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Nasza dziewczynka
To zwyczajne popołudnie, gdy wychodzę przez drzwi kuchenne na patio, żeby sprawdzić, co u mojej pasierbicy, Mii, która pływa w basenie. Ale nie ma jej. Serce zamiera mi w piersi, gdy widzę otwartą tylną bramkę. Byłam kilka metrów dalej. Dlaczego nie słyszałam jej krzyków?
Kto zabrał naszą dziewczynkę?
Mój mąż nie rozumie, jak mogłam pozwolić na to, żeby nasza córka zniknęła. Widzę, że śledczy mi nie wierzą. Uważają mnie za złą macochę. Detektyw ciągle pyta mnie, co robiłam przez te pięć minut, kiedy Mia zniknęła. Ale nie mogę zdradzić jej mojego sekretu. Nigdy nie byłyśmy z Mią blisko i czasami doprowadzała mnie do szału, ale nigdy bym jej nie skrzywdziła.
Musicie mi po prostu uwierzyć.
Kto zabrał naszą dziewczynkę?
Mój mąż nie rozumie, jak mogłam pozwolić na to, żeby nasza córka zniknęła. Widzę, że śledczy mi nie wierzą. Uważają mnie za złą macochę. Detektyw ciągle pyta mnie, co robiłam przez te pięć minut, kiedy Mia zniknęła. Ale nie mogę zdradzić jej mojego sekretu. Nigdy nie byłyśmy z Mią blisko i czasami doprowadzała mnie do szału, ale nigdy bym jej nie skrzywdziła.
Musicie mi po prostu uwierzyć.
360 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2021
2499 people are currently reading
2794 people want to read
About the author
Georgina Cross
6 books781 followersAuthor of ONE NIGHT and NANNY NEEDED with Bantam, Penguin Random House, and author of THE STEPDAUGHTER, THE MISSING WOMAN, and THE NIECE with Bookouture, Hachette Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
August 12, 2024
While I normally provide a synopsis at either the beginning or end of my reviews, this is one book that I firmly believe you need to go into blind. It’s not that the publisher provided blurb reveals to much. Well, not really. It’s that this is one plot that you’re going to want to experience all of the thrills and the chills without even a hint at the many surprises.
Unbridled suspense. Well-rounded characters. A twisty, twisty plot. Palpable fear. All of the above describes The Stepdaughter to a T. But it was the deftly plotted storyline that was the true shining star to this slam dunk success. Told in six parts by multiple POVs, the tension only ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Turning the events first one way and then another, there was simply no way that I could’ve seen behind the deftly woven curtain before each jaw-dropping reveal.
The dazzling aspects of the plot, however, were easily matched step for step by the characters themselves. From a fraught family dynamic to perfectly crafted teenage behavior, each and every persona simply sang from the pages. And oh the secrets that they were all hiding. Somehow, though, Cross managed to make it all seem perfectly genuine and true-to-life. With, of course, plenty of fictional flair to make it all deliciously dramatic.
The only teeny, tiny flaw in this magical novel was the conclusion. Altogether too brief for my liking, I would have loved to know more about the resulting demolition to each of the characters’ lives. While everything was certainly wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow, I wanted…well…more. But then, maybe I’m just greedy. After all, this was one truly impressive book and I’m not surprised in the least that it has been optioned by Netflix.
A dynamite tale of domestic suspense, it was a downright page-turner from beginning to end. So, naturally, it’s no surprise that I finished it in just a matter of hours. A quick, easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat, the hefty dose of red herrings and suspicious individuals meant that I was utterly spellbound. What’s truly shocking, however, is that this was Cross’s debut novel. Having inhaled plenty of her ensuing works, I promise that this one was no fluke. She is a seriously talented writer with a knack for spinning non-stop suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Georgina Cross, Bookouture, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: missing child, house fire, infidelity, dementia, mention of: death of a parent
Unbridled suspense. Well-rounded characters. A twisty, twisty plot. Palpable fear. All of the above describes The Stepdaughter to a T. But it was the deftly plotted storyline that was the true shining star to this slam dunk success. Told in six parts by multiple POVs, the tension only ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Turning the events first one way and then another, there was simply no way that I could’ve seen behind the deftly woven curtain before each jaw-dropping reveal.
The dazzling aspects of the plot, however, were easily matched step for step by the characters themselves. From a fraught family dynamic to perfectly crafted teenage behavior, each and every persona simply sang from the pages. And oh the secrets that they were all hiding. Somehow, though, Cross managed to make it all seem perfectly genuine and true-to-life. With, of course, plenty of fictional flair to make it all deliciously dramatic.
The only teeny, tiny flaw in this magical novel was the conclusion. Altogether too brief for my liking, I would have loved to know more about the resulting demolition to each of the characters’ lives. While everything was certainly wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow, I wanted…well…more. But then, maybe I’m just greedy. After all, this was one truly impressive book and I’m not surprised in the least that it has been optioned by Netflix.
A dynamite tale of domestic suspense, it was a downright page-turner from beginning to end. So, naturally, it’s no surprise that I finished it in just a matter of hours. A quick, easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat, the hefty dose of red herrings and suspicious individuals meant that I was utterly spellbound. What’s truly shocking, however, is that this was Cross’s debut novel. Having inhaled plenty of her ensuing works, I promise that this one was no fluke. She is a seriously talented writer with a knack for spinning non-stop suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Georgina Cross, Bookouture, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: missing child, house fire, infidelity, dementia, mention of: death of a parent
August 9, 2020
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this thriller immensely. It was gripping, fast-paced, and filled with twists and turns. Thirteen-year-old Mia Tanner went missing from her backyard swimming pool during a house fire next door. Her stepmother, Vanessa, who was the last person to have seen her, seems to be a devoted mother, however, her story just isn't adding up. Is she telling the truth, or is this a classic story of an evil stepmother?
