A decade after his young daughter’s murder, a grief-stricken father’s need for justice puts his own life in danger as events spiral out of control . . .
Ever since Caitlin Grady was released from prison, Darren has been tormented by rage and injustice. He finds himself venting online, where a stranger befriends him—and encourages him to seek revenge.
But Caitlin no longer goes by that name. She has been given a new identity and is living quietly, dreading exposure as the tabloids—with help from her publicity-hungry mother—try to hunt her down. And having committed the crime at age eleven, Caitlin struggles as an adult on her own, out in the world beyond prison walls.
Will Darren manage to track Caitlin down, and if he does, will he be able to carry out his plans?
Read and reviewed for Peter Kesterton, Heather Fitt and Bloodhound Publishers.
Publication date 22nd February 2023.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It most certainly won't be my last!!!
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bloodhound Books. I have yet to read a book published by Bloodhound Books 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 50 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Bristol, Swindon, Westcliffe Chippenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, London, Yeovil and Devon, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in several of these location on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Peter has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is are Darren Burgess and Caitlyn Grady. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'Girls Don't Cry' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this Peter discusses kidnap and murder of a child.
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Peter Kesterton you are a writing legend!!! This may be the first book I have read by you but it most certainly won't be the last!!
Wow!!! Well fair play the first thing I must say is congratulations to Peter Kesterton on a HUGE success!! Absolutely blooming fantastic!! I have never had my perceptions changed so much by a book and left thinking for so long afterwards. This book will stay on my mind for a very long time!! Anyway on with my review....
This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all feeling the sea breeze in your hair, the heat of the flames and tasting the ocean salt.
WOW!!! OMG!!! WTF?!? THIS HAS TO WIN THE BEST BOOK OF 2023 AWARD FOR ME SO FAR!!!
An absolutely huge success by Peter!! Thir book has left my mind whirling and still just mind blown!!! This is one of THOSE books that I think will stay with me for a long time, if not life!! It is absolutely unique and surprisingly thought provoking!!! It is an absolute must read!!! This book has got to be one of the most heart racing books I've read in a long time!!! It had me hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliff-hanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! I just could not put it down finishing at 2am this morning!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I read it in one sitting and although I'm knackered today it was 1000000% worth it!!! It is filled with family, revenge, loss, murder, lies, regrets, secrets, twists, turns and everything you could want from a psychological thriller along with some MASSIVE BOMBSHELLS which will leave you absolutely shocked!!! I for one was NOT expecting any of that at all!!! A true page turner, this book is absolutely compelling with an addictive storyline that kept me guessing throughout. I was continuously questioning who was in the wrong and what I would do in that situation!! I am a mum of 3 boys myself and this would be my absolute worse nightmare and I was shivering just thinking about it and shaking in rage for Darren. It was filled with suspense, drama, secrets, explosive twists, family, regret, revenge and so, so much more. I loved the ending and thought it fitted perfectly. The storyline is realistic and believable making it easy to picture what is going on. Great descriptions throughout the book really put the readers in the story and gives them a good feeling of what is going on. Many times I felt the ocean breeze in my hair and smell the salty sea. I loved exploring all the different areas on the hunt for Cailyn with Darren and Jedd. It is an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions and several times I felt tears running down my face so get the tissues ready!!! I have never done such a 360 on my feelings in a book, ever, but Peter managed it hook, line and sinker!! Filled with suspense, explosive bombshells and tension this book is one must read psychological thriller!! This book would make an absolutely amazing movie!!!!
.
THE MUST READ BOOK OF 2023!! CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES BEFORE READING THE FIRST PAGE AS THIS IS UNPUTDOWNABLE!!
