting, and compelling. I just couldn't get enough of his particular brand of 'twist over and over until the rails come off' writing.
...And then something changed.
With his last, Playing Nice, I almost wouldn't classify the book as a psychological thriller at all, but rather a bit of social commentary on the medical system, legal system etc. (I go into this more in my Playing Nice review: here.) I figured this was more of a one-off, where he had an intriguing idea and was more interested in exploring an interesting 'what-if' scenario rather than writing a twisty and exciting thriller.
But this apparently, was instead...the Pivot.
This book not only reminded me in tone of his last book, but had a very similar vibe to it...basically, a SOMEwhat twisted family drama...with heavy emphasis on 'what if this happened to YOUR family'. There's nothing wrong with this in theory, and several other authors have written compelling stories that fit this mold, if you will. I guess what is mind-boggling to me with Delaney is that he was so GOOD at writing the other type of story that I'm not really why he made such a dramatic shift in subject matter and feel.
I honestly just miss the type of books he used to write, and while this story wasn't awful, it was far from compelling. I actually read this over the course of about two months (!) and didn't even realize it had taken me that long to finish. There are a few twists along the way, but they're sort of mild when you compare it to Delaney's previous work, and all the potential to sort of slide back into more exciting territory was abandoned along the way. To cap it all off, this book had sort of a Hallmark-y ending (!) which is the LAST thing I'd expect to see from Delaney, and just left me sort of baffled.
While I appreciate Delaney's creativity and exploration of some interesting and sometimes harmful policies in place in terms of adoption, different therapies, etc., I can't help reminiscing about the simpler days...when his books would leave my head SPINNING rather than my heart yearning for that LITTLE something more.
3.5 stars
1. Ballerinas
2. Pivot Tables
3. J.P. Delaney...but not in the way you might expect...
In her younger years, Susie Jukes gave up a child for adoption...a young girl she called Sky. She wasn't ready at the time to be a mother, but always wondered what happened to her baby. Susie has a successful music career now alongside fellow musician and husband Gabe, and is STUNNED when out of the blue, Sky (who her adoptive parents call Anna) reaches out to her with a simple question: "Could we perhaps meet? I believe you may be my birth mother."
Susie has been going through fertility struggles in recent years and jumps at the chance to get to know her daughter. But Anna doesn't have the happiest of stories to tell...and what Susie and Gabe learn about life at her adoptive parents' home is incredibly disconcerting. They feel compelled to extricate Anna/Sky from this mess and give her a happy home. But has Sky been telling the truth? And does the secret tidbit she knows about SUSIE'S past have a part to play?
I used to be one of J.P. Delaney's biggest fans, and COULD NOT put down any of his books once I'd started them. In Believe Me and The Perfect Wife in particular, the twists were fast and furious and the characters were so devious, interesting, and compelling. I just couldn't get enough of his particular brand of 'twist over and over until the rails come off' writing.
...And then something changed.
With his last, Playing Nice, I almost wouldn't classify the book as a psychological thriller at all, but rather a bit of social commentary on the medical system, legal system etc. (I go into this more in my Playing Nice review: here.) I figured this was more of a one-off, where he had an intriguing idea and was more interested in exploring an interesting 'what-if' scenario rather than writing a twisty and exciting thriller.
But this apparently, was instead...the Pivot.
This book not only reminded me in tone of his last book, but had a very similar vibe to it...basically, a SOMEwhat twisted family drama...with heavy emphasis on 'what if this happened to YOUR family'. There's nothing wrong with this in theory, and several other authors have written compelling stories that fit this mold, if you will. I guess what is mind-boggling to me with Delaney is that he was so GOOD at writing the other type of story that I'm not really why he made such a dramatic shift in subject matter and feel.
I honestly just miss the type of books he used to write, and while this story wasn't awful, it was far from compelling. I actually read this over the course of about two months (!) and didn't even realize it had taken me that long to finish. There are a few twists along the way, but they're sort of mild when you compare it to Delaney's previous work, and all the potential to sort of slide back into more exciting territory was abandoned along the way. To cap it all off, this book had sort of a Hallmark-y ending (!) which is the LAST thing I'd expect to see from Delaney, and just left me sort of baffled.
While I appreciate Delaney's creativity and exploration of some interesting and sometimes harmful policies in place in terms of adoption, different therapies, etc., I can't help reminiscing about the simpler days...when his books would leave my head SPINNING rather than my heart yearning for that LITTLE something more.
3.5 stars
July 29, 2022
4 stars
Singer Susie Jukes gets a social media message from a 15-year-old girl who believes she may be her mother and the P.S. breaks her heart as the teenager says she is desperately unhappy. Could this be Sky, now called Anna, who’s Susie gave up for adoption? They meet, Susie hears Anna’s story but there’s always two sides and as we know some teenagers… fill in as you see fit!
This is an enjoyable, easy read, the pace is quick and there are some surprising twists or three. The story is told from several points of view which flows and is done very well especially Susie and her husband Gabe’s turmoil and their multitude of emotions which comes across very strongly.You feel as if you are with them, almost a fly on a wall. Anna‘s perspective is very illuminating and that’s all I’ll say! The characterisation is very good but at times I do want to yell at them despite their very good intentions!
This is a well researched novel, I like the psychology and legal sections as they make the whole thing feel very authentic. As the storyline builds I think some situations may be a tad unlikely, possibly even implausible but it does make for darn good fiction and that at the end of the day is what we as readers are after.
Overall, theme is a difficult and sensitive one but I think JP Delaney handles it very well and gives you food for thought.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Singer Susie Jukes gets a social media message from a 15-year-old girl who believes she may be her mother and the P.S. breaks her heart as the teenager says she is desperately unhappy. Could this be Sky, now called Anna, who’s Susie gave up for adoption? They meet, Susie hears Anna’s story but there’s always two sides and as we know some teenagers… fill in as you see fit!
This is an enjoyable, easy read, the pace is quick and there are some surprising twists or three. The story is told from several points of view which flows and is done very well especially Susie and her husband Gabe’s turmoil and their multitude of emotions which comes across very strongly.You feel as if you are with them, almost a fly on a wall. Anna‘s perspective is very illuminating and that’s all I’ll say! The characterisation is very good but at times I do want to yell at them despite their very good intentions!