The Stepdaughter is an excellent debut novel by author Georgina Cross. The characters and the plot pulled me into the story from the very beginning and kept me hooked until the final page. Told from multiple POVs, this is a story of how lies and secrets can come back to haunt you and the lengths that some will go to to protect their reputation. I thought the author did a fantastic job of building the tension and making the reader second guess their opinion as to who the culprit actually is. I enjoyed seeing the mystery unravel and was quite pleased with myself as I did manage to guess the big twist.
All in all, this was an addictive and well-plotted thriller, with great writing, believable characters, and a mystery that will keep you on your toes. This is my first book by Georgina Cross and it definitely won't be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this thriller immensely. It was gripping, fast-paced, and filled with twists and turns. Thirteen-year-old Mia Tanner went missing from her backyard swimming pool during a house fire next door. Her stepmother, Vanessa, who was the last person to have seen her, seems to be a devoted mother, however, her story just isn't adding up. Is she telling the truth, or is this a classic story of an evil stepmother?
The Stepdaughter is an excellent debut novel by author Georgina Cross. The characters and the plot pulled me into the story from the very beginning and kept me hooked until the final page. Told from multiple POVs, this is a story of how lies and secrets can come back to haunt you and the lengths that some will go to to protect their reputation. I thought the author did a fantastic job of building the tension and making the reader second guess their opinion as to who the culprit actually is. I enjoyed seeing the mystery unravel and was quite pleased with myself as I did manage to guess the big twist.
All in all, this was an addictive and well-plotted thriller, with great writing, believable characters, and a mystery that will keep you on your toes. This is my first book by Georgina Cross and it definitely won't be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2020
SPOILER WARNING!!!!
I thought I'd try a suspense story after having my fill of "non-romances" these days but I shouldn't have bothered...
I thought I'd try a suspense story after having my fill of "non-romances" these days but I shouldn't have bothered...
July 28, 2024
This was a very middle of the road book for me, there were really good parts but they were outweighed by the mediocre parts of the book. Overall an easy read but it wasn’t incredible
August 1, 2020
One normal afternoon when Vanessa walks out the patio doors of her kitchen to check on Mia, her stepdaughter, who is swimming in our backyard pool, she finds her missing. She is in shock as she was watching over her and was distracted just for a few minutes due to the fire at her neighbour, Julia's, house.
Her husband, Tripp, can’t understand how she could have let his daughter disappear. And when the police come asking questions, the officers don’t believe her, as they’ve cast her as the evil stepmother.
But then she discovers the messages from her husband on Mia’s phone: I’m so sorry, I still love you. And when his wedding ring is found at the bottom of the pool after Mia disappeared, she realises he is hiding something since he never told her it was missing.
Though Vanessa has a secret of her own, apart from the fact that Mia and she haven’t always been that close, she is adamant that she would never hurt Mia. All Vanessa needs is everyone to believe her.
This book was simply amazing. It was such a quick read and it was enjoyable right till the end.
All the characters were well written and each of them had a significant contribution to the plot. It was well narrated through the alternate versions of Vanessa, Mia and Julia, with a few by the investigating officer Angela.
There was quite a few twists in the story that holds the suspense right till the end. At some point, I did have a suspicion as to who might have done it but it did not spoil my reading at all since there were quite a lot a surprises that I couldn't guess.
Overall, an thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly Recommended!
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
Her husband, Tripp, can’t understand how she could have let his daughter disappear. And when the police come asking questions, the officers don’t believe her, as they’ve cast her as the evil stepmother.
But then she discovers the messages from her husband on Mia’s phone: I’m so sorry, I still love you. And when his wedding ring is found at the bottom of the pool after Mia disappeared, she realises he is hiding something since he never told her it was missing.
Though Vanessa has a secret of her own, apart from the fact that Mia and she haven’t always been that close, she is adamant that she would never hurt Mia. All Vanessa needs is everyone to believe her.
This book was simply amazing. It was such a quick read and it was enjoyable right till the end.
All the characters were well written and each of them had a significant contribution to the plot. It was well narrated through the alternate versions of Vanessa, Mia and Julia, with a few by the investigating officer Angela.
There was quite a few twists in the story that holds the suspense right till the end. At some point, I did have a suspicion as to who might have done it but it did not spoil my reading at all since there were quite a lot a surprises that I couldn't guess.
Overall, an thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly Recommended!
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!!
August 5, 2024
I loved the short chapters and different points of view! This book was easy to fly through! I loved how everything came together in the end.
Mia is Vanessa’s stepdaughter. She is a champion swimmer, just turned 13. She has been becoming more and more angsty. Vanessa chalks it up to her being a teenager. But when Mia starts accusing Vanessa of things and throwing hurtful secrets in her face, she starts to become a bit unbearable. One day after a particularly hard day, Mia goes to practice swimming laps in her pool. Vanessa notices the neighbor’s house is on fire. When she goes to check on Mia, she is missing.
One burned down house. One missing teenager. All are related but how?
Mia is Vanessa’s stepdaughter. She is a champion swimmer, just turned 13. She has been becoming more and more angsty. Vanessa chalks it up to her being a teenager. But when Mia starts accusing Vanessa of things and throwing hurtful secrets in her face, she starts to become a bit unbearable. One day after a particularly hard day, Mia goes to practice swimming laps in her pool. Vanessa notices the neighbor’s house is on fire. When she goes to check on Mia, she is missing.