The characters were very realistic and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The descriptions gave a really good in depth view of how Darren was feeling and what he was thinking. My heart truly went out to him for everything he went through in the past and was going through throughout the storyline. He had had to live his life with the guilt that he felt about losing his child. While he is suffering through this his anger builds and he wants an eye for an eye when he find out Caitlin has been released early. It is so hard to say too much without giving away anything that happens!!! I enjoyed watching all the character development and relationship changes throughout and along with Darren and Caitlin other memorable characters are Jedd, George, Kerry, Tracey and Bert. All of these characters are extremely memorable and Peter's writing skills ensure they jump out of the pages and come to life. I was shocked by several of their actions and attitudes. That is all I will say as I don't want to run the risk of dropping any hints or spoilers. However, whether you love or hate these characters, they all have their own strong unique personalities and they all bring the story to life playing their roles perfectly.
Wow!! What an absolutely explosive and addictive start to what promises to be an action packed series!! Welcome to my top 3 favourite male author list Peter and here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall a page turning, gripping and thought provoking addictive psychological thriller that will have your heart racing and will blow your mind with the explosive twists.
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Noir Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, British Thriller, Domestic Drama, Psychological Suspense, Mystery, Women's Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Kidnapping Thriller, Women's Psychological Fiction, Hard-boiled, and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Gone Girl', Shari Lapena, Sheryl Browne, Sam Hepburn, Lisa Jewell, Mark Edwards, K.L. Slater and absolutely anyone who loves a mind-blowing twist that you will never see coming!!!
376 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback 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
Read and reviewed for Peter Kesterton, Heather Fitt and Bloodhound Publishers.
Publication date 22nd February 2023.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It most certainly won't be my last!!!
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bloodhound Books. I have yet to read a book published by Bloodhound Books 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 50 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Bristol, Swindon, Westcliffe Chippenham, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds, London, Yeovil and Devon, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in several of these location on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Peter has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is are Darren Burgess and Caitlyn Grady. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'Girls Don't Cry' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this Peter discusses kidnap and murder of a child.
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Peter Kesterton you are a writing legend!!! This may be the first book I have read by you but it most certainly won't be the last!!
Wow!!! Well fair play the first thing I must say is congratulations to Peter Kesterton on a HUGE success!! Absolutely blooming fantastic!! I have never had my perceptions changed so much by a book and left thinking for so long afterwards. This book will stay on my mind for a very long time!! Anyway on with my review....
This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all feeling the sea breeze in your hair, the heat of the flames and tasting the ocean salt.
WOW!!! OMG!!! WTF?!? THIS HAS TO WIN THE BEST BOOK OF 2023 AWARD FOR ME SO FAR!!!
An absolutely huge success by Peter!! Thir book has left my mind whirling and still just mind blown!!! This is one of THOSE books that I think will stay with me for a long time, if not life!! It is absolutely unique and surprisingly thought provoking!!! It is an absolute must read!!! This book has got to be one of the most heart racing books I've read in a long time!!! It had me hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliff-hanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! I just could not put it down finishing at 2am this morning!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I read it in one sitting and although I'm knackered today it was 1000000% worth it!!! It is filled with family, revenge, loss, murder, lies, regrets, secrets, twists, turns and everything you could want from a psychological thriller along with some MASSIVE BOMBSHELLS which will leave you absolutely shocked!!! I for one was NOT expecting any of that at all!!! A true page turner, this book is absolutely compelling with an addictive storyline that kept me guessing throughout. I was continuously questioning who was in the wrong and what I would do in that situation!! I am a mum of 3 boys myself and this would be my absolute worse nightmare and I was shivering just thinking about it and shaking in rage for Darren. It was filled with suspense, drama, secrets, explosive twists, family, regret, revenge and so, so much more. I loved the ending and thought it fitted perfectly. The storyline is realistic and believable making it easy to picture what is going on. Great descriptions throughout the book really put the readers in the story and gives them a good feeling of what is going on. Many times I felt the ocean breeze in my hair and smell the salty sea. I loved exploring all the different areas on the hunt for Cailyn with Darren and Jedd. It is an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions and several times I felt tears running down my face so get the tissues ready!!! I have never done such a 360 on my feelings in a book, ever, but Peter managed it hook, line and sinker!! Filled with suspense, explosive bombshells and tension this book is one must read psychological thriller!! This book would make an absolutely amazing movie!!!!