This is a well researched novel, I like the psychology and legal sections as they make the whole thing feel very authentic. As the storyline builds I think some situations may be a tad unlikely, possibly even implausible but it does make for darn good fiction and that at the end of the day is what we as readers are after.
Overall, theme is a difficult and sensitive one but I think JP Delaney handles it very well and gives you food for thought.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 29, 2022
An okay read, but there was nothing about it to make it stand out from the rest.
Fifteen years ago, Susie Jukes made the difficult choice to give her newborn daughter up for adoption.
Now thirty-five, Susie is happily married to Gabe, living in a beautiful farmhouse, with a successful singing career. The only blight on her horizon is that Susie has been unable to have another child. So, when the teenager she gave up – Anna Mulcahy – contacts her out of the blue, Susie is elated, determined to get to know her biological daughter. From Anna’s descriptions, her home life sounds less than ideal, and after meeting them and noticing several red flags, Susie begins to wonder whether Anna would be better off with her and Gabe. But, is Anna being entirely truthful?
My Darling Daughter was a quick, easy read, utilising short chapters, and three alternating POV’s – Gabe, Susie, Anna – therefore required little concentration. So, if you’re pushed for time it’s light, entertaining domestic noir, that’s not to be taken too seriously. I thought all the character’s were particularly unlikeable, meaning I wasn’t really emotionally invested – Susie and Gabe were super naïve and trusting and sure did make some poor decisions – so I was all about just how out of control things were going to get.
They were some good twists, although a lot were pretty OTT. I enjoyed the first half more, as the second half was somewhat unbelievable. There was a family dog, and I’m happy to report he was not harmed during this novel, to spare you worrying. My Darling Daughter did touch on some serious issues regarding teenage angst, abuse of power, toxic masculinity, fertility issues, and mental illness, but the content wasn’t explicit, and was handled sensitively.
I did think the novel suffered from too much telling, and not enough showing. There was a lot of info dump and over explaining, and it slowed the plot down. An average read, but definitely not my favourite by J.P. Delaney.
I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Quercus Books, and J.P Delaney for the e-ARC.
Publication Date: 15th September, 2022.
Fifteen years ago, Susie Jukes made the difficult choice to give her newborn daughter up for adoption.
Now thirty-five, Susie is happily married to Gabe, living in a beautiful farmhouse, with a successful singing career. The only blight on her horizon is that Susie has been unable to have another child. So, when the teenager she gave up – Anna Mulcahy – contacts her out of the blue, Susie is elated, determined to get to know her biological daughter. From Anna’s descriptions, her home life sounds less than ideal, and after meeting them and noticing several red flags, Susie begins to wonder whether Anna would be better off with her and Gabe. But, is Anna being entirely truthful?
My Darling Daughter was a quick, easy read, utilising short chapters, and three alternating POV’s – Gabe, Susie, Anna – therefore required little concentration. So, if you’re pushed for time it’s light, entertaining domestic noir, that’s not to be taken too seriously. I thought all the character’s were particularly unlikeable, meaning I wasn’t really emotionally invested – Susie and Gabe were super naïve and trusting and sure did make some poor decisions – so I was all about just how out of control things were going to get.
They were some good twists, although a lot were pretty OTT. I enjoyed the first half more, as the second half was somewhat unbelievable. There was a family dog, and I’m happy to report he was not harmed during this novel, to spare you worrying. My Darling Daughter did touch on some serious issues regarding teenage angst, abuse of power, toxic masculinity, fertility issues, and mental illness, but the content wasn’t explicit, and was handled sensitively.
I did think the novel suffered from too much telling, and not enough showing. There was a lot of info dump and over explaining, and it slowed the plot down. An average read, but definitely not my favourite by J.P. Delaney.
I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Quercus Books, and J.P Delaney for the e-ARC.
Publication Date: 15th September, 2022.
February 27, 2023
First time I'm disappointed in one of Delaney's books... It wasn't bad, but that's all it was: not bad. Nothing more. It didn't go in a direction I was expecting and I just didn't really enjoy the plot. At least, it was a fast read and the writing flowed easily!
Playing Nice: 5🌟
Believe Me: 4.5🌟
The Perfect Wife: 4.5🌟
The Girl Before: 4🌟
Playing Nice: 5🌟
Believe Me: 4.5🌟
The Perfect Wife: 4.5🌟
The Girl Before: 4🌟
October 4, 2022
Well this book covered so much in a short time. It was more than the synopsis gave. We get to know Susie who gave up her daughter for adoption and the consequences that now haunt her and husband Gabe. 15 year old Anna is having trouble at her adoptive home and contacts Susie for help.
Delaney's writing really captured these characters. They are all so different and at times can feel the emotions right off the pages. With some difficult topics it still makes for a very twisted entertaining story. You get real feelings of sympathy for adoptive children and especially when it doesn't work out like its meant to. I did get a little frustrated that a 15 year old can be so conniving and get away with things.
A new author to me, and one that I will be checking out for other reads.
Thank you Netgalley and Quercus Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Delaney's writing really captured these characters. They are all so different and at times can feel the emotions right off the pages. With some difficult topics it still makes for a very twisted entertaining story. You get real feelings of sympathy for adoptive children and especially when it doesn't work out like its meant to. I did get a little frustrated that a 15 year old can be so conniving and get away with things.
A new author to me, and one that I will be checking out for other reads.
Thank you Netgalley and Quercus Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
August 26, 2022
Another absolutely gripping story from a trusted author. JP Delaney books never fail to shock and My Darling Daughter was no exception. This is a book that you could easily power through in one sitting, with short, punchy chapters from each of the main characters points of view. It is dark and very unsettling, in a story that shows you that things are not always as they seem.
