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Lost Child Lib/E: A Gripping Psychological Thriller
She only turned her back for a moment but that was all it took.
Two years ago, Beth Farrow turned her back on her three-year-old niece, Jenna, for just a few seconds. She disappeared without a trace.
How does a three-year-old go missing from a crowded summer fete without anyone noticing?
When Beth leaves the country to try and escape her guilt, someone sends her a photograph from an anonymous number. It's a photograph of Jenna. She's older, but Beth is sure it's her niece. She is determined to do what the police cannot: Find Jenna and bring her home.
But someone isn't pleased when Beth returns, and they will do what ever it takes to get rid of her. This time, for good.
Two years ago, Beth Farrow turned her back on her three-year-old niece, Jenna, for just a few seconds. She disappeared without a trace.
How does a three-year-old go missing from a crowded summer fete without anyone noticing?
When Beth leaves the country to try and escape her guilt, someone sends her a photograph from an anonymous number. It's a photograph of Jenna. She's older, but Beth is sure it's her niece. She is determined to do what the police cannot: Find Jenna and bring her home.
But someone isn't pleased when Beth returns, and they will do what ever it takes to get rid of her. This time, for good.
Audio CD
First published August 1, 2017
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About the author
D.S. Butler
35 books897 followersAuthor of the Karen Hart series. Ex-biochemist turned crime-writer. Huge Queen fan. Loves to read crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
September 30, 2017
This is billed as a gripping, psychological thriller. It was none of these things. It started out well, with the abduction. After that, it was slow and dull. This was a book that I finished simply because I wanted to know how they found the child--it was obvious that they were going to find her. The main character was irritating, self-absorbed, and not at all likable. I just did not care for her at all. I never felt the great pain/guilt she allegedly felt. The characters were one dimensional and poorly developed. The reasons given for Jenna's abduction were implausible. I won't go into detail about the story, to avoid spoiling it for other readers. It's rare that I give a negative book review, because I appreciate the time that author took to write it, but this was just very difficult to read and not at all as interesting as the "thriller" description would lead you to believe.
September 7, 2017
Good Plot terrible characters
This was not in any way a gripping thriller. At best it was a mystery. Characters, especially Beth, were unbelievable. Nobody could be as dumb in their choices. Daniel was a thoroughly unlikable character but in the end we are supposed to be sympathetic to him...it just doesn't work. Also the issue of the money he took from his mother-in-law is never resolved. Bottom line is that I'm amazed I finished reading this book but I would never pick up another book by this author.
This was not in any way a gripping thriller. At best it was a mystery. Characters, especially Beth, were unbelievable. Nobody could be as dumb in their choices. Daniel was a thoroughly unlikable character but in the end we are supposed to be sympathetic to him...it just doesn't work. Also the issue of the money he took from his mother-in-law is never resolved. Bottom line is that I'm amazed I finished reading this book but I would never pick up another book by this author.
April 7, 2021
I love the DS Karen Hart series by this author so was keen to read this standalone and was very impressed.
Two years ago, three year old Jenna vanished while being watched by her auntie Beth .While at a busy garden fete Beth took her eyes off her niece and has regretted it ever since. No traces of the child were ever found and no witnesses ever came forward to help the investigations. Beth is wracked with guilt and decides to restart her life in another country but her life is once again shook when she receives a photograph of an older Jenna. She needs to return home to find her missing niece but not everyone is happy to see her.
A good read about every parents worst nightmare. Plenty of suspects and the author keeps you guessing with red herrings, clues and facts. Well written and is sure to keep those page turning rapidly.
Two years ago, three year old Jenna vanished while being watched by her auntie Beth .While at a busy garden fete Beth took her eyes off her niece and has regretted it ever since. No traces of the child were ever found and no witnesses ever came forward to help the investigations. Beth is wracked with guilt and decides to restart her life in another country but her life is once again shook when she receives a photograph of an older Jenna. She needs to return home to find her missing niece but not everyone is happy to see her.