.
THE MUST READ BOOK OF 2023!! CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES BEFORE READING THE FIRST PAGE AS THIS IS UNPUTDOWNABLE!!
The characters were very realistic and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The descriptions gave a really good in depth view of how Darren was feeling and what he was thinking. My heart truly went out to him for everything he went through in the past and was going through throughout the storyline. He had had to live his life with the guilt that he felt about losing his child. While he is suffering through this his anger builds and he wants an eye for an eye when he find out Caitlin has been released early. It is so hard to say too much without giving away anything that happens!!! I enjoyed watching all the character development and relationship changes throughout and along with Darren and Caitlin other memorable characters are Jedd, George, Kerry, Tracey and Bert. All of these characters are extremely memorable and Peter's writing skills ensure they jump out of the pages and come to life. I was shocked by several of their actions and attitudes. That is all I will say as I don't want to run the risk of dropping any hints or spoilers. However, whether you love or hate these characters, they all have their own strong unique personalities and they all bring the story to life playing their roles perfectly.
Wow!! What an absolutely explosive and addictive start to what promises to be an action packed series!! Welcome to my top 3 favourite male author list Peter and here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall a page turning, gripping and thought provoking addictive psychological thriller that will have your heart racing and will blow your mind with the explosive twists.
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Noir Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, British Thriller, Domestic Drama, Psychological Suspense, Mystery, Women's Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Kidnapping Thriller, Women's Psychological Fiction, Hard-boiled, and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Gone Girl', Shari Lapena, Sheryl Browne, Sam Hepburn, Lisa Jewell, Mark Edwards, K.L. Slater and absolutely anyone who loves a mind-blowing twist that you will never see coming!!!
376 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback 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
This book draws you deep into a father’s grief after losing his child, while at the same time following the life of the young woman who murdered his child and her attempt at building a new life after she served her time for the murder. The author leaves you questioning when has a murderer been punished enough. Is death for death justified? When you reach for this book you will experience both sides of the argument and find yourself questioning how you would react in either of these situations. The author does a fantastic job of sharing Darren’s grief. You are left feeling this man’s pain and you understand what he is going through. How can it possibly be fair that the monster who murdered his child is given a second chance at life? At the same time, you share in Caitlin’s struggle to live a normal life. She was eleven years old when she committed the murder and spent most of her life in prison – now she needs to re-adjust. The emotions in this book leave you doubting whose side you should be on. The author managed to bring this story to life and leave you in turmoil while you try to pick a side. When Darren finds out that Caitlin Grady has been given parole he is devastated. Caitlin murdered his toddler and Darren does not believe for a minute that Caitlin has been rehabilitated. While venting his anger online on about the injustice a stranger befriends him and agrees to help him to find Caitlin. She has a new identity and no one knows what she looks like after all these years. Determined to find her, Darren travels around the coastal towns but what will he do if he manages to find Caitlin? This book leaves you questioning what you believe is right. I found myself struggling to decide because while I could feel Darren’s pain and understand his belief that justice has not been served, I also found my heart breaking for Caitlin. She was just a child herself, should she still be paying for what she did at the age of eleven? This is a book that will leave your head spinning. Darren is a father gripped by grief; his reactions are understandable while at times you are left feeling that he may be a little extreme in his beliefs. He wants justice, and you are left feeling he would do anything to get back at Caitlin, no matter what the cost to himself. Caitlin may have been a child murdered when she was no more than a child – but the young woman you get you know, while full of quirks does not seem to be capable of murder – your heart breaks for her and you are left hoping that she manages to keep her past in the past. This book grabs hold of you will both hands and refuses to let go until you reach the very last page. I was left questioning who was right, Darren or Caitlin. Should Caitlin have spent her life in prison? Would that be better? This book is guaranteed to stir emotions you did not expect. If you are keen on a thriller that leaves you questioning right and wrong, a book that shares the hunt for a killer and one man’s need for justice the way he sees it – then you do not want to miss Girls Don’t Cry. This book will have you gripped from start to end. https://featzreviews.com/girls-dont-c...