One burned down house. One missing teenager. All are related but how?
August 28, 2020
Mia is the stepdaughter, Vanessa is the stepmother. Tripp is Mia's biological father.
Vanessa knows that she will never replace thirteen year old Mia's mother. But one afternoon when Mia was in Vanessa's care, Miagoes missing from the family home. Mia had been swimming in the pool in the backyard. The neighbours house went on fire at the same time Mia went missing. Was there a connection between them?
The story is told from multiple points of view. The dynamics of the relationship between Mia and Vanessa were well done. The story revolves around finding Mia. This is a fast paced and well written book with plenty of twists. The plot line is engaging, gripping and it will keep you guessing. The characters are well rounded and believable. Everybody has a secret that nobody else knows, or do they?
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Georgeina Cross for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Vanessa knows that she will never replace thirteen year old Mia's mother. But one afternoon when Mia was in Vanessa's care, Miagoes missing from the family home. Mia had been swimming in the pool in the backyard. The neighbours house went on fire at the same time Mia went missing. Was there a connection between them?
The story is told from multiple points of view. The dynamics of the relationship between Mia and Vanessa were well done. The story revolves around finding Mia. This is a fast paced and well written book with plenty of twists. The plot line is engaging, gripping and it will keep you guessing. The characters are well rounded and believable. Everybody has a secret that nobody else knows, or do they?
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Georgeina Cross for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2021
When 13-year-old Mia disappears from her backyard, her step-mother panics. Her husband can't understand how Mia went missing on his wife's watch.
Not everything is as it seems. Mia's stepmother has questions .... why are there messages from her husband to Mia? Why was his wedding ring found at the bottom of the pool when Mia went missing? He never told her it was missing .... what is he hiding?
The police don't seem to believe the step-mother's account of what happened. The detectives want to know what she was doing during those few minutes she went missing. But the step-mother is also keeping secrets and she dare not tell the police.
The entire family tells their own version of what happened, where they were, but they also make sure each of their secrets are well hidden.
Where is Mia? Did she walk away ... or did someone take her?
This is well-written with the story told by different points of view from the primary characters. Plenty of twists and turns keep the reader riveted. The suspense starts at the very beginning and holds steady throughout. Character development is well done, although it seems Mia was much younger than her supposed age of thirteen.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Not everything is as it seems. Mia's stepmother has questions .... why are there messages from her husband to Mia? Why was his wedding ring found at the bottom of the pool when Mia went missing? He never told her it was missing .... what is he hiding?
The police don't seem to believe the step-mother's account of what happened. The detectives want to know what she was doing during those few minutes she went missing. But the step-mother is also keeping secrets and she dare not tell the police.
The entire family tells their own version of what happened, where they were, but they also make sure each of their secrets are well hidden.
Where is Mia? Did she walk away ... or did someone take her?
This is well-written with the story told by different points of view from the primary characters. Plenty of twists and turns keep the reader riveted. The suspense starts at the very beginning and holds steady throughout. Character development is well done, although it seems Mia was much younger than her supposed age of thirteen.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 6, 2020
The book was freaking fantastic!! A perfect psychological thriller which captured me by my eyeballs, forcing me to never blink lest I miss something.
Pinpricks of fear and apprehension coursed through me as the writing became suspenseful. Author Georgina Cross had taken the missing child arc and spun her magic by going in directions so wild that my heart couldn’t stop thumping hard. I loved it!!
Mia was missing. She was supposed to be swimming in the pool for her practice. A fire started next door and in the hullabaloo, she disappeared. A gate behind the back shed was found open with a foot print and drag marks.
Her father Tripp and stepmother Vanessa were heartbroken. Next door neighbor too who had lost everything in the fire. Then the secrets came out. Massive ones!! Whoosh!! And I forgot the world.
My first book by this talented author, I was completely immersed in the layers of the story. Missing child is my favorite arc, and this book gripped me from the beginning to end.
The characters slowly peeled away their masks as the pages turned. And I was horrified. Omg. You have to read this book. The writing kept me at the edge of my seat, teasing me with words I knew would lead me to the eye of the storm.
This was one whopper of a story. If more authors wrote books like this, I would be in literary bliss, never coming down from my book high. This was pure caffeine.
Pinpricks of fear and apprehension coursed through me as the writing became suspenseful. Author Georgina Cross had taken the missing child arc and spun her magic by going in directions so wild that my heart couldn’t stop thumping hard. I loved it!!
Mia was missing. She was supposed to be swimming in the pool for her practice. A fire started next door and in the hullabaloo, she disappeared. A gate behind the back shed was found open with a foot print and drag marks.
Her father Tripp and stepmother Vanessa were heartbroken. Next door neighbor too who had lost everything in the fire. Then the secrets came out. Massive ones!! Whoosh!! And I forgot the world.
My first book by this talented author, I was completely immersed in the layers of the story. Missing child is my favorite arc, and this book gripped me from the beginning to end.
The characters slowly peeled away their masks as the pages turned. And I was horrified. Omg. You have to read this book. The writing kept me at the edge of my seat, teasing me with words I knew would lead me to the eye of the storm.
This was one whopper of a story. If more authors wrote books like this, I would be in literary bliss, never coming down from my book high. This was pure caffeine.
September 7, 2020
Mia is a thirteen year old champion swimmer with the brightest future. Her stepmother, Vanessa’s world revolves around Mia and her demanding schedule. Longing to see approval in her stepdaughter’s eyes, Vanessa struggles to be the perfect stepmother. When Mia suddenly disappears, all eyes are on Vanessa. Did she intentionally harm Mia? What secrets is she hiding? While searching for the truth of Mia’s whereabouts secrets are revealed and lives are shattered. Jealousy and rage are a dangerous combination in this suspenseful, domestic whodunnit. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
August 7, 2020
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Step Daughter' by Georgina Cross
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 2nd September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it most certainly won't be my last!
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing title & blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 6 acts which are made up with 63 chapters which are short in length so perfect to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective with five protagonists. I always enjoy reading books written in first person more as it feels like I'm sitting across the table from them while they are telling their story or in the book next to them. I also enjoy books from several perspectives as it gives you a bigger picture of what more people are seeing, doing and feeling so this is definitely a big positive for me. It is also written with 2 timelapses which helps create a bigger picture as you can how events lead up to the present day.
The way it was written made me feel like I was right next to the characters and going through the events with them.
Wow!! Where do I begin? What an absolutely gripping, intense psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, flying through the pages and full of suspense!! Filled with twists, turns, red herrings, lies, secrets,shocks and a big bang bang you won't see coming.
It was very well written and a true page turner. Filled with fantastic descriptions that makes you feel your following the characters around while you wonder whats around the corner. I just did not want to put this book down.
Excellent characters who all 'played their parts' perfectly, very strong, realistic and detailed it was very easy to picture them and I enjoyed seeing events unfold from different perspectives.
I cannot wait to read more books by the very talented Georgina Cross who I will definitely be adding to my top authors list!!!
Overall a mind blowing, suspense filled psychological page turning thriller!!!
Genres covered include Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Coming of age, thriller, police procedural, Psychological thriller, Crime fiction, Noir fiction and Domestic fiction.
I would recommend this book to fans of any of the above as well as of page turning books that leave you shocked.
302 pages.
This book is 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheStepDaughter #GeorginaCross #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@GeorginaCross @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Step Daughter' by Georgina Cross
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 2nd September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it most certainly won't be my last!
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing title & blurb. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 6 acts which are made up with 63 chapters which are short in length so perfect to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective with five protagonists. I always enjoy reading books written in first person more as it feels like I'm sitting across the table from them while they are telling their story or in the book next to them. I also enjoy books from several perspectives as it gives you a bigger picture of what more people are seeing, doing and feeling so this is definitely a big positive for me. It is also written with 2 timelapses which helps create a bigger picture as you can how events lead up to the present day.
The way it was written made me feel like I was right next to the characters and going through the events with them.
Wow!! Where do I begin? What an absolutely gripping, intense psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, flying through the pages and full of suspense!! Filled with twists, turns, red herrings, lies, secrets,shocks and a big bang bang you won't see coming.
It was very well written and a true page turner. Filled with fantastic descriptions that makes you feel your following the characters around while you wonder whats around the corner. I just did not want to put this book down.
Excellent characters who all 'played their parts' perfectly, very strong, realistic and detailed it was very easy to picture them and I enjoyed seeing events unfold from different perspectives.
I cannot wait to read more books by the very talented Georgina Cross who I will definitely be adding to my top authors list!!!
Overall a mind blowing, suspense filled psychological page turning thriller!!!
Genres covered include Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Coming of age, thriller, police procedural, Psychological thriller, Crime fiction, Noir fiction and Domestic fiction.
I would recommend this book to fans of any of the above as well as of page turning books that leave you shocked.
302 pages.
This book is 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheStepDaughter #GeorginaCross #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@GeorginaCross @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
September 1, 2020
This was a well written book, told from different POVs. The story revolves around 13-year old Mia vanishing from home which coincided with a fire in the neighbor’s house. The police believe the two events are connected. But as psychological thrillers goes everybody has a secret of their own. The twists were quite good and shocking. The Chapters were short, which made it hard to put this book down. I finished this book in a day, quite an enjoyable read for a day-off 😊 My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an opportunity to read this book.
August 2, 2020
this so good Vanessa has it all money the house and the husband Tripp and a stepdaughter Mia . but one night everything changes Mia has has vanished .but the house next door is on fire . wont say anymore the twists in this book is so good a must read
August 5, 2020
I really enjoyed Georgina Cross’ debut novel The Stepdaughter.
It’s the story of Vanessa. She meets and falls in love with Trip, who had lost his wife 2 years earlier. Since his wife’s death, he had been a single parent to his daughter Mia.
When he and Vanessa marry, she gains a stepdaughter.
I loved the way the story was told. It was told from different points of view up until the middle of the book. Then the author starts to give us readers clues about what happened to Mia.
What did she know? What happened that night? Who was there? Who is lying?
The story develops, characters lie and I think I changed my mind half a dozen time’s as to who was the bad guy/girl.
I really felt for Vanessa. No children of her own but she is trying so hard to be a good Step Mum to Mia who was still grieving for her mother. I liked Vanessa’s character. She literally have up everything for Trip and Mia and my heart broke for her. She should definitely have got rid of Trip, I think her friend’s warning about him was spot on.
In the end I did work out the whodunnit but it didn’t take anything away from the story and I will definitely be on the look out for more books by Georgina Cross
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s the story of Vanessa. She meets and falls in love with Trip, who had lost his wife 2 years earlier. Since his wife’s death, he had been a single parent to his daughter Mia.
When he and Vanessa marry, she gains a stepdaughter.