A good read about every parents worst nightmare. Plenty of suspects and the author keeps you guessing with red herrings, clues and facts. Well written and is sure to keep those page turning rapidly.
October 18, 2017
Just one second...that's all it took for Beth to lose her 3 year old niece Jenna. She let go of her hand one second and she was gone. Overwhelmed with guilt, Beth leaves the country. Two years later she receives a photo on her cell - of Jenna. So she returns home to find her.
This thriller brings you around to suspect everyone in town. You turn to page to find out if it is the neighbor, the husband or the little old blind lady who took Jenna. And Beth doesnt stop looking for her even to the point of breaking and entering houses, and suspecting everyone.
Surprise ending of who did take Jenna and what actually happened to her. Great Read.
This thriller brings you around to suspect everyone in town. You turn to page to find out if it is the neighbor, the husband or the little old blind lady who took Jenna. And Beth doesnt stop looking for her even to the point of breaking and entering houses, and suspecting everyone.
Surprise ending of who did take Jenna and what actually happened to her. Great Read.
October 3, 2017
One of my peeves with regards to books is a blurb that either gives too much away or is completely inaccurate and doesn’t match the story it is supposed to describe. For this book, it is the second part that applies, because this…
“But someone isn’t pleased when Beth returns, and they will do what ever it takes to get rid of her. This time, for good.”
NEVER actually happens. Based on the blurb, you’d think the book is something where the main character has things happen that would potentially harm her, or scare her away or that someone is actively trying to do her harm. Nope. Doesn’t happen. If you want to get technical, there is one event in the end, but it doesn’t fit with the blurb. It isn’t about Beth coming back and trying to find out what happened and the bad guy trying to stop her from doing so, but rather about her actually finding it out and the bad guy wanting to try and get away with it.
Besides the fact that I kept expecting something different, I could not stand Beth’s character. She came across as completely stupid, making asinine decisions all over the place as well as being horrifically judgemental. I didn’t like any of the characters, really. None of them ever made much sense as they all seemed unnecessarily nasty or suspicious.
So no, this one was not my cup of tea.
“But someone isn’t pleased when Beth returns, and they will do what ever it takes to get rid of her. This time, for good.”
NEVER actually happens. Based on the blurb, you’d think the book is something where the main character has things happen that would potentially harm her, or scare her away or that someone is actively trying to do her harm. Nope. Doesn’t happen. If you want to get technical, there is one event in the end, but it doesn’t fit with the blurb. It isn’t about Beth coming back and trying to find out what happened and the bad guy trying to stop her from doing so, but rather about her actually finding it out and the bad guy wanting to try and get away with it.
Besides the fact that I kept expecting something different, I could not stand Beth’s character. She came across as completely stupid, making asinine decisions all over the place as well as being horrifically judgemental. I didn’t like any of the characters, really. None of them ever made much sense as they all seemed unnecessarily nasty or suspicious.
So no, this one was not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2017
Lost child was a miserable read
I was really looking forward to reading this, it was the first...and last book I have read by D.S Butler.it was a story based on a woman called Beth whose neice had been taken,it was dull and really boring,D S Butler wrote repetitively and Included details in the story that were irrelevant! Beth had no personality and you couldn't relate to any character in the book, I only finished because I paid for it
I was really looking forward to reading this, it was the first...and last book I have read by D.S Butler.it was a story based on a woman called Beth whose neice had been taken,it was dull and really boring,D S Butler wrote repetitively and Included details in the story that were irrelevant! Beth had no personality and you couldn't relate to any character in the book, I only finished because I paid for it
September 10, 2017
Predictable
I'm not saying that to be horrible. Just a bit of constructive criticism. I guessed the plot way to early the characters were not engaging I didn't feel her pain or her desperation it just seemed to drone on a bit. I kept waiting for the exciting bit the twist but I'm really sorry not for me.