Thank you to Random Things Tours, the publishers and author for allowing me to be on the blog tour for this book! 🤩
This book is written from two points of view - Darren’s, the father of Riley who was murdered ten years ago, and Caitlin’s, the 21 year old who murdered Riley aged 11, and has recently been released from prison. Darren is, understandably, very very angry about Caitlin’s release. She was served a life sentence at the trial, so her early release is a big punch in the face to Riley’s grieving parents. Caitlin is given a new identity and a new place to live, which only angers Darren more.
Darren’s grief (and guilt) is palpable throughout the pages. It is incredibly raw and the author portrayed him in such a convincing way. The loss of Riley, and the way that Darren has dealt with the loss of Riley, has had a huge impact on his marriage. It’s barely above water, and the news of Caitlin’s release sends Darren into a spiral of obsession in finding her and serving his own justice. Although deep down, he’s not actually sure if he would go through with it or not.
Darren is spurred on by the likes of Pringle, a (in my opinion) selfish journalist, and Jedd, who holds very strong views on what should happen to child killers. Jedd, essentially, brainwashes and manipulates Darren, and I sometimes found it hard to read Darren falling for his guise. Jedd took advantage of a vulnerable, grieving man for his own gains.
I found Caitlin’s chapters really interesting. I empathised with her, which is credit to the author’s writing, as despite the circumstances, she is a child killer. There’s a lot of layers there that are peeled back as the book goes on
I really enjoyed the ending and I think it was the right one. Would highly recommend this book! Do check the trigger warnings first though.
A good book that was well paced from the start, and kept my attention throughout. Switched between 2 people's different story/point of view throughout which really worked with the storyline . Great read that I would recommend
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this ARC of a great book. A captivating read till the end with characters telling story from their perspective each chapter but was easy to follow. A suspenseful read to the end with some twists and turns. Story line could have triggers for some but done without getting too detailed. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy of this book for my honest review. First book I've read by the author and I'd read more. The book grips you from the start, with lots of emotions. At times it's a very uncomfortable read. I liked how the story was told from Caitlin/Anna, the child killer and the victims dad Darren. Fast paced and would recommend.
I found this a difficult read, which is not a surprise given the plot and topic. I had to read this in stages over several days, and i did wonder how i would feel if it was one of my children on either side of this story. However, given that I did find it interesting and it felt very well researched.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books, but the review is entirely my own.
What can you say about a story with two such unlikeable protagonists? The one a child killer who was only a child herself when she killed a little girl – the other the victim’s father, who should be a sympathetic character, but in actual fact is horrible.
Caitlin Grady has been released from prison after ten years and has been given a totally new identity. Darren is the grieving father, so filled with hate and rage that he drives his wife away and seeks support online. He finds himself befriended by a stranger, whose lust for revenge appears greater than his own. But what is his motive?
He also goes to the press to talk about the injustice – they should have thrown away the key etc – starts a campaign to reveal the identity of the ‘killer nextdoor’, and even appears on TV to talk about it. Unfortunately he has no idea what is going to happen next and finds himself in a situation beyond his control.
It’s hard to imagine feeling sympathy for Caitlin, but we do. My generation will be reminded of 11-year-old Mary Bell who choked two little boys to death in 1968. She was cleared of murder, found guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and served a ‘life’ sentence amounting to 12 years. She is living under a secret identity, and is purported to have a daughter and a granddaughter.
However, we are also reminded of the horrific murder of James Bulger in more recent years, and how while Robert Thompson is living under a new identity with a man who knows who he is, the other, Jon Venables, was released, sent back to prison in 2010 and 2017 for possessing indecent images of children, and was refused parole in 2020. It’s Venables that we remember. Released to do it again, though thankfully he hasn’t killed anyone else.