Susie Jukes is a successful singer and happily married to Gabe, a former boy band member and now songwriter. They are trying to have a baby, but have suffered multiple miscarriages. When Susie gets a message through social media from a girl claiming to be her daughter, a daughter she gave up for adoption 15 years earlier, they know they have to reach out to her. It soon becomes clear that the girls life with her adoptive family is not a happy one, and Susie and Gabe offer to help in any way that they can. This is the start of the a roller coaster of events that will change all of their lives forever.
You will never quite know where this one if going to go next. Actions of these characters will have serious consequences in more ways than one. It is a twisty and suspenseful read and ai throughly enjoyed it,
Thanks so much to Quercus Books for my advanced copy of this book to read. I will pick up anything that this author puts out, always a fantastic read. My Darling Daughter publishes on September 15th.
Susie Jukes is a successful singer and happily married to Gabe, a former boy band member and now songwriter. They are trying to have a baby, but have suffered multiple miscarriages. When Susie gets a message through social media from a girl claiming to be her daughter, a daughter she gave up for adoption 15 years earlier, they know they have to reach out to her. It soon becomes clear that the girls life with her adoptive family is not a happy one, and Susie and Gabe offer to help in any way that they can. This is the start of the a roller coaster of events that will change all of their lives forever.
You will never quite know where this one if going to go next. Actions of these characters will have serious consequences in more ways than one. It is a twisty and suspenseful read and ai throughly enjoyed it,
Thanks so much to Quercus Books for my advanced copy of this book to read. I will pick up anything that this author puts out, always a fantastic read. My Darling Daughter publishes on September 15th.
September 6, 2022
Rating ⭐⭐.5
~ Quick Summary ~
Susie is contacted by Anna, her daughter that she gave up for adoption 15 years ago and welcomes her with open arms, wanting to protect her from her adoptive parents. But is Anna telling the truth?
~ Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind the following ~
👪 Family drama
🏃♀️ A side of mystery and psychological thriller
🎶 Music scene, Susie and her husband Gabe are musicians
📚 The Push (darker and more complex characters) and The Last Thing He Told me (relationship development between mother and daughter)
~ What I Enjoyed ~
There was some mystery and reveals sprinkled throughout, I just wish there was more!
~ What I didn’t enjoy ~
This was a forgettable read, it felt very long and I skimmed a lot. This felt more of a family drama with sprinkles of mystery and traces of thriller and suspense. I was hoping for something with more twists. Although the characters had backstories and issues, I never felt too attached to any of them and once we learned all about Anna/Sky I wasn’t that interested in her anymore.
Since this is told from all three perspectives, I know what everyone is thinking and therefore there weren’t any surprises. There was a bit of mystery at the start where we don’t know what Skye’s/Anna’s motives really are but that was quickly revealed.
The last third or so of the book took a slightly weird and unexpected turn. Suddenly the book has a bit more action in it but it seemed a bit out of place considering it felt more like a family drama before.
Thanks to Quercus Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
~ Quick Summary ~
Susie is contacted by Anna, her daughter that she gave up for adoption 15 years ago and welcomes her with open arms, wanting to protect her from her adoptive parents. But is Anna telling the truth?
~ Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind the following ~
👪 Family drama
🏃♀️ A side of mystery and psychological thriller
🎶 Music scene, Susie and her husband Gabe are musicians
📚 The Push (darker and more complex characters) and The Last Thing He Told me (relationship development between mother and daughter)
~ What I Enjoyed ~
There was some mystery and reveals sprinkled throughout, I just wish there was more!
~ What I didn’t enjoy ~
This was a forgettable read, it felt very long and I skimmed a lot. This felt more of a family drama with sprinkles of mystery and traces of thriller and suspense. I was hoping for something with more twists. Although the characters had backstories and issues, I never felt too attached to any of them and once we learned all about Anna/Sky I wasn’t that interested in her anymore.
Since this is told from all three perspectives, I know what everyone is thinking and therefore there weren’t any surprises. There was a bit of mystery at the start where we don’t know what Skye’s/Anna’s motives really are but that was quickly revealed.
The last third or so of the book took a slightly weird and unexpected turn. Suddenly the book has a bit more action in it but it seemed a bit out of place considering it felt more like a family drama before.
Thanks to Quercus Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
June 15, 2022
Susie Jukes is contacted on social media by Anna, the girl she gave up for adoption fifteen years ago. They agree to meet up along along with Susie’s husband Gabe and it soon becomes apparent to her that Anna needs help. Anna paints a picture of he adoptive parents that worries Susie, so much that she decides to contact them. They are very dismissive of her advances to help which leaves Susie even more concerned.
Anna is not all she first seems and it is not long before trouble is on the menu with talk of abuse, deception, lies and accusations. The relationship is not going to prove all Susie hoped it would be.
Some interesting characters in this story and a lot of difficult topics are tackled throughout. Overall I did enjoy it but maybe not quite as much as other books by this author.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Anna is not all she first seems and it is not long before trouble is on the menu with talk of abuse, deception, lies and accusations. The relationship is not going to prove all Susie hoped it would be.
Some interesting characters in this story and a lot of difficult topics are tackled throughout. Overall I did enjoy it but maybe not quite as much as other books by this author.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2022
As typical of J P Delaney’s stories, this psychological thriller, My Darling Daughter is a tense and at times disconcerting read. Susie and her husband Gabe work in the music industry and have everything they want apart from a child. Then the daughter given up for adoption over a decade ago by Susie, makes contact endangering the buried secrets of her past. So begins a series of events causing mayhem in their lives, threatening their marriage and creating multiple legal threats. As their dark secrets become public, the tension and stakes become more dangerous. With its rising tension and surprises, this domestic noir makes for a four star rating. With thanks to Quercus Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
September 26, 2022
This was an intense novel about a complicated mother-daughter relationship. Delaney managed to describe the challenge Susie and Gabriel faced when Anna’s behavior escalated. The guilt Susie felt for not being able to care for her child felt real and I could relate to it even if I haven’t been near such a dilemma myself. There was plenty of suspense as things got worse, almost as if knew there is someone outside my door who will break in and you know something bad will happen.
September 13, 2022
Thank you Hatchette Australia for sending me a copy of this book.
This is a newly discovered author for me. I cant wait to read his backlist if this is anything to go by.
It was refreshing to see a different plot from what I have read before. The story was believable I could see it happening in today's society.
It is told by 3 main characters - Susie, Gabe and Anna. It has short fast chapters that will have you turning the pages . I felt a connection with the characters wanting to see how it was going to be played out. I felt it handled some very sensitive subjects very well.
Highly recommend.
This is a newly discovered author for me. I cant wait to read his backlist if this is anything to go by.
It was refreshing to see a different plot from what I have read before. The story was believable I could see it happening in today's society.
It is told by 3 main characters - Susie, Gabe and Anna. It has short fast chapters that will have you turning the pages . I felt a connection with the characters wanting to see how it was going to be played out. I felt it handled some very sensitive subjects very well.
Highly recommend.
October 1, 2022
I have never seen people make such a series of dumb decisions.
August 17, 2022
When Susie receives a message from a teenager saying she is the baby that was given up for adoption Susie is overjoyed to meet her daughter.
This encounter will have far reaching consequences for Susie and her family that she couldn’t have imagined.
I enjoyed this book and was engaged in the story from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This encounter will have far reaching consequences for Susie and her family that she couldn’t have imagined.
I enjoyed this book and was engaged in the story from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
Intensiver und außergewöhnlicher Thriller.....nichts für schwache Nerven...!
Susie gab als junge Frau ihre Tochter zur Adoption frei.....jetzt ist sie glücklich verheiratet, eine erfolgreiche Sängerin....und versucht erfolglos schwanger zu werden.
Doch plötzlich bekommt sie über Social Media eine Nachricht.....von ihrer 15jährigen, leiblichen Tochter....
Intensiv, spannend und wirklich tief angelegt....!
Absolut lesenswert!
Susie gab als junge Frau ihre Tochter zur Adoption frei.....jetzt ist sie glücklich verheiratet, eine erfolgreiche Sängerin....und versucht erfolglos schwanger zu werden.
Doch plötzlich bekommt sie über Social Media eine Nachricht.....von ihrer 15jährigen, leiblichen Tochter....
Intensiv, spannend und wirklich tief angelegt....!
Absolut lesenswert!
August 15, 2023
Nope. Nada... ich muss mir nicht anhören wie ein Mann über sexuellen Missbrauch mit Minderjährigen schreibt, die am Ende für den Täter keine Konsequenzen haben.
Ich fang mal damit an, dass der Schreibstil sehr schön ist und sich das Buch trotz der ganzen anderen Schwächen dadurch schnell lesen lässt. Trotzdem haben sich die 382 Seiten sehr gezogen und das lag an folgenden Sachen:
1. keine Spannung
Was anfänglich wie ein Thriller klingt, entwickelt sich eher zu einem Familiendrama, welches nur so vor sich hin dümpelt. Es gab keine Spannung und unterhalten wurde ich auch nicht wirklich. Das habe ich schon beim letzten Buch von ihm kritisiert, da es dort auch eher eine Familiengeschichte war und kein Thriller, aber dort gab es wenigstens noch ein bisschen Spannung.
2. Rollenklischees vom feinsten
Die zwei Hauptcharaktere Anna und Gabe sind auf Klischees aufgebaut. Anna bekommt nichts richtig auf die Reihe, wird schnell hysterisch und ihre Entscheidungen muss sie immer von Gabe validieren lassen. Gabe hingegen ist der rationale Typ, er denkt zuerst nach bevor er handelt und ist natürlich der starke Mann, dessen Entscheidungen und Meinungen mehr Gewicht haben als die von Anna. Ich fand es ganz schrecklich aus der Sicht von Anna zu lesen, weil es einfach nicht gut geschrieben wurde.
3. Missbrauch an Minderjährigen ohne Konsequenzen
Da ist mir am Ende fast die Kinnlade runtergefallen. Und Achtung ich spoilere hiermit das Ende vom Buch und die ganze Handlung, aber am Ende kommt halt raus, dass Gabe sich in seiner Vergangenheit an Minderjährigen vergriffen hat. Die einzige Konsequenz ist ein medialer Shitstorm, aber so wird alles mit dem Rock n Roll Lifestyle kommentiert und das er es damals nicht wusste... ja ne ist klar. Tut mir leid aber sowas geht gar nicht.
Fazit
Mir hat das Buch einfach so gar nicht gefallen und ich glaube ich werde auch nichts mehr von diesem Autor lesen. Ich kann dem Buch nur einen Stern geben und frage mich wie so etwas durch gewunken werden konnte...
Bis bald ihr Bücherdrachen
eure Vici
Hiermit kennzeichne ich diesen Beitrag als Werbung, da es sich um ein Rezensionsexemplar handelt.
Ich fang mal damit an, dass der Schreibstil sehr schön ist und sich das Buch trotz der ganzen anderen Schwächen dadurch schnell lesen lässt. Trotzdem haben sich die 382 Seiten sehr gezogen und das lag an folgenden Sachen:
1. keine Spannung
Was anfänglich wie ein Thriller klingt, entwickelt sich eher zu einem Familiendrama, welches nur so vor sich hin dümpelt. Es gab keine Spannung und unterhalten wurde ich auch nicht wirklich. Das habe ich schon beim letzten Buch von ihm kritisiert, da es dort auch eher eine Familiengeschichte war und kein Thriller, aber dort gab es wenigstens noch ein bisschen Spannung.
2. Rollenklischees vom feinsten
Die zwei Hauptcharaktere Anna und Gabe sind auf Klischees aufgebaut. Anna bekommt nichts richtig auf die Reihe, wird schnell hysterisch und ihre Entscheidungen muss sie immer von Gabe validieren lassen. Gabe hingegen ist der rationale Typ, er denkt zuerst nach bevor er handelt und ist natürlich der starke Mann, dessen Entscheidungen und Meinungen mehr Gewicht haben als die von Anna. Ich fand es ganz schrecklich aus der Sicht von Anna zu lesen, weil es einfach nicht gut geschrieben wurde.