I'm not saying that to be horrible. Just a bit of constructive criticism. I guessed the plot way to early the characters were not engaging I didn't feel her pain or her desperation it just seemed to drone on a bit. I kept waiting for the exciting bit the twist but I'm really sorry not for me.
August 22, 2017
A different style of writing for D.S. Butler but every bit as good. Well written, great characters & plot as always.
August 27, 2017
Great book
A very good read that kept you riveted to finding out what happened to this little girl. I kept thinking they would never find her alive.
A very good read that kept you riveted to finding out what happened to this little girl. I kept thinking they would never find her alive.
October 19, 2017
So this book started out strong and then flat lined before making a brief spike back up. Which is a disappointment because the idea of the story was set up to be amazing. There was just too much filler in between. A child goes missing, who did it. Two years later a photograph is sent to the missing child's aunt which bring her back home and reopens the investigation. It seemed like the story grew tired of carrying on with narration that it abruptly came to a conclusion and then ended.
"It's hard to believe evil can be carried out so close to home."
"It's hard to believe evil can be carried out so close to home."
August 25, 2017
Loved it
I read this in one sitting because it gripped me from the start. So many different twist, i thought i knew who the bad guy was at a couple different turns and then nope. Very suspenseful ans definitely keeps you guessing to the b end. Recommended to anyone who likes the twists of a good book. Huge fan of the author
I read this in one sitting because it gripped me from the start. So many different twist, i thought i knew who the bad guy was at a couple different turns and then nope. Very suspenseful ans definitely keeps you guessing to the b end. Recommended to anyone who likes the twists of a good book. Huge fan of the author
March 2, 2018
My first read of D S Butler and it was very good, keep's you guessing until the end! Straight off you can relate to Beth and her impulsiveness. It makes you realise how your world could be turned upside down in a matter of seconds and makes you think how you would react. I enjoyed the pace that the book was written at and found it a good solid read.
January 27, 2018
Exciting plot & story but got boring.
Good story & plot. I did finish the book. I think every page they were making tea. Overly repetitious. Too many details in surroundings that didn't interest me. Book could have been much shorter.
Good story & plot. I did finish the book. I think every page they were making tea. Overly repetitious. Too many details in surroundings that didn't interest me. Book could have been much shorter.
September 5, 2017
Would have given it more than 5 stars as I couldn't put this book down and every time I tried to guess who done it there was another twist!! A book you must read.
December 2, 2019
A new author to me and I liked this story and didn't put it all together nor guess in advance of the ending so I enjoyed it. However, it is let down by some pretty awful, dumb mistakes !!
I did find myself quite irritated by the star of the story, Beth. She does behave pretty stupidly most of the time and is a bit of a menace to regular folk ! The premise of the story isn't anything too strange or startling, it's been done before, but although I was considering it an obvious solution as to what had happened to Jenna, I was wrong. I liked Luke and Beth's mum and couldn't abide Daniel. I was disappointed with Kate as well......she didn't seem to look for Jenna for very long ! I didn't understand why Beth said that neighbours had sold stories on the family and therefore they lost much-needed support....that was sort of slung out there with no further explanation. At one point she refers to Isabel and Jenna not looking "that similar" whilst in the next breath says that Phil's daughter "had looked so like Jenna" so she needs to make her mind up there.
Now onto mistakes.....capitalisation, or lack of, is an issue....converse or touch of silver, she wrote passed and not past, ringer not wringer, poured not pored, hours not hours', she spells whiskey like this the whole way through aside from once when she went for whisky instead.
Nearing the end there were 3 instances of questions being asked but not one question mark used ! Then we had speechmarks utilised when nobody was speaking. All of these mistakes are nitpicky things I spotted that should get cleaned up to give it a bit of a spit 'n' polish. I Will try another by her, though. The Deadly series looks quite promising.
Oh, I love the cover on this book, too.