Thanks to Darren’s campaign, a lynch mob mentality is created and Riley’s Law attracts thousands of supporters.
Initially I struggled with the subject matter – how could I sympathise more with Caitlin than with Darren? I felt bad for giving her a second chance, but stick with it. And how could there be any humour in the story? I admit I cried buckets at one stage but I also laughed – not a laugh out loud laugh – but amusement at a very clever twist. A brilliant book. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
This book is fantastically written, it put me through all the emotions reading it, and it was so good that I read it in a day because I couldn't put it down. You start with Darren and Kelly finding out that their daughter's killer has been released on parole and I have to say Darren's first reaction is exactly what mine would be if I were in his situation. The fact that their daughter was relatively young and of a similar age to my small ones meant that I really felt all the emotions reading this because it was written so well that I could put myself into their shoes and it was heart-wrenching (at a few points I had to go cuddle my small ones) I really disliked Jedd from the off, he "felt" wrong and I'm glad I was right in my feeling( again goes to show how well-written the characters are!). I felt like he was using Darren and his need to find Caitlin as a way to be violent towards another person without repercussions. I loved Caitlin's story arc, it was heartbreaking to get glimpses into her childhood and eventually finding out what happened with her and Darren's daughter. And I'm so glad that Darren and Caitlin got the endings they did, it was the right way to end their stories. I am trying so hard to not give a single thing away but still tell you how brilliant this book is! This is another author's debut novel which has added more books to my shelves because I will be wanting to read his next book for sure! Highly recommend this for you thriller fans!
Many thanks to @RandomTTours for my spot on the tour and to @Peter_Kesterton for writing this fantastic story.
The cover first grabbed my attention, and I was further intrigued by the title and synopsis.
Written in third person perspective, this book features Darren Burgess and Caitlyn Grady as the main protagonists. With multiple protagonists and a third person perspective, readers gain a better understanding of the overall narrative and become more familiar with a wider range of characters and their thoughts and actions. It's as if you're seeing the complete picture and not leaving out anything. I haven't read a book like this, with my heart racing at top speed.
The story's characters were fully fleshed out and authentic, with personalities that perfectly mirrored the narrative. The descriptions offered a fantastic and detailed portrayal of Darren's emotions and thoughts. It was truly heart-wrenching to witness everything he had gone through in the past and present in the storyline. The loss of his child haunted him with guilt for the rest of his life. While he endures this, his anger intensifies, and he seeks revenge when he learns Caitlin was released early. It's challenging to say too much without ruining the surprise!!
This is Peter's debut novel, and he's off with a winner, he's writing style is superb and really grabs you from the start.
This is a well-constructed plot of a search for revenge for the murder of a young girl some years ago. Darren's young daughter was strangled by an eleven-year-old girl named Caitlin. When Darren learns that Caitlin has been released on parole, he sets out to find her and eke revenge. Egged on by a stranger who comes to his aid he engages in extensive media coverage. His new " friend" sets up a website to spread news of the hunt for Caitlin, to seek tips and to set others on the path of tracking her down. Darren's wife leaves him because she does not agree with the search for revenge.
On parole, Caitlin is placed under a new identity (like witness protection) in a small coastal English town. While at first it seems that she is safe, the hunters eventually track her, set her living quarters on fire, and force her to flee in the middle of the night, with no support from those who are supposed to be protecting her.
Where will she go? Who will help her, if any?
Will Darren finds Caitlin? If he does, will he kill her as intended.
The author spins an ending to this plot that I was not anticipating.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an Advance Review copy of this novel. I highly recommend it.
Girls Don't Cry By Peter Kesterton was an excellent intense read However, I did find it uncomfortable to read at time but I was gripped at the beginning and I could not put this book down....
"A decade after his young daughter’s murder, a grief-stricken father’s need for justice puts his own life in danger as events spiral out of control . . .
Ever since Caitlin Grady was released from prison, Darren has been tormented by rage and injustice. He finds himself venting online, where a stranger befriends him—and encourages him to seek revenge.
