Girl Zero

Girl Zero Thriller #1

by Mike Grist, Michael John Grist

THEY SOLD HER LITTLE SISTER. NOW THEY'LL PAY.

At 7 years old, the girl known only as 'Zero' was locked away in an Idaho dungeon. Her torments didn't end for 9 years, until she broke free and executed her captors.

But her vengeance couldn't end there.

When Zero was locked away, she had a little sister, Hope. She never saw her again, but she's been searching ever since.

Now she may finally be getting close. In the underground drug and club scene, there's a man 'breaking' girls with a hammer and nails. But something is different this time. This man is tied to something bigger. This man may be the key to setting Hope free…

Zero just has to break him first.

LIVE BY THE HAMMER, DIE BY THE NAIL.

Genres: Thriller, Horror, Suspense

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2022

About the author

Mike Grist is the British/American author of the Christopher Wren and Girl Zero thriller series.

For 11 years Mike lived in Tokyo, Japan, exploring and photographing the dark side of the city and the country: gangs, cults and abandoned places. Now he writes from London, UK, about ex-DELTA operator Christopher Wren - an anti-hero vigilante who brings brutal payback for dark crimes on an unprecedented scale.

Mike also writes science fiction and fantasy as Michael John Grist:

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read from this author, and a first in a new series.

So, three stars from me, action, yes, violent, yes, good pace, yes.

But to me a little confusing, so many names, characters, difficulty in understanding the story, a little far fetched.

THEY SOLD HER LITTLE SISTER. NOW THEY'LL PAY!

At 7 years old, the girl known only as 'Zero' was locked away in an Idaho dungeon. Her torments didn't end for 9 years, until she broke free and executed her captors.

But her vengeance couldn't end there.

When Zero was locked away, she had a little sister, Hope. She never saw her again, but she's been searching ever since.

Now she may finally be getting close. In the underground drug and club scene, there's a man 'breaking' girls with a hammer and nails. But something is different this time. This man is tied to something bigger. This man may be the key to setting Hope free…

Zero just has to break him first.

Three stars

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl Zero spent her childhood as an object of abuse for her father’s online “Pinocchios” until she escaped. Now a young woman she hunts the dark web to find these men searching for her little sister Hope who was sold through the network.

This has a very brutal subject matter and is a little too close to the reality of the dark side of the internet. Zero’s quest for revenge is very satisfying and she is lethal and singleminded in her pursuit of these criminals. As she brings about their demise in a multitude of original ways she feels only rage and a compulsion to find the truth, the kills are not gratuitous but a necessary clearing of the rubbish.

Check triggers on this as online trafficking is a large part of this story and it is, in parts, an uncomfortable read!

[Paul McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed, well written

[Sharon Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

This is my first time reading Mike Grist and I’m so glad I found this book. The character of Mona, Zero Girl, was such an eye opener. Her back story really made her that much more human. She makes an excellent heroine…damaged but unbroken. I will definitely be reading more about her!

[Susan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl Zero is a wild ride, with constant action and a fearless kick-butt female… do i call her a superhero? She’s nearly a superhero because she seems nearly superhuman. Between her exceptional skills and all the techie gadgets, it reminds of a modern-day James Bond in a way. But better. For fans of this author’s Christopher Wren series, this is the first spin-off book and it ties in nicely with those. (If you haven’t read the Christopher Wren series, what are you waiting for?) There is enough backstory to start here, however. There are some very dark topics covered here - this is not a light read, But there is humor from some of my favorite characters in the CW series - Hellion and B4cksl4cker. Also, some very nice twists. Great start to a new series, and I’m already looking forward to Mike Grist’s next book, whatever that may be. Well done!

[Kaimeirra · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

So this was the first non fantasy/paranormal book for me to read in probs 10 years. It has a very catchy blurb that pulled me in with the description of the female protagonist. I love a strong kick ass FP who is also grounded in some way. I felt like Zero was decent and the action amazing. Be warned though, it was a very heart wrenching book with the description of horrific acts to kids and females. I would not recommend reading if ur feeling sensitive or if this could trigger u. I enjoyed the book and am glad I read it but find Im not as drawn into the world as its missing the fantasy elements I love to explore in stories. As all the following books in this series and by this author are all more of the same emotional criminal enterprises being dealt with I will probably not read any more at this time.

— May u experience many tales 📚

[danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started with an interesting premise. Plus, I did not do the linked earlier series (Christopher Wren) which might have helped in understanding or liking this one more? Anyway, I liked the premise, but things just got more ridiculous and unbelievable as the story went on. And then just fell apart for me towards the end. This just didn't work for me. I really wanted it to!

My main issues which are total spoilers:
I'm supposed to believe that a girl was held captive from age 7-16, escapes and then keeps to herself for 2 years... and yet becomes a skilled fighter and hacker? Yeah, sorry, too implausible for me to be on board. And SO many times the ook said the phrase "almost a decade" which seemed to refer to when she killed her parents, but it was 7 years in the past. So this frequent inconsistency would bug me and take me out of the story.

[virgil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense Thriller

This intense novel is not for the faint hearted. The storyline involves the abuse of children which some may find very off putting. That being said, it is very well written with non-stop action with constant tension. I had difficulty early on with the protagonist as she was abrupt and hard to like. As her background was revealed, it was obvious why. Still, I wasn't sure I wanted to finish the book. The author's inclusion and development of Gabriel, Zusann, and Hanna changed my perspective, by developing an element of Zero's character I could like. The hackers add significantly to the story as well. Somewhat over the top, but it is an action thriller after all. I'll read the next in the series.

[Crystal Chesvick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Seeing the other side of the Girl Zero story from her point of view after just finishing War of Choice was perfect timing! This book could stand alone, but is probably more entertaining and intense after reading the 9 Christopher Wren books. I pulled a little bit out
of an exchange between Zero, B4cksl4cker and Hellion that made me laugh so hard!!!! Don’t worry, no spoilers here.

"Is this special trick of merciless assassin?" Hellion asked. "I have not seen this one before." "It may be specialism," B4cks14cker mused.
"Drunken monkey fighting ; style. I have seen Jackie Chan do this.'
Mike Grist, Michael John Grist Girl Zero (Girl O Book 1)
#kindlequotes

[mike hodgson Carole Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced hi tech operation with the loathsome bad guys getting their comeuppance. Delving into the murky dark world of people trafficking. However there was some lapses in the proof reading and some events. The main character was using hi tech hacking against a global multi billion dollar organisation who were equally if not more advanced with the funds at their disposal than Zero and her associates and they could not keep track of her!!! Highly unlikely, she was also badly injured and drugged up to the eyeballs and still managed to climb ladders and run around beating up the bad guys. I did enjoy the book but what she got away with was a bit much.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 4 out of 5]

They call her Girl Zero, because she was the first one in an enterprise of child torcher. A little business on the dark web where pictures and videos of kids being torchered could be sold and traded. They called themselves Pinnochios. Her parents were in charge. For 9 years she plotted her escape. She was able to kill both her parents and escape. Now to find her little sister, Hope. This is way more complicated than it sounds, because the group has grown so much in that time. No help from Christopher Wren, but thankfully she is able to enlist Hellion and B4cksl4cker to her cause.

[Nancy Portz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caution: an incredible amount of child abuse

This book is well-written. It is very fast paced and draws attention to a taboo subject that everyone has trouble facing. Because of the intensity, I had to read the book in chunks. If only we could put an end to all child abuse, worldwide. Mike Grist has done a very good job of making such horrors real. Now let's hope there is a planet where all sickos and pedophiles could all be sent, to protect our children. Excellent book, but do heed the warning.

[S McK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

This thrilling book reveals the full harrowing backstory of Girl Zero AKA Clara Baxter, who was introduced in the Blue Fairy storyline. She had always been a mystery but this book reveals how and why she acquired such kick arse skills. Don't cross Clara because she will find you...

I must admit that I couldn't put it down, it just got better and better with every turn of the page.

Highly recommend this new series and I'm waiting for the next one, with bated breath!

[Peter Nader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can not begin to describe how awful this book is.
Obviously not a genre the author is comfortable with.
It reads like a high school essay with the author trying to lead you by the hand through every page.

I see you have the audacity to have a Book 2 in the pipeline.
You should not believe the reviews of those who get their books for free.
I'm just so glad mine was am epub and a tree did not have to die.

[S C · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST book I have read in ages!

From the very first page the action, the horror, and the intricacies of the plot grab hold and you just want to finish it in one sitting! Zero is the female Jack Reacher but in a different way, which is difficult to explain, but just as powerful a character (and I am a huge Reacher fan so that is the ultimate praise!). I cannot wait for the next book - Michael you are a genius, thank you so much.

[pamela williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn't my favorite but because I listened to it on audio book rather than reading it I kept with it. I would never have gotten through it if I had actually been reading it. Lots of computer lingo and lots of the same thing happening. It says it has a huge twist but I figured it out before half way through so I should have given up. I would have had I known that was "the big twist!" Not my cup of tea at all.

[James McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Twisted

I almost opted out until I just couldn't put the book down. Horrible people with horrible ideas. This one just opens your eyes to what kind of a freaky world we live in. All the tech talk about sent me over the edge. It truly is frightening what lurks in the shadows. Not generally the type of book I read but had my mind working overtime trying to figure out what is real and what is not.

[sasha king · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

At first I put this book down feeling it wasn't gonna be for me as I assumed it was gonna be full of satellite hackings, ghosting on the dark web & phishing sites. But for some reason I picked it back up and although it did have all those computer terms and uses, as they were an important addition to this story, I'm really glad I gave it another shot. The gadgets were great, the story believable and well worth reading. Gonna see how the nx book goes anyway.

[Mr Mark Hawksford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl Zero -

I struggled to follow some aspects of this book. It was difficult to visualise the story as you read it and there were times I felt a little lost. I also found that I was struggling in parts to keep my interest in the book. In parts Girl Zero was quite brutal and some of her killings actually made me wince as I was reading. The end of the book was quite good. Overall, I would say 3.75 out of 5.

[Dazza Shu · Rating 5 out of 5]

stuck like fly paper

This had me at the second paragraph and i couldn't put it down, and this is only a sample reading of the story, now im purchasing the series.
It's very fast paced and very well put together. And easy to follow along.

Surprisingly the author has actually put me in this story as though I'm actually watching every bit of it in real life, and that is not easy to do.
Loving it.

[Mountainhombre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fast-paced thriller from Mike Grist.

In it, he takes a character from previous novels and make her the star of the show.

One thing that I really liked is that Girl Zero's character was better developed than is common in a thriller. There's background, insight into her actions, and growth as a character within the novel.

Another action hero(ine) is born!

[Jeanine Jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

a real page Turner

I found this book to be a gripping read. I often get halfway through a book and become distracted. Not this one. It keeps you riveted until the end. Well written and intelligent whilst not too complicated. Even the techno stuff didn’t phase me and I’m a self confessed technophobe. I thoroughly recommend this book.

[Christine Spiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of a strong female character out for revenge then this book and coming series will be what you need to add to your "read list." Girl Zero gave me "Spit on your Grave" (a movie) vibes but with a twist. This book is the 1ST book by Mike Grist that I've read and now I have to read his Christopher Wren series too.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“At 7 years old, the girl known only as 'Zero' was locked away in an Idaho dungeon. Her torments didn't end for 9 years, until she broke free and executed her captors.
But her vengeance couldn't end there.”

What a thrilling ride. Certainly takes you down a rabbit hole into the cesspool that is the dark web and it’s many human trafficking syndicates.

Fantastic and fast paced read.

[Doz Copley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book is not for the faint hearted.tis well written, but explores the darker sides of life. Glad to have read it but couldn't bring myself to plunge into the next book. Saying I enjoyed it is true but wrong at the same time. The imagination for this story is off the charts.well done but sorry think I'll stick to less tragic themes to the more love and happiness genre.

[Erin Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was enjoyable as who doesn’t want the bad guy to pay?

What was curious is that Zero, with no education, could learn how to use computers super quickly and learn to code in multiple languages and be a hacker, as well as becoming a great fighter is unrealistic. Could it happen? Sure. But highly unlikely.

Otherwise, it’s a good read. Looking forward to the second book.

[Claire Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unicorn mg brilliant

I really liked how zero went about. I read the Christopher wren books and remember zero and others. The action in this book is not stop and it's great. I do feel how hellion spoke in this book was different in others . Which ruined the hellion experience for me. However this story is gripping and I'm glad I read it.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this much more than I did. The premise was good and it started out engaging but quickly got boring for me. Lots of tech jargon that was unnecessary and not enough background, character and plot development. Seemed like it was the middle of a story rather than the beginning of a series with character interactions and connections that don’t quite land.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this very dark and disturbing tale about child torture and murder, and it is well told, but I gotta say it is truly horrifying. The pace is good, the characters are interesting, and the plot hooked me. There were plenty of fictional elements in the story that watered down the shocking theme and plot, but I had a couple of nausea attacks.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good thriller, very much in the Christopher Wren vein. Mona is one hell of a badass that’s for sure. I couldn’t put it down, it kept me engrossed right through to an ending I didn’t see coming. Cannot wait for the next one. Highly recommended.