I loved the way the story was told. It was told from different points of view up until the middle of the book. Then the author starts to give us readers clues about what happened to Mia.
What did she know? What happened that night? Who was there? Who is lying?
The story develops, characters lie and I think I changed my mind half a dozen time’s as to who was the bad guy/girl.
I really felt for Vanessa. No children of her own but she is trying so hard to be a good Step Mum to Mia who was still grieving for her mother. I liked Vanessa’s character. She literally have up everything for Trip and Mia and my heart broke for her. She should definitely have got rid of Trip, I think her friend’s warning about him was spot on.
In the end I did work out the whodunnit but it didn’t take anything away from the story and I will definitely be on the look out for more books by Georgina Cross
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2020
Oh my word what a brilliant book this is, it got me interested from the very first page (which is a must for me) and soon became a fast paced psychological thriller which I couldn't put down.
It was extremely well written, excellent characters, brilliantly addictive and I was holding my breath until the very last page, all this with an ending I didn't guess. A very worthy five stars from me and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic book which I can thoroughly recommend.
It was extremely well written, excellent characters, brilliantly addictive and I was holding my breath until the very last page, all this with an ending I didn't guess. A very worthy five stars from me and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic book which I can thoroughly recommend.
June 28, 2024
Thanks to thrillerbookloversthepulse and Georgina for this copy - I appreciate it greatly.
The story is told from different characters POV. You get pulled into the story from the jump. The people on this street can’t keep their secrets secret for long. But when two tragedies happen in the same afternoon everyone will become a suspect.
It was fun trying to decide on who was the guilty party. This was a clever story. I think this would make a kickass limited series. Way too much happening for just a movie. I think it’ll transfer over quite nicely. Where the book repeats a lot a limited series could put that into action.
Loved Vanessa’s character. And that very last paragraph of the book. YAAASSS! Perfect ending!
The story is told from different characters POV. You get pulled into the story from the jump. The people on this street can’t keep their secrets secret for long. But when two tragedies happen in the same afternoon everyone will become a suspect.
It was fun trying to decide on who was the guilty party. This was a clever story. I think this would make a kickass limited series. Way too much happening for just a movie. I think it’ll transfer over quite nicely. Where the book repeats a lot a limited series could put that into action.
Loved Vanessa’s character. And that very last paragraph of the book. YAAASSS! Perfect ending!
July 31, 2020
This is a great debut- a quick and twisty read. It centers on the disappearance of 13 year old Mia from her backyard pool and the mystery/investigation around what happened. Told primarily from her step-mother Vanessa's POV, the reader also gets glimpses into the POVs of Mia's father, Tripp, Mia herself, and their next door neighbors.
I particularly liked the references that came from the elderly neighbor, Charlotte, who was in the house that day and had dementia. Though Charlotte was a bit character, the author did a great job in giving her a backstory, and thus giving me empathy towards, her, and the things she told Vanessa and the detectives added to the overall creepiness of the story.
With the exception of Charlotte (and Vanessa's friend Janie), the characters were not really nice people. Mia was a spoiled brat who probably needed to see someone to deal with her feelings about her dead mother and her treatment of Vanessa. Tripp had an unrealistic view of what Vanessa's role should be in their household, and Vanessa herself frustrated me the most for allowing Tripp and Mia to treat her the way they did. Even the neighbors weren't quite what they seemed as the story progressed. I wish that the author had endeared me more to the main characters., but appreciated the "normalcy" that the tertiary characters brought into the overall dynamic.
Overall, this was a fun and fast-paced read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy mysteries and domestic suspense. I am very impressed it was a first novel and am looking forward to what Georgina Cross comes up with next! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I particularly liked the references that came from the elderly neighbor, Charlotte, who was in the house that day and had dementia. Though Charlotte was a bit character, the author did a great job in giving her a backstory, and thus giving me empathy towards, her, and the things she told Vanessa and the detectives added to the overall creepiness of the story.
With the exception of Charlotte (and Vanessa's friend Janie), the characters were not really nice people. Mia was a spoiled brat who probably needed to see someone to deal with her feelings about her dead mother and her treatment of Vanessa. Tripp had an unrealistic view of what Vanessa's role should be in their household, and Vanessa herself frustrated me the most for allowing Tripp and Mia to treat her the way they did. Even the neighbors weren't quite what they seemed as the story progressed. I wish that the author had endeared me more to the main characters., but appreciated the "normalcy" that the tertiary characters brought into the overall dynamic.
Overall, this was a fun and fast-paced read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy mysteries and domestic suspense. I am very impressed it was a first novel and am looking forward to what Georgina Cross comes up with next! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ bardzo wciągająca historia i naprawdę przyjemnie mi się jej słuchało w audio.
September 3, 2020
I absolutely loved every word and every page of this psychological thriller.
The opening reels you in making you wonder what has happened and as you read on you are also thinking, why?, how?, would she?, puzzling over the fragments that are being scattered, trying to find the right pieces to make a coherent whole.
The story is set in Alabama, in a street of historic houses, where wealthy families live and want for nothing, as long as money can buy it.
Mia is 13 years old and an elite swimmer. She lives with her father Tripp Tanner and her stepmother Vanessa. She is lucky enough to have her own backyard pool to train in and it is poolside where the story starts. Very quickly you realise that whilst Mia has many material advantages she doesn't have what she really wants, and that is her biological Mum Susannah.
The whole story is set between two households, where Mia lives, and the next door house belonging to the Campbell family.
I really enjoyed the way we have lots of narrators and that the timeline starts almost at the end of the story and then weaves in and out of the past and the present with chapters entitled 'the day of...' and 'the Saturday before...' etc. By using this device we are treated to the same events but from different perspectives. Each perspective adds a new and interesting layer to the story, pulling the reader in even more until there is no chance of escape. You just have to read to the end! We hear from Mia's Dad, Julie Campbell who lives next door and looks after her dementia ridden mother Charlotte Sinclair. We hear from Vanessa and Detective Angela Blakely. We do not hear from Mia until nearer the end of the story so that what she says is enthralling and shocking.
As I read the book I felt tense, excited, entertained, nervous and puzzled as well as being able to imagine the fear and desperation of not knowing where your daughter is. The endless agonising and waiting. The doubt, the suspicion, the secrets, the pain. Being able to empathise with characters is the mark of a great story which is why The Stepdaughter is such a joy to be lost in.
I always love being the bystander watching the dynamics between people and families. Not only do you think 'What is the truth?' in this particular book, you also have the opportunity to form your own opinions about step parents, what it feels like to love someone you didn't give birth to and the attitudes of others towards you. I am always intrigues by coping strategies too and whether a traumatic experience brings a couple together or tears them apart.
The pages flew by and I can only thank the author for sharing her fiction and creating such a brilliant thriller to read.
No storyline spoilers in this review so for goodness sake get a copy and find out what happens!
The opening reels you in making you wonder what has happened and as you read on you are also thinking, why?, how?, would she?, puzzling over the fragments that are being scattered, trying to find the right pieces to make a coherent whole.
The story is set in Alabama, in a street of historic houses, where wealthy families live and want for nothing, as long as money can buy it.
Mia is 13 years old and an elite swimmer. She lives with her father Tripp Tanner and her stepmother Vanessa. She is lucky enough to have her own backyard pool to train in and it is poolside where the story starts. Very quickly you realise that whilst Mia has many material advantages she doesn't have what she really wants, and that is her biological Mum Susannah.
The whole story is set between two households, where Mia lives, and the next door house belonging to the Campbell family.
I really enjoyed the way we have lots of narrators and that the timeline starts almost at the end of the story and then weaves in and out of the past and the present with chapters entitled 'the day of...' and 'the Saturday before...' etc. By using this device we are treated to the same events but from different perspectives. Each perspective adds a new and interesting layer to the story, pulling the reader in even more until there is no chance of escape. You just have to read to the end! We hear from Mia's Dad, Julie Campbell who lives next door and looks after her dementia ridden mother Charlotte Sinclair. We hear from Vanessa and Detective Angela Blakely. We do not hear from Mia until nearer the end of the story so that what she says is enthralling and shocking.
As I read the book I felt tense, excited, entertained, nervous and puzzled as well as being able to imagine the fear and desperation of not knowing where your daughter is. The endless agonising and waiting. The doubt, the suspicion, the secrets, the pain. Being able to empathise with characters is the mark of a great story which is why The Stepdaughter is such a joy to be lost in.
I always love being the bystander watching the dynamics between people and families. Not only do you think 'What is the truth?' in this particular book, you also have the opportunity to form your own opinions about step parents, what it feels like to love someone you didn't give birth to and the attitudes of others towards you. I am always intrigues by coping strategies too and whether a traumatic experience brings a couple together or tears them apart.
The pages flew by and I can only thank the author for sharing her fiction and creating such a brilliant thriller to read.
No storyline spoilers in this review so for goodness sake get a copy and find out what happens!
July 26, 2020
When Vanessa meets Tripp she believes she has found the love of her life and even the news that he is a widow with a young child does not put her off. When he proposes she thinks it’s the start of a perfect life and who cares that he expects her of live in the same house as his first wife and give up a job she loves to run around after his daughter. When Mia goes missing from the swimming pool in the back garden her life is turned up side down as she starts to question everyone around her. Who has taken Mia and why was she left alone in the garden. Is the truth closer to home or is there someone out there lying to everyone. I spent the whole book changing my mind about what happened and who was responsible and did not ever draw the right conclusions on this one. It’s a great read and I can see this becoming a TV series at some point.
September 9, 2020
Every mother's worst fear: your child vanishes. But what about if you're the stepmother? This debut about a 13-year-old who seemingly vanishes while swimming not only tugs on every mother's worst nightmare, but will keep you guessing about what really happened. Georgina deftly weaves a cat-and-mouse tale fraught with tension, secrets, lies, and showcases the tough territory between being a stepmother and being loyal to your husband. What really happened to Mia? I bet you won't guess... An amazing thriller from an amazing new voice.
October 14, 2022
Miała kilka fajnych momentów, przyjemnie napisana, ale generalnie wynudziła mnie. Nie wprowadza w sumie nic nowego, nie zaskoczyła mnie i w ogóle nie czułam żadnego napięcia, a odkrycie, kto tak naprawdę zrobił co nie zaskoczyło mnie, ani nie wywołało we mnie emocji. Trochę szkoda, bo był potencjał, a wyszedł mocno średni średniak.
December 16, 2022
Świetna , wciągająca książka , właśnie tego potrzebowałem . Nieprzewidywalna , dużo zwrotów akcji i trzymająca w napięciu . Zdecydowanie polecam .
July 25, 2020
This was very good. It was very well-written and easy to understand. It went by so quickly but I loved it anyway. I can't wait for this to be published!
September 4, 2020
The Stepdaughter by Georgina Cross
A 13-year-old missing
A fire next door
Police called in
Secrets aplenty
Where is Mia?
What happened to her?
Is someone to blame?