But Caitlin no longer goes by that name. She has been given a new identity and is living quietly, dreading exposure as the tabloids—with help from her publicity-hungry mother—try to hunt her down. And having committed the crime at age eleven, Caitlin struggles as an adult on her own, out in the world beyond prison walls.
Will Darren manage to track Caitlin down, and if he does, will he be able to carry out his plans?"
I highly recommend this book but be aware it has sensitive issue's within this book
Big Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this ARC of a great book.
I instantly feel more connected to a book when I can visualise the location because the places are close to home. As stipulated on the cover, you learn about the loss of Riley, a daughter, only a child via murder and the author instantly directs you into the plot. It was really interesting how the chapters rotated giving different perspectives from Riley’s parents mainly Darren to Riley’s murderer. The author takes you on each step from parole, to readjusting in the community with a probation officer.
One thing I didn’t anticipate was to really acknowledge both sides of the story. I was captured by the detail and knowledge and found this impossible to put down. When an author grasps the readers attention by highlighting on the emotion you know you’ve got an incredible read in front of you. I author really ramps up the speed towards the end. For a debut novel I can’t wait to see what else the author writes. This was close to home for me and I could relate to parts of the book in terms or certain job roles.
This book come out February 22, 2023. The paperback edition is out February 8, 2023. Thiis is a story of two young girls one is alive Caitlin, and another is died, by murder. Ten years ago, there flowers at the base of the tree, her (Riley Burgess) body buried is in Woodland Cemetary north of Bristol, she (Riley) was killed by a monster, an older child Caitlin Grady. Caitlin Grady 11 years old, murdered she was institutional in Thornhill Open Prison, is released. Darren Burgess and Kerry Burgess lost emotionally, unconnected, since the murder & death of their only child, angary. Their marriage is suffering as well. Darren wants to find her, Caitlin Grady, because she was giving a new name, a new life, a second chance at Life, his little Riley doesn't have that option, she gone. That put fire in Darren heart and soul to get revenge for his daughter, Riley. He has to find his daughter killer. This story is compelling, interesting, and a thrilling page turner.
This novel came highly recommended in my psychological thrillers group on Facebook but I felt like the writing was lacking a lot of details and it flip flopped a lot with the actions. One minute it’s about Grady and the next sentence it’s Darren. It was odd, but not difficult to follow. I think just something I didn’t appreciate.
I also hated how Kerry leaves without a proper explanation of conversation and that’s the end of it. Also, why was jedd so committed to the search ? It didn’t make sense.
The ending also didn’t give me enough details…Bert finds out the truth and there’s no proper conversation and he’s entwined with his friend? I liked Bert and she needed a man that didn’t let her down like all the people in her life.
I still think 3 stars because it was interesting enough to read and finish.
This was a really tense and slightly uncomfortable read, but it did keep me hooked. My only problem was that I didn't like either of the main characters very much for large parts of the book! Told from the two viewpoints of convicted child killer Caitlyn (Anna) and her victims father Darren, the book follows the weeks following Caitlyns release from prison. Darren is intent on revenge, and Caitlyn can't quite believe she deserves the second chance she has been given. Their paths are destined to collide.....but what will happen if they do? At times an uncomfortable read, the plot moves along at a good pace, and the characters are largely believable if not likeable. I'm grateful to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review. Would have given 4.5 stars if I could.
Thank you bloodhound books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and would happily read more. I’m really enjoyed it.
Caitlin/Anna came across as a very complicated but despite her past I really liked her and felt for her. Especially at the end.
Darren was also a likeable character and really felt his pain whereas his wife kerry was pretty much none existant which I felt was a shame and she was pointless
Jedd was the worse character for me, I found him really pushy and annoying.