3. Missbrauch an Minderjährigen ohne Konsequenzen
Da ist mir am Ende fast die Kinnlade runtergefallen. Und Achtung ich spoilere hiermit das Ende vom Buch und die ganze Handlung, aber am Ende kommt halt raus, dass Gabe sich in seiner Vergangenheit an Minderjährigen vergriffen hat. Die einzige Konsequenz ist ein medialer Shitstorm, aber so wird alles mit dem Rock n Roll Lifestyle kommentiert und das er es damals nicht wusste... ja ne ist klar. Tut mir leid aber sowas geht gar nicht.
Fazit
Mir hat das Buch einfach so gar nicht gefallen und ich glaube ich werde auch nichts mehr von diesem Autor lesen. Ich kann dem Buch nur einen Stern geben und frage mich wie so etwas durch gewunken werden konnte...
Bis bald ihr Bücherdrachen
eure Vici
Hiermit kennzeichne ich diesen Beitrag als Werbung, da es sich um ein Rezensionsexemplar handelt.
July 9, 2022
One day, completely out of the blue, Susie is contacted on social media, by the daughter she gave up for adoption 15 years ago. Anna's adoptive parents sound quite strict but Susie and her husband Gabe don't want to overstep. As the story goes on, we see that each of them have other secrets hidden and the twists gradually unfold.
This was a fast paced read with some good twists. There were some legal points included and I found some parts repetitive. That said, I enjoyed it being written in different perspectives and that kept me turning the pages. Delaney is a master at portraying dysfunctional relationships and this one will keep you guessing. Another engaging read by the author.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this gifted review copy.
This was a fast paced read with some good twists. There were some legal points included and I found some parts repetitive. That said, I enjoyed it being written in different perspectives and that kept me turning the pages. Delaney is a master at portraying dysfunctional relationships and this one will keep you guessing. Another engaging read by the author.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this gifted review copy.
September 30, 2023
✨ "The lies we tell ourselves, so we can go on lying to others."
I was super excited to read this because J.P. Delaney is one of my favourite authors but damn... this was not good.
Don't get me wrong. It was a fast, breezy and entertaining read that I didn't want to put down. I enjoyed the mixed storytelling formats of prose and letters etc. It's definitely a book that's easy to binge but the pay-off was so unsatisfying and I have several issues with it:
1. Not only was Susie unlikeable, she makes questionable and ridiculous decisions. I tried to put myself in her position but could not summon any sympathy or empathy.
2. Some topics have no business being used in thrillers, especially if you are not going to handle them well. There were a few heavy subjects that felt glossed over here instead of being looked into the way they deserve to be. I would rather the author not mention them at all.
3. The ending sucked. I hated Anna and wanted her to just gtfo.
My Darling Daughter is my 5th novel by the author and also my least favourite so far. Bring back the J.P. Delaney that we know and love!
✨ "Sometimes it's easier to talk about your feelings with someone you don't have feelings for, because you don't risk being judged by them. But sometimes it's a risk we have to take."
I was super excited to read this because J.P. Delaney is one of my favourite authors but damn... this was not good.
Don't get me wrong. It was a fast, breezy and entertaining read that I didn't want to put down. I enjoyed the mixed storytelling formats of prose and letters etc. It's definitely a book that's easy to binge but the pay-off was so unsatisfying and I have several issues with it:
1. Not only was Susie unlikeable, she makes questionable and ridiculous decisions. I tried to put myself in her position but could not summon any sympathy or empathy.
2. Some topics have no business being used in thrillers, especially if you are not going to handle them well. There were a few heavy subjects that felt glossed over here instead of being looked into the way they deserve to be. I would rather the author not mention them at all.
3. The ending sucked. I hated Anna and wanted her to just gtfo.
My Darling Daughter is my 5th novel by the author and also my least favourite so far. Bring back the J.P. Delaney that we know and love!
✨ "Sometimes it's easier to talk about your feelings with someone you don't have feelings for, because you don't risk being judged by them. But sometimes it's a risk we have to take."
September 7, 2023
Naprawdę się pospieszyłam swego czasu z komplementem, bo każda kolejna książka Delaneya podąża tym samym schematem: autor słyszy o jakimś Ważnym Problemie Społecznym, postanawia przedstawić go szerszej publice w celu podniesienia świadomości... Poprzez sensacjalizację tegoż problemu i powielanie stereotypów na jego temat. Bo oczywiście tym, czego potrzebujemy, jest kolejną historia o tym, jakie złe są adoptowane dzieci, a kobiety kłamią o byciu wykorzystywanymi. Serio, czy ten facet może PRZESTAĆ używać gwałtów i molestowań jako plot device, gdzie za plot twist często robi wielkie odkrycie, że oskarżenia były kłamstwem? No bo naprawdę mnie średnio obchodzą motywacje typa, który wykorzystywał swoje nastoletnie fanki, gdy autor ewidentnie uważa, że to, że bohaterowi przykro, oczyszcza go z zarzutów.
At this point u Delaneya można wyróżnić trzy archetypy postaci:
- Święte Idiotki (Jane, Susie, ta bezbarwna matka z W Błogiej Nieświadomości, Abbie) – niby silne, niezależne kobiety, ale mają trzy punkty IQ w najlepszych momentach, wszystkie decyzje podejmują pod wpływem emocji, zawsze są pozytywnymi bohaterkami, często również ofiarami. Fiksacja okołomacierzyńska w pakiecie;
- Puszczalskie Kłamczuchy (Sky, Emma, Maggie) – dla pozorów Delaney próbuje nadać im jakiś pozór niuansu, który zwykle okazuje się traumą na tle seksualnym albo stereotypem o osobach z zaburzeniami. Kłamią na potęgę (często o tym, że ktoś je zgwałcił), narracja praktycznie je karze za wybory poza szkodzeniem innym. One też są głupie, ale do tego odwalają numery tak przerysowanie złe, że powinny w trakcie podkręcać wąsa;
- Mężczyźni (każdy męski bohater pozytywny) – oddani mężowie z drobnymi grzeszkami na sumieniu, ale w istocie istni święci, największe ofiary kolei losu. Zawsze stanowią głos rozsądku swoich głupiutkich, emocjonalnych żon.