I did find myself quite irritated by the star of the story, Beth. She does behave pretty stupidly most of the time and is a bit of a menace to regular folk ! The premise of the story isn't anything too strange or startling, it's been done before, but although I was considering it an obvious solution as to what had happened to Jenna, I was wrong. I liked Luke and Beth's mum and couldn't abide Daniel. I was disappointed with Kate as well......she didn't seem to look for Jenna for very long ! I didn't understand why Beth said that neighbours had sold stories on the family and therefore they lost much-needed support....that was sort of slung out there with no further explanation. At one point she refers to Isabel and Jenna not looking "that similar" whilst in the next breath says that Phil's daughter "had looked so like Jenna" so she needs to make her mind up there.
Now onto mistakes.....capitalisation, or lack of, is an issue....converse or touch of silver, she wrote passed and not past, ringer not wringer, poured not pored, hours not hours', she spells whiskey like this the whole way through aside from once when she went for whisky instead.
Nearing the end there were 3 instances of questions being asked but not one question mark used ! Then we had speechmarks utilised when nobody was speaking. All of these mistakes are nitpicky things I spotted that should get cleaned up to give it a bit of a spit 'n' polish. I Will try another by her, though. The Deadly series looks quite promising.
Oh, I love the cover on this book, too.
January 13, 2021
The only good thing about this book was the idea of a child going missing at a fete. After that the book descends rapidly into awfulness. This isn't gripping at all. There is no danger to the main protagonist, Beth.
As a character she is selfish, paranoid and totally unrealistic as she hates everyone who isn't part of her family.
The book is overwritten with too much unnecessary detail as everything is over described. This happens especially when Beth enters a place, from the countryside on a walk or the furniture in a room.
The conclusion was head scratching and didn't work and you wonder how the perpetrator of the crime was able to cover it up for so long.
Perhaps the author should read Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly to understand how to write a gripping book about a missing child with believable characters.
As a character she is selfish, paranoid and totally unrealistic as she hates everyone who isn't part of her family.
The book is overwritten with too much unnecessary detail as everything is over described. This happens especially when Beth enters a place, from the countryside on a walk or the furniture in a room.
The conclusion was head scratching and didn't work and you wonder how the perpetrator of the crime was able to cover it up for so long.
Perhaps the author should read Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly to understand how to write a gripping book about a missing child with believable characters.
January 27, 2018
This was a good read. I couldn't put it down. I will certainly read other books by D.S. Butler in the future. It had all the twists and turns of a good thriller.
July 21, 2025
Kept me guessing the whole time
March 26, 2024
Was OK make you wonder at times who was responsible for the kidnapping of the child.
August 28, 2017
A child
What a fantastic book and would never have guessed the end. Really well written and kept me reading all day.
What a fantastic book and would never have guessed the end. Really well written and kept me reading all day.
March 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this stand along book.
August 7, 2018
Not bad but needs work!
I think I would have liked this book more had I been able to like the main character. But I found Beth abrasive, rude, and pigheadedly stubborn. It was very difficult for me to care about her. The story and plotting were good, but most of the supporting characters were a bit cardboard. Beth's mom was just Beth's mom. She didn't seem to have a personality of her own. Parts of the story were just hanging in the wind...what was the point of Daniel being accused of giving Dawn money? It almost seemed that there were plot "leftovers" when the book was edited for length. The pedophile was a superfluous character who was never suspicious enough to be a suspect, so his part in the story was sort of pointless.
All in all, the book was entertaining but with some flaws. I will read another by this author because she does write well and I have hope that she will do better!
I think I would have liked this book more had I been able to like the main character. But I found Beth abrasive, rude, and pigheadedly stubborn. It was very difficult for me to care about her. The story and plotting were good, but most of the supporting characters were a bit cardboard. Beth's mom was just Beth's mom. She didn't seem to have a personality of her own. Parts of the story were just hanging in the wind...what was the point of Daniel being accused of giving Dawn money? It almost seemed that there were plot "leftovers" when the book was edited for length. The pedophile was a superfluous character who was never suspicious enough to be a suspect, so his part in the story was sort of pointless.