Throughout the book I thought I’d guessed 2 of the plots… turns out I was wrong on both accounts and honestly didn’t see that ending coming at all
All in all this was a great book and I’d highly recommend it
Caitlin Grady is a child killer. She killed Riley, Darren and Kerry's daughter ten years ago. Caitlin was 11 years old at the time of the killing. Now she has been granted probation and is out of jail. New name, job, the works. Darren can't stand that she is out, and his daughter is still dead. He is bound and determined to find her and do what? His wife can't stand how he is and leaves to be with her mother while Darren goes on his 'hunt'. This is tearing apart their already unstable marriage. Does he succeed in finding Caitlin? What will happen if he does? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Wow this was a tough one to take in and it's contents are something that plays on my mind often. Darren and Kerry's daughter Riley was murdered by 11 year old Caitlin. Darren wants to hunt Caitlin down and get justice for his daughter but he's wife Kerry just wants to move on. While I can see that Kerry's way is better for the soul she doesn't want to forgive but needs to for herself as carrying around all that hate can destroy you. Unfortunately I am more like Darren and find it hard to forgive even if it was for my own benefit, I don't let things go easily. So this was a real thought provoking novel for me and the plot is well written and compulsive.
This is a moving and compassionate book, fully exploring the emotions and thoughts of both main characters. It is a sensitive subject. Can a child who commits a horrendous crime be rehabilitated? And is it right that he or she should be? The novel explores both sides of this very disturbing dilemma. It is well written and believable. The characters are well drawn and very human, and the reactions of society as a whole are well depicted. It both disturbing but also uplifting. It is a story of redemption, healing and forgiveness. Good ultimately triumphs over evil. It is a novel about love and hope. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed from beginning to end. This is a suspenseful story that is engaging and hard to put down. I enjoyed how the author used details to pull me into the story. The characters are connectable and really add so much to the story. This is a fast paced and well written story that you don't want to miss. A story where the past comes crashing into the present and a survival for life. This is an entertaining story that is easy to read. There is great growth of the characters as well as the plot which added to the story. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
This was a very interesting read, told from the perspective of Caitlin who committed a heinous crime aged eleven and the victim’s dad Darren each with their own story to tell. When Caitlin is released having served only ten years, it explores how they both cope or don’t; Caitlin (now Anna) struggling outside as an adult and Darren struggling with the decision of what to do if he finds her. Very thought-provoking and slightly uncomfortable to read but for all the right reasons.
Caitlin was only 11 when she killed toddler Riley. A mere 10 years later, she is released from prison under a new identity. Riley's dad Darren is set on finding Caitlin and avenging his daughter's murder. Told from alternating viewpoints, this book explores Caitlin's struggles as she tries to rebuild her life, and Darren's quest for revenge no matter the cost. But it's more than that... It's a book about grief and loneliness and misplaced trust and is a reminder that things are rarely black or white. An emotional read that stayed with me long after I finished the last page.
This was an intense read. Some parts I found difficult to read but I stuck with it just to find out what happened. This may be a trigger for some as it involved a person released from jail for killing a child and starting a new life under a new identity. The child’s father is in a hunt when he found out the killer was released from prison. A parent worst nightmare. Thank you to Bloodhound for giving me the opportunity for an advance copy.
What an emotional rollercoaster!! I was hooked from chapter one. Seen from different viewpoints, you can see how things quickly get out of control as a lynch mob take over the search for Riley’s killer. The last few chapters were even more gripping as it came to the perfect ending in my eyes. Loved it. A definite must read .
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy, this review is all my own.
This was a book that I stumbled across almost by accident being written by someone quite local to me. I wasn't sure what to expect but I found this thriller a real page turner, a book I struggled to put down. I really enjoyed the conclusion to the novel and it gave the title a darker meaning. My only criticism being one of the characters (Jedd) never really seemed to find his place in the novel and his connection to the events never fully explained.
Wow! What a whirlwind of a book! Full of twists and turns, Caitlin has an emotional ride as does Darren and it's full of mixed emotions on both sides. Who to trust, who not to and wondering where the story would go. What a brilliant read and well written. Riley's Law is controvertial and I'm with Darren's view but can also see the other side. Well written and a real suspenseful read! Would recommend!