Serio, tu nie ma chyba nic do dodania, czego nie napisałam już pod poprzednią książką Delaneya. Nawet nuda się zgadza. On chyba też to czuł, bo to jego najcieńsza powieść. I nie. Po prostu nie.
At this point u Delaneya można wyróżnić trzy archetypy postaci:
- Święte Idiotki (Jane, Susie, ta bezbarwna matka z W Błogiej Nieświadomości, Abbie) – niby silne, niezależne kobiety, ale mają trzy punkty IQ w najlepszych momentach, wszystkie decyzje podejmują pod wpływem emocji, zawsze są pozytywnymi bohaterkami, często również ofiarami. Fiksacja okołomacierzyńska w pakiecie;
- Puszczalskie Kłamczuchy (Sky, Emma, Maggie) – dla pozorów Delaney próbuje nadać im jakiś pozór niuansu, który zwykle okazuje się traumą na tle seksualnym albo stereotypem o osobach z zaburzeniami. Kłamią na potęgę (często o tym, że ktoś je zgwałcił), narracja praktycznie je karze za wybory poza szkodzeniem innym. One też są głupie, ale do tego odwalają numery tak przerysowanie złe, że powinny w trakcie podkręcać wąsa;
- Mężczyźni (każdy męski bohater pozytywny) – oddani mężowie z drobnymi grzeszkami na sumieniu, ale w istocie istni święci, największe ofiary kolei losu. Zawsze stanowią głos rozsądku swoich głupiutkich, emocjonalnych żon.
Serio, tu nie ma chyba nic do dodania, czego nie napisałam już pod poprzednią książką Delaneya. Nawet nuda się zgadza. On chyba też to czuł, bo to jego najcieńsza powieść. I nie. Po prostu nie.
December 28, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Girl Before is a book that put author JP Delaney on the domestic noir map. This million-copy bestselling author is back with another thrilling release. My Darling Daughter is a story of lies, locked truths, guilt, trauma and family ties. Full of darkness and possibility, My Darling Daughter is a compulsive page-turner.
Susie Jukes is a singer who has experienced a great deal of heartbreak and sadness in her quest to become a mother with her husband Gabe. But Susie’s life is about to get a whole lot more complicated when she is contacted by a girl who claims to be her lost daughter. Fifteen years ago Susie was forced to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life, to give her baby daughter up for adoption. It is a decision that has haunted Susie, but she has also kept this secret under wraps from her loved ones. Susie reaches out to her lost daughter and when they reunite, it is clear that Anna is unhappy with her adoptive parents. Susie decides to give Anna all the help she needs. But Anna’s behaviour sends alarm bells ringing soon after she sets foot in Susie’s home. It is clear that Anna is traumatised, but how far will Anna go to make Susie pay for her past mistakes?
A multiple perspective novel, My Darling Daughter is an engrossing and chilling read. Delaney’s latest was quite a close and unnerving novel, which kept me thoroughly engaged from the start. I liked getting stuck into the thoughts, feelings and movements of Delaney’s three core leads. I think Delaney did a superb job of expressing the different personalities, emotions and actions of these contrasted main characters. I was able to readily sympathise with Susie, the mother of this tale. I also felt bad for Gabe as her partner shouldering this new responsibility. I have no words for Anna. What a manipulative piece of work she proved to be!
A careful read through the final pages of My Darling Daughter really reiterated what this book was about. Not only is this story a dark home life noir, it is also a strong issue-based book. Delaney raises some important awareness around adoption, infertility, miscarriage, motherhood, choice, ownership, control, sexual relationships, abuse, the drug trade, exploitation, childhood health, loss, trauma and marriage in My Darling Daughter. Every theme dominates the pages of this novel, helping to produce a consuming narrative that is virtually impossible to put down. The ripping pace and bite sized chapters encourage the reader to race through this one at top speed. I couldn’t believe some of the acts committed in this novel, but there is actually some ring of truth to the scenario raised in My Darling Daughter. Make sure you read Delaney’s acknowledgements at the end of the book.
Full of doubt, unreliability, plot surprises and family puzzles, My Darling Daughter is a winning read for domestic suspense fans.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Girl Before is a book that put author JP Delaney on the domestic noir map. This million-copy bestselling author is back with another thrilling release. My Darling Daughter is a story of lies, locked truths, guilt, trauma and family ties. Full of darkness and possibility, My Darling Daughter is a compulsive page-turner.
Susie Jukes is a singer who has experienced a great deal of heartbreak and sadness in her quest to become a mother with her husband Gabe. But Susie’s life is about to get a whole lot more complicated when she is contacted by a girl who claims to be her lost daughter. Fifteen years ago Susie was forced to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life, to give her baby daughter up for adoption. It is a decision that has haunted Susie, but she has also kept this secret under wraps from her loved ones. Susie reaches out to her lost daughter and when they reunite, it is clear that Anna is unhappy with her adoptive parents. Susie decides to give Anna all the help she needs. But Anna’s behaviour sends alarm bells ringing soon after she sets foot in Susie’s home. It is clear that Anna is traumatised, but how far will Anna go to make Susie pay for her past mistakes?
A multiple perspective novel, My Darling Daughter is an engrossing and chilling read. Delaney’s latest was quite a close and unnerving novel, which kept me thoroughly engaged from the start. I liked getting stuck into the thoughts, feelings and movements of Delaney’s three core leads. I think Delaney did a superb job of expressing the different personalities, emotions and actions of these contrasted main characters. I was able to readily sympathise with Susie, the mother of this tale. I also felt bad for Gabe as her partner shouldering this new responsibility. I have no words for Anna. What a manipulative piece of work she proved to be!
A careful read through the final pages of My Darling Daughter really reiterated what this book was about. Not only is this story a dark home life noir, it is also a strong issue-based book. Delaney raises some important awareness around adoption, infertility, miscarriage, motherhood, choice, ownership, control, sexual relationships, abuse, the drug trade, exploitation, childhood health, loss, trauma and marriage in My Darling Daughter. Every theme dominates the pages of this novel, helping to produce a consuming narrative that is virtually impossible to put down. The ripping pace and bite sized chapters encourage the reader to race through this one at top speed. I couldn’t believe some of the acts committed in this novel, but there is actually some ring of truth to the scenario raised in My Darling Daughter. Make sure you read Delaney’s acknowledgements at the end of the book.