If so, who?
This story is told from multiple viewpoints beginning with Mia in the prologue. With each page a bit more is revealed as the truth slowly is eked out in a way that reveals all. This was not an uplifting happy read for me though I found it well written it left me feeling sad.
What I liked:
* The way the story was written and the plotting
* The twists and turns the story took
* Mia – typical of her age and so undeserving of what happened
* Liked and didn’t like that I had trouble liking Mia’s parents or the parents neighbors – they all left me cold and though I understood them and sympathized a bit with some of them I never warmed to or came to like them.
* Angela: a homicide detective that did not give up. She stayed on the scent to the end and got it right…or nearly so. I can see her in a series of her own
* That everything was tied up nicely at the end of the story
* reading the last page and leaving the characters behind – would not choose any of them to be personal friends…well…except maybe the police and fire department people met in the story and Charlotte – an older woman who was pivotal to the story.
What I did not like:
* Realizing that this could all too easily happen in real life and knowing that such dysfunction and drama occurs more often than we realize.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes and no
Why no? it was darker than I needed to read today
Why yes? It was well written and a great debut novel
Would I read more by this author? I think I would
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4—5 Stars
A 13-year-old missing
A fire next door
Police called in
Secrets aplenty
Where is Mia?
What happened to her?
Is someone to blame?
If so, who?
This story is told from multiple viewpoints beginning with Mia in the prologue. With each page a bit more is revealed as the truth slowly is eked out in a way that reveals all. This was not an uplifting happy read for me though I found it well written it left me feeling sad.
What I liked:
* The way the story was written and the plotting
* The twists and turns the story took
* Mia – typical of her age and so undeserving of what happened
* Liked and didn’t like that I had trouble liking Mia’s parents or the parents neighbors – they all left me cold and though I understood them and sympathized a bit with some of them I never warmed to or came to like them.
* Angela: a homicide detective that did not give up. She stayed on the scent to the end and got it right…or nearly so. I can see her in a series of her own
* That everything was tied up nicely at the end of the story
* reading the last page and leaving the characters behind – would not choose any of them to be personal friends…well…except maybe the police and fire department people met in the story and Charlotte – an older woman who was pivotal to the story.
What I did not like:
* Realizing that this could all too easily happen in real life and knowing that such dysfunction and drama occurs more often than we realize.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes and no
Why no? it was darker than I needed to read today
Why yes? It was well written and a great debut novel
Would I read more by this author? I think I would
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4—5 Stars
August 24, 2020
A replacement wife. That is pretty much what Vanessa feels like, even five years after marrying Tripp Tanner. Tripp is a widower who had lost his wife two years before they met. A year or so later Tripp and Vanessa married. When Tripp met Vanessa, his daughter Mia was seven years old. Was he moving too fast when they began dating? Mia never fully adjusted to the loss of her mother. When Tripp and Vanessa decided to marry, in a rather casual manner, Tripp discusses Mia's needs. He wants a stay-at-home wife, someone who will be there for Mia's every needs.
Tripp is a busy attorney who works way too many hours. He gently encourages Vanessa to quit her job to care for Mia. Despite the fact that she is a well-respected career woman, she reluctantly agrees, much to the dismay of her best friend Janie. Actually, Janie saw red flags from the very beginning. Not so for Vanessa. She fell head over heels for Tripp, and vowed to be the best stepmother possible.
Mia was an elite swimmer, although thirteen years of age by this time in the story, clearly destined for the Olympics. One day after school she goes outside to practice in the pool, and before Vanessa can realize it, Mia has disappeared. She was in a swimsuit. Her towel is still folded on a chair. Where could she have gone? Meanwhile, her neighbor Julia's home goes up in flames. Distracted by what is becoming a devastating fire, Vanessa doesn't check on Mia for what couldn't be more than a few minutes.
Was she careless, neglectful even? With Mia's age, and the fact that she was a champion swimmer, a few minutes unsupervised in the pool should have never become an issue. However, because Mia is gone, it most certainly is a huge issue. The police ask a lot of questions and multiple search teams are employed. Where is Mia? Did she go off on her own accord, or was she taken? How could she be there one minute, and gone the next?
Vanessa is beside herself. She considers her relationship with Mia. With Tripp. Was Mia unhappy enough to have run away? Julia, the next door neighbor, is sitting with her, helping her while at the same time, understandably worried about her house burning down, and thankful that her mother Charlotte was resting at Vanessa's home at the time of the fire.
So, we have a lot of players in this story: Vanessa, Tripp, Julia, Charlotte, and even snippets of Mia as the story is relayed in first person alternately. What a thrilling story of family drama, angst, secrets and lies. For this to be a debut novel, I feel I must give Georgina Cross props for writing such a compelling story, one that captured my attention from beginning to end. The mystery did not turn out as I expected, and I think that is because this story had more than one unreliable narrator. The way this was written made it impossible to know who to trust. Who to believe.
Actually, I felt like I was watching a tennis match while reading this book. As soon as I cast doubt towards one character, I soon was feeling someone else was guilty. Needless to say, I was wrong on every turn. Well done Ms. Cross.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Tripp is a busy attorney who works way too many hours. He gently encourages Vanessa to quit her job to care for Mia. Despite the fact that she is a well-respected career woman, she reluctantly agrees, much to the dismay of her best friend Janie. Actually, Janie saw red flags from the very beginning. Not so for Vanessa. She fell head over heels for Tripp, and vowed to be the best stepmother possible.
Mia was an elite swimmer, although thirteen years of age by this time in the story, clearly destined for the Olympics. One day after school she goes outside to practice in the pool, and before Vanessa can realize it, Mia has disappeared. She was in a swimsuit. Her towel is still folded on a chair. Where could she have gone? Meanwhile, her neighbor Julia's home goes up in flames. Distracted by what is becoming a devastating fire, Vanessa doesn't check on Mia for what couldn't be more than a few minutes.
Was she careless, neglectful even? With Mia's age, and the fact that she was a champion swimmer, a few minutes unsupervised in the pool should have never become an issue. However, because Mia is gone, it most certainly is a huge issue. The police ask a lot of questions and multiple search teams are employed. Where is Mia? Did she go off on her own accord, or was she taken? How could she be there one minute, and gone the next?
Vanessa is beside herself. She considers her relationship with Mia. With Tripp. Was Mia unhappy enough to have run away? Julia, the next door neighbor, is sitting with her, helping her while at the same time, understandably worried about her house burning down, and thankful that her mother Charlotte was resting at Vanessa's home at the time of the fire.
So, we have a lot of players in this story: Vanessa, Tripp, Julia, Charlotte, and even snippets of Mia as the story is relayed in first person alternately. What a thrilling story of family drama, angst, secrets and lies. For this to be a debut novel, I feel I must give Georgina Cross props for writing such a compelling story, one that captured my attention from beginning to end. The mystery did not turn out as I expected, and I think that is because this story had more than one unreliable narrator. The way this was written made it impossible to know who to trust. Who to believe.
Actually, I felt like I was watching a tennis match while reading this book. As soon as I cast doubt towards one character, I soon was feeling someone else was guilty. Needless to say, I was wrong on every turn. Well done Ms. Cross.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 4, 2020
The chapters of this brilliant book alternated between our main character Vanessa, Julia (Vanessa's neighbour) Charlotte (Julia's mother) and Detective Blakley. Towards the end of the book there was chapters that were voiced from the perspective of missing thirteen year old Mia. All of the main characters had their own personal flaws and most of them were harbouring secrets.My favourite characters were Vanessa's best friend Janie, Officer Donahue and poor Charlotte who suffered from dementia and therefore struggled to recall if she had witnessed anything of importance on the day that Mia disappeared. Dementia is a terrifying affliction and something that I live in fear of as I get older and I thought the author's descriptions of Charlotte's confusion and foggy brain were very realistic and written with care and sensitivity. I had mixed feelings about Vanesssa but mainly I just wanted her to listen to Janie and realise that Tripp had married her for his own personal reasons and it had absolutely nothing to do with love. But as they say, love is blind and Tripp had her firmly wrapped around his charmimg, manipulative finger. I also had mixed feelings about Mia, I think a lot of readers would probably label her a brat but she was only a child and therefore could she really be expected to fully understand the repercussions of her actions. How much of her behaviour could be blamed on Tripp's daddy's little princess cant do no wrong attitude? Talking of Tripp, I thought he was a very unlikable character for various reasons.
Wow....just wow, this is one hell of a twisty thriller that is really well written, keeps the reader guessing and frantically turning the pages. I was so captivated by this incredible debut that I read the whole book in one sitting. I was surprised when I discovered that one of the characters had the same name as my dad. I can't wait to read more of this author's books. Worth far more than five stars and very very highly recommended.
Wow....just wow, this is one hell of a twisty thriller that is really well written, keeps the reader guessing and frantically turning the pages. I was so captivated by this incredible debut that I read the whole book in one sitting. I was surprised when I discovered that one of the characters had the same name as my dad. I can't wait to read more of this author's books. Worth far more than five stars and very very highly recommended.
October 9, 2020
When 13 year old Mia is left in the family swimming pool to practise her laps her neighbour’s house starts to burn and when her Stepmother, Vanessa, tries to get her inside the house, Mia is nowhere to be found. Tripp, Mia’s dad is devastated and soon the police are trying to leave together what happened to Mia.
This was a fast paced read and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were good and I would read more by this author. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was a fast paced read and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were good and I would read more by this author. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 29, 2020
Wow, Wow, Wow! This is definitely one of my BEST psychological suspense reads of 2020 and possibly ever! The tension ricochets with every page, every character believable and every one a suspect. The twists just keep on coming and the pace never lets up. And that ending - stunning! Just wow! Amazing. A book to transport you, thrill you, entertain you and keep you guessing. So very very glad to have discovered this author. I will be waiting eagerly for her next books.
August 16, 2020
Vanessa gives up her career to marry Tanner and be a stepmother to his daughter, Mia. Everything seems pretty idyllic. Mia is a 13-year-old with the potential of being an Olympic swimmer but things aren't as rosy as it appears. One afternoon Mia just disappears from the family pool and then things start to unravel.
The story is told from different points of view, mostly Vanessa, Mia and Julia. At times in the beginning I had to keep checking who I was reading but that evened out in the end. The characters were well developed and I think I felt the most sorry for Vanessa. It is hard to step in and try to become a family with the specter of a dead wife in the wings. Lots of twists and turns in this one that kept me guessing and it had me going right to the very last page.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Netgalley and Bookouture. These are my thoughts.
The story is told from different points of view, mostly Vanessa, Mia and Julia. At times in the beginning I had to keep checking who I was reading but that evened out in the end. The characters were well developed and I think I felt the most sorry for Vanessa. It is hard to step in and try to become a family with the specter of a dead wife in the wings. Lots of twists and turns in this one that kept me guessing and it had me going right to the very last page.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Netgalley and Bookouture. These are my thoughts.
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