All in all, the book was entertaining but with some flaws. I will read another by this author because she does write well and I have hope that she will do better!
September 20, 2017
Lost Child
This was somewhat different from my usual reading. I was looking for a good mystery, without a lot of Gore and mayhem. And I found it. I can't imagine what losing a child to kidnapping, but I know it's got to be painful. Auntie Beth was taking Jenna to play during a gathering with friends and family, when she vanished. Then the story goes into two years in the future and the effects it had on the family. Still no sightings or leads, but the family tried to think positively, when Beth gets a photo on her phone of an older Jenna. That's all a dare reveal, read this book, you won't be disappointed. The story flows well, the characters well developed, I stayed up most of the night to finish the story. I'm glad I read this book, I look forward to more by D.S. Butler.
This was somewhat different from my usual reading. I was looking for a good mystery, without a lot of Gore and mayhem. And I found it. I can't imagine what losing a child to kidnapping, but I know it's got to be painful. Auntie Beth was taking Jenna to play during a gathering with friends and family, when she vanished. Then the story goes into two years in the future and the effects it had on the family. Still no sightings or leads, but the family tried to think positively, when Beth gets a photo on her phone of an older Jenna. That's all a dare reveal, read this book, you won't be disappointed. The story flows well, the characters well developed, I stayed up most of the night to finish the story. I'm glad I read this book, I look forward to more by D.S. Butler.
October 18, 2017
All she did was look in her purse. It was just a few seconds. But that's all it took. Jenna was gone. She was only three. Could she walk away that quickly? Did someone grab her?
Two years later, while working abroad. Beth receives a picture on her phone. She can't believe her eyes. Can it be, after all this time...all the heartache and loss? In Beth’s eyes, everyone’s a suspect. Can the police really have no clue?
~ Started great and was almost perfect, until the quick unrealistic ending. Also had to look past the fact that the author doesn’t know how to use “I" versus "me" properly. Disappointing.
Two years later, while working abroad. Beth receives a picture on her phone. She can't believe her eyes. Can it be, after all this time...all the heartache and loss? In Beth’s eyes, everyone’s a suspect. Can the police really have no clue?
~ Started great and was almost perfect, until the quick unrealistic ending. Also had to look past the fact that the author doesn’t know how to use “I" versus "me" properly. Disappointing.
April 13, 2018
The author says this book is a departure from her usual style. It does read more like a first novel than like one written by an author who has a dozen or so books to her credit. The language is simplistic and the main character unsympathetic. The twist at the end is unrealistic and rather unbelievable. The most positive thing I can say about this book is that it's a quick read. I read it in about 8 hours, while taking time to cook and eat dinner and check Facebook frequently. So probably more like 6 hours. If you're looking for a suspense novel that goes fast and , this is the book for you.
April 14, 2018
This book didn't live up to the description for me. The writing was okay, the narration was okay, the storyline was average, and the mystery wasn't nearly as excited as I expected. On top of that, the main character was really hard to like as she NEVER (not once) used common sense, and even said on occasion that she shouldn't be doing this but couldn't help herself. UGH!
Sorry, just not as good as I expected/hoped.
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the audiobook publisher, Tantor.
Sorry, just not as good as I expected/hoped.
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the audiobook publisher, Tantor.
September 18, 2017
Well all I can say is I really didn't like Beth's character at all, she was really unbelievably annoying and I felt that way all throughout the book I ended up skipping a lot because it seemed to be repeating the same things like we have already forgotten and I can't say I missed much. I had already worked out the plot from the beginning so there was no surprise at the end for me but I did finish the book. 2.5 stars
February 7, 2018
Slow and tedious
I’m only giving this 2 stars because I managed to finish it and I’m in a generous mood. First there were way too many repetitive unnecessary details that added nothing to the storyline. The main character was an annoying self-centered brat who made one stupid irrational decision after another. The reason behind the kidnapping made no sense. Do not recommend and will probably not read anything else by this author.