Full of doubt, unreliability, plot surprises and family puzzles, My Darling Daughter is a winning read for domestic suspense fans.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
October 30, 2022
MY DARLING DAUGHTER was so much more than what the synopsis suggested. This was a gripping domestic thriller riddled with moral dilemmas and the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture.
Susie has enjoyed a career as a singer and is still experiencing some professional success, but one area of her life that's not successful is her desire to start a family with her husband Gabe. While she's been pregnant many times, the fetus is never viable, leaving them both heartbroken. Everything changes for Susie when out of the blue, she receives a message from the daughter she placed for adoption 15 years ago, and the tone of the message alarms Susie--her precious daughter is not happy.
Obviously, she and her husband get in touch with Sky, now re-named Anna. Her adopted parents aren't pleased, but they do share the difficulties they've had with Anna. Susie is convinced that her daughter is being mistreated at the hands of her adopted parents, and soon, her daughter shows up at her door. Susie sees this as her chance to make everything right. Her daughter sees the situation differently.
The manipulation and hints of psychopathy soon begin, and Susie and Gabe are wondering who exactly they have let inside their house. With alternating points of view and heightened tension throughout, this book had my attention until the very last page.
Susie has enjoyed a career as a singer and is still experiencing some professional success, but one area of her life that's not successful is her desire to start a family with her husband Gabe. While she's been pregnant many times, the fetus is never viable, leaving them both heartbroken. Everything changes for Susie when out of the blue, she receives a message from the daughter she placed for adoption 15 years ago, and the tone of the message alarms Susie--her precious daughter is not happy.
Obviously, she and her husband get in touch with Sky, now re-named Anna. Her adopted parents aren't pleased, but they do share the difficulties they've had with Anna. Susie is convinced that her daughter is being mistreated at the hands of her adopted parents, and soon, her daughter shows up at her door. Susie sees this as her chance to make everything right. Her daughter sees the situation differently.
The manipulation and hints of psychopathy soon begin, and Susie and Gabe are wondering who exactly they have let inside their house. With alternating points of view and heightened tension throughout, this book had my attention until the very last page.
September 1, 2022
4.5
This book has one of the most spine chillingly manipulative characters I have ever come across and she is fifteen years old.
The adults aren’t much better either, being musicians they have pasts filled with drug taking and sex with groupies.
After numerous miscarriages Susie is desperate to be a mother and give Gabe a family. So when a fifteen year old girl called Anna contacts her via social media claiming to be Sky, the daughter she gave away years ago, could Susie finally get what she craves? After all she’s claiming her adoptive parents are abusive and she calls him ‘the monster’.
“Careful what you wish for” seems highly appropriate as their well ordered lives are about to be set on fire. Anna is a pathological liar, she is cunning, clever and always ten steps ahead.
Told via multiple narration we are privy to everyone’s thoughts and I have to say being inside Anna/Sky’s head felt dangerously fun. While Susie felt more needy and desperate, making Gabe the only genuine and likeable one among them and he’s accused of sleeping with underage girls so you know how bad the others are.
The real fun was the dread of what Sky would do next and how bad things would become for everyone. My only niggle was I wanted a different ending to the one I got.
This book has one of the most spine chillingly manipulative characters I have ever come across and she is fifteen years old.
The adults aren’t much better either, being musicians they have pasts filled with drug taking and sex with groupies.
After numerous miscarriages Susie is desperate to be a mother and give Gabe a family. So when a fifteen year old girl called Anna contacts her via social media claiming to be Sky, the daughter she gave away years ago, could Susie finally get what she craves? After all she’s claiming her adoptive parents are abusive and she calls him ‘the monster’.
“Careful what you wish for” seems highly appropriate as their well ordered lives are about to be set on fire. Anna is a pathological liar, she is cunning, clever and always ten steps ahead.
Told via multiple narration we are privy to everyone’s thoughts and I have to say being inside Anna/Sky’s head felt dangerously fun. While Susie felt more needy and desperate, making Gabe the only genuine and likeable one among them and he’s accused of sleeping with underage girls so you know how bad the others are.
The real fun was the dread of what Sky would do next and how bad things would become for everyone. My only niggle was I wanted a different ending to the one I got.
October 10, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
⚠️ Content warnings: adoption, miscarriage, pregnancy, child death, fertility issues, sexual situations, alcohol and drug use, profanity, coercive control, domestic abuse, bullying, abduction, stalking, harassment, derogatory language, physical assault, child neglect, prostitution, self harm, mentions eating disorder, exploitation, drug dealing, emotional abuse, murder/death and homelessness ⚠️
I found this book really interesting as it goes into detail about adoption and its laws within the UK, as well as reactive attachment disorder, which children who are adopted have a higher chance of developing. I really enjoy JP Delaney's writing, however I did not agree with the use of the terms "battered parents" and "battered wives", which was used to describe characters who were experiencing domestic abuse, as I feel like these terms are outdated and should not be used to describe people experiencing domestic abuse.
Despite this, the chapters are quite short so it is easy to fly through this book as I finished this book in two sittings. My attention was kept throughout this book because there was constantly something happening, however some of the action that took place was predictable. I really loved that the book ended so happily.
Thank you to Quercus Books and Tandem Collective UK for sending me a copy of this book. Although this was a gifted book, all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
⚠️ Content warnings: adoption, miscarriage, pregnancy, child death, fertility issues, sexual situations, alcohol and drug use, profanity, coercive control, domestic abuse, bullying, abduction, stalking, harassment, derogatory language, physical assault, child neglect, prostitution, self harm, mentions eating disorder, exploitation, drug dealing, emotional abuse, murder/death and homelessness ⚠️
I found this book really interesting as it goes into detail about adoption and its laws within the UK, as well as reactive attachment disorder, which children who are adopted have a higher chance of developing. I really enjoy JP Delaney's writing, however I did not agree with the use of the terms "battered parents" and "battered wives", which was used to describe characters who were experiencing domestic abuse, as I feel like these terms are outdated and should not be used to describe people experiencing domestic abuse.
Despite this, the chapters are quite short so it is easy to fly through this book as I finished this book in two sittings. My attention was kept throughout this book because there was constantly something happening, however some of the action that took place was predictable. I really loved that the book ended so happily.
Thank you to Quercus Books and Tandem Collective UK for sending me a copy of this book. Although this was a gifted book, all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 25, 2022
Yet again, Delaney proves himself to be one of my favorite writers! I loved the first person perspective chapters from Gabe, Susie, and Anna/Sky. I love being in the minds of the characters. It moved quickly and held my attention from the first page until the last! I’m totally blown away by things I learned in this book and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! Now for the long wait for him to put out another book! I’ve read everything Delaney has written and this one, by far, is my favorite!!!
July 13, 2022
Out of the blue, Susie Jones is contacted on social media by Anna, the girl she gave up for adoption fifteen years ago. But when they meet, Anna's home life sounds distinctly strange to Susie and her husband Gabe. And when Anna's adoptive parents seem to overreact to the fact she contacted them at all, Susie becomes convinced that Anna needs her help.
I have to say this was not my favourite book by JP Delaney but I still enjoyed it, I have read many by this author and they have always thought highly of them, this one just did not grab me as his others have. The story is told by three POV's of the main characters, Susie, Gabe and Anna. The story moves at a reasonable pace and as it progresses we learn more about each character and gain insight into their personalities. None of them are particularly likeable and I did not find myself being invested in them, but I kept turning the pages as I wanted to know how this dysfunctional family would resolve the situation they found themselves in. The book covers some sensitive subjects but JP handled them well and had obviously done his homework into how lives are affected by topics such as child abuse, mental health and adoption. Do not let you put this off as it really is the back bone of the story.
I will still always be looking out for books by this author so thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I have to say this was not my favourite book by JP Delaney but I still enjoyed it, I have read many by this author and they have always thought highly of them, this one just did not grab me as his others have. The story is told by three POV's of the main characters, Susie, Gabe and Anna. The story moves at a reasonable pace and as it progresses we learn more about each character and gain insight into their personalities. None of them are particularly likeable and I did not find myself being invested in them, but I kept turning the pages as I wanted to know how this dysfunctional family would resolve the situation they found themselves in. The book covers some sensitive subjects but JP handled them well and had obviously done his homework into how lives are affected by topics such as child abuse, mental health and adoption. Do not let you put this off as it really is the back bone of the story.
I will still always be looking out for books by this author so thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
August 18, 2022
When Susie is contacted by the daughter she lost 15 years previously, she feels the missing piece is finally coming together. But Susie and husband Gabe soon realise not everything is as it seems with Sky, and that there are issues deeper than they could ever realise...
J.P. Delaney always writes absolutely fantastic stories, and this is another brilliant one. I was completely gripped the whole way through, desperate to find out the ending. This is going to be incredibly popular, and a favourite for J.P. Delaney fans!
J.P. Delaney always writes absolutely fantastic stories, and this is another brilliant one. I was completely gripped the whole way through, desperate to find out the ending. This is going to be incredibly popular, and a favourite for J.P. Delaney fans!
December 14, 2022
I liked all the previous books by this author but this book of his was very very weak the characters were dull and uninteresting
August 14, 2022
My Darling Daughter by JP Delaney
I give this book 4.25 stars
Out of the blue, Susie Jukes is contacted on social media by Anna, the girl she gave up for adoption fifteen years ago.
But is Anna's behaviour simply what you'd expect from someone recovering from a traumatic childhood? Or are there other secrets at play here ……..
A well told sinister domestic thriller tackling adoption and exploring several other deep subject matters. Each short chapter is told from either Gabe,Susie or Anna/Skye’s perspective and this works brilliantly as the story unfolds. I love the way this author writes,how he builds up the tension,inserts facts and information and delivers the twists and turns which make this such a compulsive page turner.I don’t want to say too much but there’s a lot more to this book than you might expect!
With thanks to Netgalley, JP Delaney and Quercia Books for my chance to read and review this book
I give this book 4.25 stars
Out of the blue, Susie Jukes is contacted on social media by Anna, the girl she gave up for adoption fifteen years ago.
But is Anna's behaviour simply what you'd expect from someone recovering from a traumatic childhood? Or are there other secrets at play here ……..
A well told sinister domestic thriller tackling adoption and exploring several other deep subject matters. Each short chapter is told from either Gabe,Susie or Anna/Skye’s perspective and this works brilliantly as the story unfolds. I love the way this author writes,how he builds up the tension,inserts facts and information and delivers the twists and turns which make this such a compulsive page turner.I don’t want to say too much but there’s a lot more to this book than you might expect!
With thanks to Netgalley, JP Delaney and Quercia Books for my chance to read and review this book
September 9, 2022
This is a great read.
I’ll be careful not to give too much away as this is a story with lots of layers.
When Susie is contacted by a teenager claiming to be her daughter, her husband Gabe is suspicious.
After ensuring she is her daughter, Susie is delighted to be back in touch with the girl who was adopted years earlier.
The family she is with seem strange and Susie and Gabe can’t understand some of their decisions so tensions soon run high.
Things then start to go wrong on all levels and some tricky decisions have to be made.
I can’t say anymore as you really need to read it to see how the story develops.
It’s an interesting insight into a dysfunctional family and definitely kept my attention throughout.
Thanks to Quercus books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I’ll be careful not to give too much away as this is a story with lots of layers.
When Susie is contacted by a teenager claiming to be her daughter, her husband Gabe is suspicious.
After ensuring she is her daughter, Susie is delighted to be back in touch with the girl who was adopted years earlier.
The family she is with seem strange and Susie and Gabe can’t understand some of their decisions so tensions soon run high.
Things then start to go wrong on all levels and some tricky decisions have to be made.
I can’t say anymore as you really need to read it to see how the story develops.
It’s an interesting insight into a dysfunctional family and definitely kept my attention throughout.
Thanks to Quercus books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
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