I’m only giving this 2 stars because I managed to finish it and I’m in a generous mood. First there were way too many repetitive unnecessary details that added nothing to the storyline. The main character was an annoying self-centered brat who made one stupid irrational decision after another. The reason behind the kidnapping made no sense. Do not recommend and will probably not read anything else by this author.
August 25, 2017
Not for me.
I did not like the way the book was written. I read two chapters and got bored. To my mind the language was not interesting and I didnot care about the characters.
I did not like the way the book was written. I read two chapters and got bored. To my mind the language was not interesting and I didnot care about the characters.
September 22, 2017
Fascinating story full of intrigue!
This is the first book I have read by this author but what an exciting introduction to her/his work! I often find myself frustrated with UK crime novels because their investigative procedures are so different from what we watch on TV in US criminal scenarios and read in US novels which often make everything seem to move so quickly and exciting. However, this author used that pace to build the drama and intrigue, giving few clues along the way. And it was a nail-biting, edge of your seat, heart pounding thrill ride throughout the story!! The storyline is well conceived and even better executed in something that could've easily become predictable or tedious as the plot of child abduction is a common enough idea. But this was not predictable in any way! Just when you think you've got it figured out there are unexpected revelations and twists abound. The characters are so deftly created and revealed that you feel you know and understand them without being bogged down with a lot of backstory and details yet each tidbit revealed becomes relevant as the tale progresses. I read this straight through without stopping and actually hated for it to end! It's one of those stories that makes you feel emotionally involved with the characters and leaves you wanting to know what happens next week, six months and even 10 years later. What more could you ask for in a fiction novel in this genre or any other for that matter?!?! I LOVED it and will be following up with more novels by this author! The author's notes at the end indicate this is a different type of story than their usual work but if their other creations are as well written and conceived as this book then I can't imagine being disappointed at all! Talent will always rise to the top regardless of the subject matter and it's that talent that is the connecting thread throughout an author's works. I expect to soon add this writer to my list of favorites! Read this book and then spread the word! It's well worth your time and you'll be happy you did! I expect it's one of those stories that will stay with you long after the final page has been passed by and you've moved on to another tale.
This is the first book I have read by this author but what an exciting introduction to her/his work! I often find myself frustrated with UK crime novels because their investigative procedures are so different from what we watch on TV in US criminal scenarios and read in US novels which often make everything seem to move so quickly and exciting. However, this author used that pace to build the drama and intrigue, giving few clues along the way. And it was a nail-biting, edge of your seat, heart pounding thrill ride throughout the story!! The storyline is well conceived and even better executed in something that could've easily become predictable or tedious as the plot of child abduction is a common enough idea. But this was not predictable in any way! Just when you think you've got it figured out there are unexpected revelations and twists abound. The characters are so deftly created and revealed that you feel you know and understand them without being bogged down with a lot of backstory and details yet each tidbit revealed becomes relevant as the tale progresses. I read this straight through without stopping and actually hated for it to end! It's one of those stories that makes you feel emotionally involved with the characters and leaves you wanting to know what happens next week, six months and even 10 years later. What more could you ask for in a fiction novel in this genre or any other for that matter?!?! I LOVED it and will be following up with more novels by this author! The author's notes at the end indicate this is a different type of story than their usual work but if their other creations are as well written and conceived as this book then I can't imagine being disappointed at all! Talent will always rise to the top regardless of the subject matter and it's that talent that is the connecting thread throughout an author's works. I expect to soon add this writer to my list of favorites! Read this book and then spread the word! It's well worth your time and you'll be happy you did! I expect it's one of those stories that will stay with you long after the final page has been passed by and you've moved on to another tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews