What do you think?
Rate this book
The Taken Child
As I race towards the lake, Toby's life unfolds before me, from the day he entered this world to his first day at school. Please let me find him. I’ll do anything. But my sweet little boy is nowhere to be seen.
It kills me that the only way I can spend proper time with my son Toby is by helping out at his school camp. I sit under the emerald green pine trees and Toby’s little face lights up as he runs past me, joining the other chattering, happy children around us. Then I see my ex, David, glaring at me and my heart sinks. He may have full custody, but he’d love nothing more than for me to disappear. Forever.
As the excitement of the first day at this isolated camp dies down, I cherish the long goodnight hug I get to give to my beautiful little boy. I’d do anything to get Toby back.
But my dreams for us are shattered when the next morning ends in shock and chaos. A body has been found. There’s a killer in the camp. We can’t trust anyone. And then my worst nightmares come Toby disappears.
Does the killer have my child? I’ve already come so far to protect Toby. How much further will I have to go, to get him back safe and sound?
Perfect for fans of Mark Edwards, T.M. Logan and Freida McFadden, this is a totally gripping and page-turning psychological thriller packed with incredible twists.
It kills me that the only way I can spend proper time with my son Toby is by helping out at his school camp. I sit under the emerald green pine trees and Toby’s little face lights up as he runs past me, joining the other chattering, happy children around us. Then I see my ex, David, glaring at me and my heart sinks. He may have full custody, but he’d love nothing more than for me to disappear. Forever.
As the excitement of the first day at this isolated camp dies down, I cherish the long goodnight hug I get to give to my beautiful little boy. I’d do anything to get Toby back.
But my dreams for us are shattered when the next morning ends in shock and chaos. A body has been found. There’s a killer in the camp. We can’t trust anyone. And then my worst nightmares come Toby disappears.
Does the killer have my child? I’ve already come so far to protect Toby. How much further will I have to go, to get him back safe and sound?
Perfect for fans of Mark Edwards, T.M. Logan and Freida McFadden, this is a totally gripping and page-turning psychological thriller packed with incredible twists.
- GenresThriller
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
494 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Maria Frankland
119 books568 followersMaria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 11, 2024
I haven’t seen many reviews for this book, and the ones I have seen were widely mixed, so I was a bit hesitant going into the story. Fortunately, I’m in the camp (pun totally intended) that really enjoyed this thriller! The book is centered around a weekend field trip into the woods that turns tragic, in more ways than one. I will say, the characters weren’t very impressive, though I did grow a soft spot for one of them…
Along with 36 children, we have:
David, a teacher who is recently (bitterly) divorced, and the father of Toby, the main student in the story
Kirsty, Toby’s mother, who lost custody of him in the divorce because of alcoholism, but has now been sober for a year
Leonie, a fellow teacher (who is dating David)
Catherine, the head teacher (who lets David into her room)
Mia, the teaching assistant (who has a tiny crush on David)
Jeanette, a parent helper (who had an affair with David)
and
Harry, a volunteer at the camp (who is an old friend of David’s)
Are we seeing a trend here? Definitely! The campers all settle in, and begin a weekend of adventure and outdoor activities. Their weekend is cut short though, as a death rocks the camp. While the police are there investigating, Toby goes missing. Is the death related to him disappearing? The suspense was definitely there in the end…
I saw most of the ending coming, but it was still action-packed and fun to read. I thought this was relatively original, and definitely entertaining (as well as quick enough to read in one sitting). Four stars!
(Thank you to Bookouture, Maria Frankland and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on June 25, 2024.)
Along with 36 children, we have:
David, a teacher who is recently (bitterly) divorced, and the father of Toby, the main student in the story
Kirsty, Toby’s mother, who lost custody of him in the divorce because of alcoholism, but has now been sober for a year
Leonie, a fellow teacher (who is dating David)
Catherine, the head teacher (who lets David into her room)
Mia, the teaching assistant (who has a tiny crush on David)
Jeanette, a parent helper (who had an affair with David)
and
Harry, a volunteer at the camp (who is an old friend of David’s)
Are we seeing a trend here? Definitely! The campers all settle in, and begin a weekend of adventure and outdoor activities. Their weekend is cut short though, as a death rocks the camp. While the police are there investigating, Toby goes missing. Is the death related to him disappearing? The suspense was definitely there in the end…
I saw most of the ending coming, but it was still action-packed and fun to read. I thought this was relatively original, and definitely entertaining (as well as quick enough to read in one sitting). Four stars!
(Thank you to Bookouture, Maria Frankland and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on June 25, 2024.)
June 25, 2024
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley.
The bruises would always fade,
but your taunting insults lingered.
Wellll, I didn't know I could hate a person SO much from a book, which really proves how effectively the author has written the character. The one thing I absolutely LOVED was the little phrases after the end of each chapter. Honestly, that saved the whole novel. The story has multiple povs. Each character has its own flaws and all. I wouldn't say that I have a favorite character, but my favorite POV is Catherine and Kristy. The overall character growth is a bit slow and underdeveloped. I loved Kristy and Toby's relationship and wished there was more to it.
I could no longer recall
the person I was
before I met you.
Now the issue I had with this is that this story won't be unfolded in reality and as I know it is meant for fiction, it still is a bit unrealistic, like how can almost all the teachers fall for the one male teacher, knowing his ex-wife and his child is present. One other thing is that it was fast, now there are fast and slow thrillers which I have read. But this one just felt lacking in something and the plot did not really fit perfectly throughout the timeline.
You told me I depressed you,
that you hated to be around me,
yet you wouldn’t leave me alone.
In the end, the story is fine, if not a bit unrealistic, and the timeline is messed up a lot of times. The characters were well portrayed and it was terrific fun to read each of them. Just wished there was more development for them.
I’m not sure of the point my life ended.
The moment we met or the moment I died.
The bruises would always fade,
but your taunting insults lingered.
Wellll, I didn't know I could hate a person SO much from a book, which really proves how effectively the author has written the character. The one thing I absolutely LOVED was the little phrases after the end of each chapter. Honestly, that saved the whole novel. The story has multiple povs. Each character has its own flaws and all. I wouldn't say that I have a favorite character, but my favorite POV is Catherine and Kristy. The overall character growth is a bit slow and underdeveloped. I loved Kristy and Toby's relationship and wished there was more to it.
I could no longer recall
the person I was
before I met you.
Now the issue I had with this is that this story won't be unfolded in reality and as I know it is meant for fiction, it still is a bit unrealistic, like how can almost all the teachers fall for the one male teacher, knowing his ex-wife and his child is present. One other thing is that it was fast, now there are fast and slow thrillers which I have read. But this one just felt lacking in something and the plot did not really fit perfectly throughout the timeline.
You told me I depressed you,
that you hated to be around me,
yet you wouldn’t leave me alone.
In the end, the story is fine, if not a bit unrealistic, and the timeline is messed up a lot of times. The characters were well portrayed and it was terrific fun to read each of them. Just wished there was more development for them.
I’m not sure of the point my life ended.
The moment we met or the moment I died.
May 4, 2024
Well, the author certainly made my brain work overtime!
This book is one giant web made of lies and deceit and one big spider in the middle who is the instigator of it all, making a lot of people sad, furious and jealous.
Sometimes you go too far and someone will hold a grudge, biding their time before they pounce.
Someone thinks they know it all and the whole world is at their feet. But when you are on a high horse for too long, it's time you dismount and someone will happily help you do so.
The cat is waiting for the right time to lure the mouse into the trap, but what if the mouse has help and the roles are being reversed?
A plan can be perfect on paper, but that does not mean it's foolproof.
I love the cover ot this book and I loved the intrigues and twists. An excellent story by an author who always delivers. 5 stars
Thank you
This book is one giant web made of lies and deceit and one big spider in the middle who is the instigator of it all, making a lot of people sad, furious and jealous.
Sometimes you go too far and someone will hold a grudge, biding their time before they pounce.
Someone thinks they know it all and the whole world is at their feet. But when you are on a high horse for too long, it's time you dismount and someone will happily help you do so.
The cat is waiting for the right time to lure the mouse into the trap, but what if the mouse has help and the roles are being reversed?
A plan can be perfect on paper, but that does not mean it's foolproof.
I love the cover ot this book and I loved the intrigues and twists. An excellent story by an author who always delivers. 5 stars
Thank you
June 20, 2024
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A slow burn thriller that occupied my attention just enough to finish.
A school trip to an isolated place.
Many teachers and parents with something to hide.
A mother wants time with her son.
An accident happens resulting in death.
A teacher and father, thinks he’s gods gift.
Then a child goes missing.
Lies, betrayal, deception and ultimately revenge is on the menu.
When the truth comes out, no one will be the same again…..
An easy ok read with a collection of curious characters, a knotty plot and some tension and many secrets.
I’m rather confused with the blurb on the back and the title as the issue doesn’t happen until the last third of the book.
Unfortunately I found it a little predictable and while I’m a fan of Maria’s devious tales, I struggled to connect with it.
A so so read that could have been better.
A slow burn thriller that occupied my attention just enough to finish.
A school trip to an isolated place.
Many teachers and parents with something to hide.
A mother wants time with her son.
An accident happens resulting in death.
A teacher and father, thinks he’s gods gift.
Then a child goes missing.
Lies, betrayal, deception and ultimately revenge is on the menu.
When the truth comes out, no one will be the same again…..
An easy ok read with a collection of curious characters, a knotty plot and some tension and many secrets.
I’m rather confused with the blurb on the back and the title as the issue doesn’t happen until the last third of the book.
Unfortunately I found it a little predictable and while I’m a fan of Maria’s devious tales, I struggled to connect with it.
A so so read that could have been better.
June 20, 2024
This took me almost 50% to get into so for that reason I’m giving it 3 stars. Just ok for me. I’m not a big YA genre person so that might be why I didn’t get it at first and I just felt it dragged the first half of the book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. To be released June 25, 2026.
June 26, 2024
A school residential turns into a nightmare in this suspenseful, gripping and forbidding thriller. It jumps straight into the action with a chilling prologue that hints at what’s to come: someone is dead and one of the children, Toby, is missing. But how did a school trip go so wrong? Moving between narrators and timelines, Maria Frankland skillfully tells the story. And it's one hell of a bumpy ride filled with secrets, lies, jealousy, animosity and suspicion. She also knows how to keep her readers guessing, giving little away and keeping her cards close to the vest as we try to guess who is the murderer in their midst and who is their victim? And what about Toby? Will he be found safe? Pacy, unpredictable and filled with red herrings, she keeps us guessing; pulling the rug from under me with another twist every time I thought I had things figured out. It was addictive and I was so desperate for answers that I devoured the book in two sittings. But one of the most intriguing aspects of the book were the sentences in bold italics at the end of every chapter. The author of these dark, menacing, and moving sentences is a mystery, adding to the tension as I tried to guess not only who wrote them, but also who they were written to.
Frankland has filled the pages with a varied and compelling cast of characters. Their histories are complicated, intricate and hostile, leading to an atmosphere ripe with bitterness and tension. Each of the women who narrate the story were flawed and complex characters that might not always be likeable, but nevertheless had some quality that made me root for them at times. David was another story. He gave me the ick from the start and seemed to always be at the centre of conflicts. They were all potential suspects and victims and I could imagine any one of them killing for one reason or another. I loved this uncertainty as it added to the tension and kept me on the edge of my seat until the last pages.
Riveting, twisty and unpredictable, this is a must-read for any thriller lover.
Frankland has filled the pages with a varied and compelling cast of characters. Their histories are complicated, intricate and hostile, leading to an atmosphere ripe with bitterness and tension. Each of the women who narrate the story were flawed and complex characters that might not always be likeable, but nevertheless had some quality that made me root for them at times. David was another story. He gave me the ick from the start and seemed to always be at the centre of conflicts. They were all potential suspects and victims and I could imagine any one of them killing for one reason or another. I loved this uncertainty as it added to the tension and kept me on the edge of my seat until the last pages.
Riveting, twisty and unpredictable, this is a must-read for any thriller lover.
June 18, 2024
At a secluded school camp, the story unfolds around one of the (MC), Kirsty, who grapples with limited visitation rights of her son. Desperate to be close to her son, Toby, she seizes the opportunity to volunteer for the camp trip.
However, things take a dark turn when an accident occurs, resulting in a death. Suddenly, the reader is thrust into a whirlwind of suspense. The isolated setting amplifies the sense of vulnerability and danger, turning every shadow and whisper potentially ominous. Maria skillfully builds tension, leading up to the climactic moment when Toby disappears, launching the story into a frantic search filled with fear and uncertainty.
The pacing of the book is great with each chapter ending on a note that compels readers to keep turning the pages. I particularly enjoyed the multiple points of view (POVs) through which the story is told.
As the mystery of the killer’s identity unfolds alongside Toby’s fate, the suspense remains high throughout. The Taken Child is a compelling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, heart pounding with anticipation.
However, things take a dark turn when an accident occurs, resulting in a death. Suddenly, the reader is thrust into a whirlwind of suspense. The isolated setting amplifies the sense of vulnerability and danger, turning every shadow and whisper potentially ominous. Maria skillfully builds tension, leading up to the climactic moment when Toby disappears, launching the story into a frantic search filled with fear and uncertainty.
The pacing of the book is great with each chapter ending on a note that compels readers to keep turning the pages. I particularly enjoyed the multiple points of view (POVs) through which the story is told.
As the mystery of the killer’s identity unfolds alongside Toby’s fate, the suspense remains high throughout. The Taken Child is a compelling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, heart pounding with anticipation.
June 19, 2024
The book is narrated from the POV of four main female characters which I found slightly confusing at first, however once I got to grips with who was who, I enjoyed the style of writing as you experience the plot from four different angles. Despite there being several other characters involved, I didn’t actually feel like I became attached to any of them and they all felt fairly similar. For me, I thought the book was pretty slow getting started, it wasn’t until about 40%-50% in that it got more intriguing and even then it was still slow moving. I didn’t feel there was much depth to the storyline despite having high hopes for it based on the title and description, and when the book got to a stage where more was going on, the dialogue felt like I was reading a pantomime in parts and was very unrealistic. I also think that the title is somewhat misleading, it came across as though the entire plot is based around a taken child, however this wasn’t the case. Overall, this sadly didn’t live up to my expectations and it isn’t a book that I would recommend to family and friends.
May 10, 2024
I love Maria Frankland so was thrilled to get an ARC via NetGalley. The title of the book is misleading but in a good way! Going to a camp with zip lining, rock climbing and rappelling added excitement to the book. But what really made the book was the colorful cast of characters! Switching between multiple points of view added to the flavor of the book! I wasn’t surprised at the reveal but certain parts definitely had me guessing! There’s a lot of drama between the headmistress, the teachers, teachers’ assistants, children and camp staff! They all played a role in this book! It’s a fast read, and I enjoyed it very much!
March 16, 2025
This book kept my attention. The reason I only gave it 3 stars is that it was slightly predictable and it took me until about halfway through to keep all the characters straight.
May 26, 2024
The Taken Child follows four female characters' POV over the course of a few days. There were multiple times throughout this story I had to go back to the beginning of the chapter to re check what POV I was reading. I found the female characters quite samey. There isn't too much depth to them. All the female characters' lives are entwined in one way or another. All revolving around, a narcissistic male. Maybe check your triggers. Whilst it's not an indepth account of a narcissist, there are certain parts and sentences that can be triggering.
It held my attention enough to finish, I just found it predictable in places. Some of it just seemed a bit far-fetched.
The story has a few twists, full of lies, betrayal, and secrets. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy popcorn thrillers. Fast, easily bingable book to the right reader. This just didn't have enough depth both in its plot and characters for me.
Synopsis
A group of years 5 and 6 primary children are on a residential at an activity centre, when a horrible incident takes place and a teacher falls to her death. Everyone is in shock and being questioned by police to work out what happened to her. If all that wasn't enough, a child disappears, and the investigation takes another turn. Everyone is looking at each other, and they don't know who to trust.
It held my attention enough to finish, I just found it predictable in places. Some of it just seemed a bit far-fetched.
The story has a few twists, full of lies, betrayal, and secrets. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy popcorn thrillers. Fast, easily bingable book to the right reader. This just didn't have enough depth both in its plot and characters for me.
Synopsis
A group of years 5 and 6 primary children are on a residential at an activity centre, when a horrible incident takes place and a teacher falls to her death. Everyone is in shock and being questioned by police to work out what happened to her. If all that wasn't enough, a child disappears, and the investigation takes another turn. Everyone is looking at each other, and they don't know who to trust.
June 25, 2024
A couple of days at Ilkstone Crag for a school function seemed like the perfect escape for parents to bond with their children. The allure of quality time, fresh air, and engaging activities stirred excitement among teachers, students, and the lucky parent chaperones whose names were drawn to attend. There was limited space for everyone, and the head teacher, Catherine, was adamant that everything would proceed smoothly. However, the journey to this idyllic retreat quickly took a dramatic turn, as the mix of parent chaperones and teachers proved to be a volatile combination, setting the stage for an unexpected series of events.
Before they even reached their destination, the air seemed to crackle with an almost palpable tension. David and Kristy's brutal divorce was a sordid tale that everyone knew all too well. The battle had been merciless, ending with David securing custody of their son Toby, a victory overshadowed by Kristy's notorious drinking binges. But this was merely the tip of the iceberg. Gossip slithered through the group like a venomous serpent, whispering of David's entanglement with another teacher, Leonie—a liaison that had set tongues wagging and eyes narrowing. Yet, Leonie was not alone; other women at the school were also keeping an eye on him, including a parent aid that was already married. Each look, each murmur carried the weight of hidden truths and unspoken lies, setting the stage for a drama poised to unravel with devastating consequences.
Catherine sensed that the hidden glances and hushed whispers were the least of her worries, although she tried to keep all the adults in line as much as the children. Little did she know, these seemingly trivial bits of drama would soon escalate into a nightmarish ordeal. Things took a dark turn when a horrific accident unfolded before everyone's eyes, an event so chilling that it would haunt them forever. But was it truly an accident, or was it the result of someone's sinister actions leading to murder?
As panic set in, the crowd was left reeling from the shock. The atmosphere grew tense with suspicion and fear, but before any answers could be uncovered, Toby went missing. This sudden disappearance added another layer of dread to the already chaotic scene. The urgency to find Toby intensified, sparking a fierce clash between David and Kristy. Both were desperate to be the one to save him, but their conflict only deepened the mystery and heightened the suspense.
In the midst of this dire situation, every second counted. As David and Kristy fought over who would take on the perilous task of rescuing Toby, the truth behind the accident and Toby’s disappearance remained shrouded in uncertainty. The clock was ticking, and the stakes had never been higher. Who would emerge as the hero, and would they uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface?
One of the enjoyable aspects of "The Taken Child" by Maria Frankland is the suspenseful end-of-chapter hooks, which feature brief but impactful statements from a mystery character who is revealed near the book's conclusion. These intriguing snippets compel readers to keep turning the pages, and the ultimate revelation of this character is nothing short of shocking, adding to the overall excitement and engagement of the novel. Each chapter is meticulously crafted, drawing readers deeper into the complex web of intrigue and suspense.
Maria Frankland presents readers with a storyline that offers a deep understanding of the relationships between numerous characters, illustrating how these connections influence others as the drama unfolds gradually. The characters are so intricately developed, that some of the characters push readers to try to figure out their end-game intentions within the narrative. Some of these characters being false allies or false enemies create the utmost dramatic suspense. In addition, this author has crafted a remarkable plot teeming with drama and unexpected twists, which generates substantial suspense and intrigue, compelling readers to keep turning the pages to discover what happens next. Moreover, just when the reader believes they have grasped the whole story, this writer delivers a surprising twist at the end that will leave readers speechless.
The Taken Child by Maria Frankland plunges readers into a labyrinth of twists, where false allies and deceptive enemies weave a web of deceit, keeping the gripping drama alive with every heartbeat until the very end.
I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Before they even reached their destination, the air seemed to crackle with an almost palpable tension. David and Kristy's brutal divorce was a sordid tale that everyone knew all too well. The battle had been merciless, ending with David securing custody of their son Toby, a victory overshadowed by Kristy's notorious drinking binges. But this was merely the tip of the iceberg. Gossip slithered through the group like a venomous serpent, whispering of David's entanglement with another teacher, Leonie—a liaison that had set tongues wagging and eyes narrowing. Yet, Leonie was not alone; other women at the school were also keeping an eye on him, including a parent aid that was already married. Each look, each murmur carried the weight of hidden truths and unspoken lies, setting the stage for a drama poised to unravel with devastating consequences.
Catherine sensed that the hidden glances and hushed whispers were the least of her worries, although she tried to keep all the adults in line as much as the children. Little did she know, these seemingly trivial bits of drama would soon escalate into a nightmarish ordeal. Things took a dark turn when a horrific accident unfolded before everyone's eyes, an event so chilling that it would haunt them forever. But was it truly an accident, or was it the result of someone's sinister actions leading to murder?
As panic set in, the crowd was left reeling from the shock. The atmosphere grew tense with suspicion and fear, but before any answers could be uncovered, Toby went missing. This sudden disappearance added another layer of dread to the already chaotic scene. The urgency to find Toby intensified, sparking a fierce clash between David and Kristy. Both were desperate to be the one to save him, but their conflict only deepened the mystery and heightened the suspense.
In the midst of this dire situation, every second counted. As David and Kristy fought over who would take on the perilous task of rescuing Toby, the truth behind the accident and Toby’s disappearance remained shrouded in uncertainty. The clock was ticking, and the stakes had never been higher. Who would emerge as the hero, and would they uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface?
One of the enjoyable aspects of "The Taken Child" by Maria Frankland is the suspenseful end-of-chapter hooks, which feature brief but impactful statements from a mystery character who is revealed near the book's conclusion. These intriguing snippets compel readers to keep turning the pages, and the ultimate revelation of this character is nothing short of shocking, adding to the overall excitement and engagement of the novel. Each chapter is meticulously crafted, drawing readers deeper into the complex web of intrigue and suspense.
Maria Frankland presents readers with a storyline that offers a deep understanding of the relationships between numerous characters, illustrating how these connections influence others as the drama unfolds gradually. The characters are so intricately developed, that some of the characters push readers to try to figure out their end-game intentions within the narrative. Some of these characters being false allies or false enemies create the utmost dramatic suspense. In addition, this author has crafted a remarkable plot teeming with drama and unexpected twists, which generates substantial suspense and intrigue, compelling readers to keep turning the pages to discover what happens next. Moreover, just when the reader believes they have grasped the whole story, this writer delivers a surprising twist at the end that will leave readers speechless.
The Taken Child by Maria Frankland plunges readers into a labyrinth of twists, where false allies and deceptive enemies weave a web of deceit, keeping the gripping drama alive with every heartbeat until the very end.
I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
May 6, 2025
NOW this is the definition of “unexpected twists and turns” and I LOVED every second of it. So many of these books claim to have a “shocking” turn and most of the time you can predict what is going to happen but with this book? No! I was truly shocked.
This was almost a 5 star read for me because while I rated it high, I still had issues. Firstly the POVS were confusing and I struggled to keep up with them in the beginning especially with the detective chapters (who the detectives were talking to wasn’t revealed until later so it got hard to keep up) but as time went on, It got easier. Secondly, the wrap up felt as if it was 99% done and the missing 1% was the aftermath of the situation on the rock and the ex husband. I was on edge waiting for the BOOM! to happen and to see what happened after but it never came instead we jump 10 months into the future. Adding on to that, we are 10 months into the future and while the author implies in the book that the ex husband is now in prison, I wish the author would’ve spent more time on that part as the CRAZY shit this man did? it deserved to have its own conclusion. I mean the lore is DEEP with this man so there was plenty to write about.
Back to what I was saying earlier, this is full of twists and turns that I couldn’t even imagine and that’s coming from someone who is able to predict things early on but with this? I was GAGGED. The ONLY thing that was made obvious in this book was that the ex husband was clearly a POS. You go into this book and immediately you think OH YEAH this is the person who is going to be the problem then you’ll continue to read and that first assumption? GONE because now, THIS is the person but again after turning the pages some more, you’re unsure. Such a messy and complicated web. Everyone in this book had some reason to do the unthinkable even if the reasoning was petty. I love that the author had this approach with the characters as it makes the mystery even better. When you have a group of “good” characters and one oddball out, there’s no point in reading because you’ll know that the oddball out is the problem. The whole concept alone had me intrigued and I want to say that the author did a good job with it. Some parts were unrealistic but who cares ? I read books about vampires and 6’7 men so I’m not here for realism.
I’m so sad that I finished this book. Definitely in my top 5 now and if I will HIGHLY recommend this to anyone.
This was almost a 5 star read for me because while I rated it high, I still had issues. Firstly the POVS were confusing and I struggled to keep up with them in the beginning especially with the detective chapters (who the detectives were talking to wasn’t revealed until later so it got hard to keep up) but as time went on, It got easier. Secondly, the wrap up felt as if it was 99% done and the missing 1% was the aftermath of the situation on the rock and the ex husband. I was on edge waiting for the BOOM! to happen and to see what happened after but it never came instead we jump 10 months into the future. Adding on to that, we are 10 months into the future and while the author implies in the book that the ex husband is now in prison, I wish the author would’ve spent more time on that part as the CRAZY shit this man did? it deserved to have its own conclusion. I mean the lore is DEEP with this man so there was plenty to write about.
Back to what I was saying earlier, this is full of twists and turns that I couldn’t even imagine and that’s coming from someone who is able to predict things early on but with this? I was GAGGED. The ONLY thing that was made obvious in this book was that the ex husband was clearly a POS. You go into this book and immediately you think OH YEAH this is the person who is going to be the problem then you’ll continue to read and that first assumption? GONE because now, THIS is the person but again after turning the pages some more, you’re unsure. Such a messy and complicated web. Everyone in this book had some reason to do the unthinkable even if the reasoning was petty. I love that the author had this approach with the characters as it makes the mystery even better. When you have a group of “good” characters and one oddball out, there’s no point in reading because you’ll know that the oddball out is the problem. The whole concept alone had me intrigued and I want to say that the author did a good job with it. Some parts were unrealistic but who cares ? I read books about vampires and 6’7 men so I’m not here for realism.
I’m so sad that I finished this book. Definitely in my top 5 now and if I will HIGHLY recommend this to anyone.
June 26, 2024
My first book by Maria Frankland and I shall definitely look out for her future books, solid 4 starer!
A 3 day primary school trip away at an adventure camp with former lovers, new lovers and potential lovers is a certain recipe for disaster! Leonie and David are teachers at Oldale Primary School with Catherine, their headmistress, Janette and Kirsty are parent helpers on the trip and there’s Mia, Leonie’s teacher assistant. David and Kirsty are ex husband and ex wife whose marriage ended on a very sour note and now David has full custody of their 11 year old son, Toby. David is now currently seeing Leonie but is aware that Janette and Mia both have crushes on him, and he is loving all the attention. With Leonie, Janette and Mia all vying for David’s attention the tension on the away trip reaches fever pitch. On the 2nd day of the trip, Kirsty, David, Leonie and Mia decide to ride the adult zip wire but when a horrific accident occurs with one of their harnesses, someone falls to their death. When the police arrive and start to investigate, they quickly uncover that the harness in question had been tampered with, causing whoever was in it a certain death and thus a murder investigation begins. The police begin questioning all the adults and children at the camp and discover many lies and secrets. In the midst of all of this suddenly Toby goes missing and everyone is even more frantic, so the police have to also launch an operation to find him too. Will they find him? Who has taken him and how or if, does this relate to the tampered harness and the, as yet, unknown murderer?!
This was my first book by Maria Frankland and as I said above, I will definitely look out for any future books from her. I did find there was a lot of characters to contend with at the beginning and I was struggling with them all a little, however it didn’t take me too long to get used to who was who; this could have easily been my foggy brain though and other readers may not have this issue. I have to admit the only character I liked was Kirsty and I actually felt she’d had a really hard time. I did not see the appeal of David and couldn’t figure out why the other women were fighting over him; however, it was amusing to read! I really LOVED the tantalising sentences at the end of each chapter, and they made me desperate to find out who that character was.
All in all, I definitely recommend this for any psychological thriller fans, initially up until half way through I was thinking it would be a solid 3 star rating however once I reached the half way mark it definitely hit the 4 star rating! I look forward to seeing what Maria Frankland writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Maria Frankland and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out 25th June 2024.
May 23, 2024
The title grabbed my attention so had high hopes for this book but it left me a bit disappointed. There are so many characters, with preppy names that I couldn’t keep everyone straight. Every character had conflicting issues and hidden agendas. The first half of the book is spent with these young mommas and daddies all griping about their problems with each other, as they are chaperoning a three day school field trip together. Also, no-one was particularly likeable. For these reasons, I struggled to engage with the story.. but I persevered…
Toby’s dad has full custody of his son so the only way mom can spend some time with her son is by helping out on his school trip. All the while ex husband, David, glares at her, making everyone uncomfortable. The field trip is marching along like clockwork as planned by the highly organized and overbearing teacher. But the next day the peace is shattered when a body is found. There’s a killer in the camp, and you’ll understand that no one can trust anyone, that is if they ever did. And the kicker is… young Toby has now disappeared.
As the investigation unfolds, old secrets are surfaced, and the truth of what happened and Toby’s whereabouts, becomes seeming out of reach.
Good book for psychological thriller fans. Word to readers… read intentionally in the beginning to keep straight in your head who is who or you will become lost as this reader found herself.
Toby’s dad has full custody of his son so the only way mom can spend some time with her son is by helping out on his school trip. All the while ex husband, David, glares at her, making everyone uncomfortable. The field trip is marching along like clockwork as planned by the highly organized and overbearing teacher. But the next day the peace is shattered when a body is found. There’s a killer in the camp, and you’ll understand that no one can trust anyone, that is if they ever did. And the kicker is… young Toby has now disappeared.
As the investigation unfolds, old secrets are surfaced, and the truth of what happened and Toby’s whereabouts, becomes seeming out of reach.
Good book for psychological thriller fans. Word to readers… read intentionally in the beginning to keep straight in your head who is who or you will become lost as this reader found herself.
June 18, 2024
This novel had an intriguing premise. It centers around lies, betrayal, and manipulative relationships amongst colleagues at a local elementary school set against the backdrop of a school camping trip.
Told in multiple POV from a while cast of unlikable characters. I'm going to suggest you take notes on each character from the beginning because there are a lot, and it quickly becomes confusing.
The cover and title of the book are misleading.
I was expecting a story about a kidnapped child, but in reality, the abduction is not the focus of the book and only takes place towards the end, which was disappointing.
However, it was still a fast , bingable popcorn thriller with some good twists that many will find entertaining. It just wasn't as good as her other books, in my opinion.
𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀:As the excitement of the first day at this isolated camp dies down, I cherish the long goodnight hug I get to give to my beautiful little boy. I’d do anything to get Toby back.
But my dreams for us are shattered when the next morning ends in shock and chaos. A body has been found. There’s a killer in the camp. We can’t trust anyone. And then my worst nightmares come. Toby disappears.
Does the killer have my child? I’ve already come so far to protect Toby. How much further will I have to go to get him back safe and sound?
Told in multiple POV from a while cast of unlikable characters. I'm going to suggest you take notes on each character from the beginning because there are a lot, and it quickly becomes confusing.
The cover and title of the book are misleading.
I was expecting a story about a kidnapped child, but in reality, the abduction is not the focus of the book and only takes place towards the end, which was disappointing.
However, it was still a fast , bingable popcorn thriller with some good twists that many will find entertaining. It just wasn't as good as her other books, in my opinion.
𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀:As the excitement of the first day at this isolated camp dies down, I cherish the long goodnight hug I get to give to my beautiful little boy. I’d do anything to get Toby back.
But my dreams for us are shattered when the next morning ends in shock and chaos. A body has been found. There’s a killer in the camp. We can’t trust anyone. And then my worst nightmares come. Toby disappears.
Does the killer have my child? I’ve already come so far to protect Toby. How much further will I have to go to get him back safe and sound?
June 12, 2024
WOW what an amazing read The Taken Child a psychological thriller with lots and lots of twists by Maria Frankland was.
David and Kirsty Naylor a divorced couple with an eleven year old son Toby whom David has full custody of as Kirsty had been an alcoholic and was only allowed to have Toby on Sundays as David would prefer that Kirsty did not have any contact at all with Toby only himself even though she had made a full recovery.
A school camp trip with outdoor pursuits for adults and children was arranged and Kirsty was so excited to be going along in her capacity of class helper as she could see her son Toby every day but David was not too keen and was not very pleasant to Kirsty as Toby was paired with his Mother for the duration of the trip.
What appeared to be an accident on the climbing event leads to a full murder investigation and there is a killer in the camp who will go to any length to not be caught and also to try and kill again.
Who can Kirsty trust when Todd goes missing and the killer makes contact with David and Kirsty exposing David's past to Kirsty and the investigating team of officers.
My heart went out to Kirsty as she had been in an abusive marriage to David but love will conquer all.
David and Kirsty Naylor a divorced couple with an eleven year old son Toby whom David has full custody of as Kirsty had been an alcoholic and was only allowed to have Toby on Sundays as David would prefer that Kirsty did not have any contact at all with Toby only himself even though she had made a full recovery.
A school camp trip with outdoor pursuits for adults and children was arranged and Kirsty was so excited to be going along in her capacity of class helper as she could see her son Toby every day but David was not too keen and was not very pleasant to Kirsty as Toby was paired with his Mother for the duration of the trip.
What appeared to be an accident on the climbing event leads to a full murder investigation and there is a killer in the camp who will go to any length to not be caught and also to try and kill again.
Who can Kirsty trust when Todd goes missing and the killer makes contact with David and Kirsty exposing David's past to Kirsty and the investigating team of officers.
My heart went out to Kirsty as she had been in an abusive marriage to David but love will conquer all.
July 2, 2024
First, I want to thank Maria Frankland, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
DANG!! The Taken Child seriously read like nail biting bingable true crime series on Netflix that you can’t stop watching! WOW!! Maria Frankland is one talented storyteller that is for sure!! If you are a fan of true crime, mystery, suspense, missing persons, police procedural, then this is the book for you!
Maria would like to dedicate this book to her gorgeous niece Thea, who gave her the inspiration for the story.
What hooked me first was the scene of the book where the students were going on a school trip and being chaperoned. The three chaperones all knew each other and their backstories were very interesting to today’s present drama.
What I found quite interesting is that at the end of each chapter there was an eerie saying in bold typed letters. Each one seemed to get darker and darker as they went on.
In between the story there are breaks where we chapters about the investigation by Di Gilbert filling us in on all the latest.
This book had a lot of twist and turns, secrets galore, and shocking revelations.
I will say that it was not as fast paced as I like my stories to be and it took me a while to get into the storyline.
DANG!! The Taken Child seriously read like nail biting bingable true crime series on Netflix that you can’t stop watching! WOW!! Maria Frankland is one talented storyteller that is for sure!! If you are a fan of true crime, mystery, suspense, missing persons, police procedural, then this is the book for you!
Maria would like to dedicate this book to her gorgeous niece Thea, who gave her the inspiration for the story.
What hooked me first was the scene of the book where the students were going on a school trip and being chaperoned. The three chaperones all knew each other and their backstories were very interesting to today’s present drama.
What I found quite interesting is that at the end of each chapter there was an eerie saying in bold typed letters. Each one seemed to get darker and darker as they went on.
In between the story there are breaks where we chapters about the investigation by Di Gilbert filling us in on all the latest.
This book had a lot of twist and turns, secrets galore, and shocking revelations.
I will say that it was not as fast paced as I like my stories to be and it took me a while to get into the storyline.
May 6, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up. I hate to do it. I love this author, but this book was not my cup of tea at all. A group of school children go to a camp. A child goes missing. Then another one goes missing. This is a big web of lies and deceit and more lies and more deceit. There is a lot going on in this book. Too much. There also were a lot of characters. Too many for my liking. By the end of the first chapter I didn't know who was who or why or what.
The story was not boring, but I felt lost and unattached to the story and the characters. I didn't like any of them. I had to keep thinking about who was who. Also, the story is told through multiple viewpoints, and each character has a secret. Oy. My head was spinning. I did enjoy the ending and will akways read new books b this author. This one, however, wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it. I do recommend this book. It gets good ratings and others will like it.
The story was not boring, but I felt lost and unattached to the story and the characters. I didn't like any of them. I had to keep thinking about who was who. Also, the story is told through multiple viewpoints, and each character has a secret. Oy. My head was spinning. I did enjoy the ending and will akways read new books b this author. This one, however, wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it. I do recommend this book. It gets good ratings and others will like it.
May 10, 2024
David and Kirsty are divorced, with David having full custody of their son, Toby. While on a school field trip a body is found - there is a killer in the camp. Then Toby disappears. Will they find him in time?
I had previously read The Hen Party and I Let Her In by Maria Frankland and loved both of them so I was thrilled to get The Taken Child.
The beginning of the book is the bus trip to where they are going – the teachers, assistants, head teacher, and a couple parents. All are women except one – David. His ex also happens to be going as a parent helper. The women on the bus acted like a bunch of high school girls, in my opinion, talking about the lone male teacher, who he was interested in, making snide remarks, etc. It was really quite funny.
Interspersed are conversations with the detectives investigating the body – you have no idea who that is until later.
I was a little disappointed in this book – it was just okay – not as good as the other two I read. The women were just all too catty!
#NetGalley #MariaFrankland #Bookouture #TheTakenChild
I had previously read The Hen Party and I Let Her In by Maria Frankland and loved both of them so I was thrilled to get The Taken Child.
The beginning of the book is the bus trip to where they are going – the teachers, assistants, head teacher, and a couple parents. All are women except one – David. His ex also happens to be going as a parent helper. The women on the bus acted like a bunch of high school girls, in my opinion, talking about the lone male teacher, who he was interested in, making snide remarks, etc. It was really quite funny.
Interspersed are conversations with the detectives investigating the body – you have no idea who that is until later.
I was a little disappointed in this book – it was just okay – not as good as the other two I read. The women were just all too catty!
#NetGalley #MariaFrankland #Bookouture #TheTakenChild
August 6, 2024
Maria Frankland's THE TAKEN CHILD is a chilling, twisty tale with many adults misbehaving with their own agenda on a three-day children's school trip outing that turns into a nightmare. A desperate search for a missing little boy and a murderer.
As the truth unravels behind all the obsession, betrayal, secrets, and lies, a mother's nightmare and a frantic race against time to find her child before it's too late add a gripping element to the story.
About...
The setting revolves around a school residential (kind of like a summer camp). If you are in the US and unfamiliar with the term:
Residential trips are school trips that last a few days, and pupils must stay away from home. They are usually activity-based and are one of a child's first experiences of being away from home.
From the prologue, we get a glimpse into the danger that lies ahead. There is a lot of drama, jealousy, manipulation, pettiness, deception, and backbiting involving a divorced woman, a man, and a little boy caught in the middle.
There are a lot of characters to keep up with. These women are blind to David, and it sounds like he gets around. This is like a Peyton Place, Desperate Housewives episode with children.
In addition to the thirty-something children, we have the following characters:
~David:
A teacher. Narcissistic. Father of Toby. Ex-husband to wife Kristy. (divorced) Unfortunately, he has custody.
~Kristy:
Mother of Toby. Ex-husband David. She lost custody due to drinking. She has been sober for a year and is ready to reunite with her son. She is a parent helper on the trip.
~Toby:
Son of David and Kristy. A scared little boy on the trip.
~Harry:
A volunteer at the camp. He invited the children for this adventure. An old friend of David.
~Catherine:
Headteacher and friend to Kristy.
~Jeanette:
Parent helper. Formerly had an affair with David, and still crushing.
~Leonie:
Teacher. Currently dating David. Jealous of Jeanette and not sure how she feels about Kristy.
~Mia:
Teaching assistant (Leonie's class). Has a crush on her. Jealous of David.
David and Kristy are constantly bickering and fighting over Toby. Kristy is trying very hard to follow all the rules to get the opportunity to bond with her son, win back custody, and develop a relationship.
David does everything he can to keep her away. He is quite manipulative, and all the others around him mentioned above try to get his attention. There is also tension between David and Leonie, who are going for the same promotion. They are dating, and they try to keep a secret.
The children's activities are planned; however, things do not go smoothly (this is fiction). But what did you expect from this group?
Someone is murdered. Toby goes missing.
What was supposed to be a weekend of campers, fun, teambuilding, adventure, and outdoor activities for the children is cut short when there is a death at the camp. The police are called in to investigate.
Who among them is capable of murder? With a killer on the loose, one dead, and a boy missing is not a good combination. Why and whodunit? Racing against the clock, their desperate search for answers begins—one where the greatest danger could lie behind the one they trust the most.
My thoughts...
THE TAKEN CHILD is a gripping twisty domestic suspense thriller told from multiple POVs. The author cleverly lines up all her players who will ultimately end up in a dangerous, terrorizing showdown and deadly game of obsession and revenge.
Mostly, all the characters are unlikable except for Toby and Kristy. David is despicable and narcissistic, and everyone seems to be the chess pieces he is manipulating—from lies, betrayal, and secrets. I liked the little reflections at the end of each chapter.
Centered around outdoor activities and nature, the atmospheric isolated setting reinforces the sense of vulnerability, danger, and fear. There is also an ongoing theme of responsibility throughout the novel. These adults are to be held responsible for innocent 5-6-year-olds as leaders and parents, and responsible for their actions. However, not all took this responsibility seriously and used the opportunity for their own wicked evil agenda.
While I enjoy watching this imaginative author on social media and reading her books, this one was just a little too dramatic for me with all the crazy adults. You feel for Kristy trying desperately to get her son back, and the adults have their own selfish plans.
With twists and turns, the author builds tension and suspense to the explosive ending, where all is unraveled. There are many potential suspects and victims, and you are not sure whom to trust. THE TAKEN CHILD has topics and themes of betrayal, crossing ethical lines, family, mental health, trauma, moral dilemmas, alcoholism, divorce, and more.
Recs...
For fans of the author and authors, Daniel Hurst, K.L. Slater, and Kimberly Belle's Three Days Missing. Looking forward to reading Frankland's upcoming title, The Married Couple, coming Aug 6, 2024.
Thanks to Bookouture for providing a digital advanced reading copy for an honest opinion.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 25, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
June 2024 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter
As the truth unravels behind all the obsession, betrayal, secrets, and lies, a mother's nightmare and a frantic race against time to find her child before it's too late add a gripping element to the story.
About...
The setting revolves around a school residential (kind of like a summer camp). If you are in the US and unfamiliar with the term:
Residential trips are school trips that last a few days, and pupils must stay away from home. They are usually activity-based and are one of a child's first experiences of being away from home.
From the prologue, we get a glimpse into the danger that lies ahead. There is a lot of drama, jealousy, manipulation, pettiness, deception, and backbiting involving a divorced woman, a man, and a little boy caught in the middle.
There are a lot of characters to keep up with. These women are blind to David, and it sounds like he gets around. This is like a Peyton Place, Desperate Housewives episode with children.
In addition to the thirty-something children, we have the following characters:
~David:
A teacher. Narcissistic. Father of Toby. Ex-husband to wife Kristy. (divorced) Unfortunately, he has custody.
~Kristy:
Mother of Toby. Ex-husband David. She lost custody due to drinking. She has been sober for a year and is ready to reunite with her son. She is a parent helper on the trip.
~Toby:
Son of David and Kristy. A scared little boy on the trip.
~Harry:
A volunteer at the camp. He invited the children for this adventure. An old friend of David.
~Catherine:
Headteacher and friend to Kristy.
~Jeanette:
Parent helper. Formerly had an affair with David, and still crushing.
~Leonie:
Teacher. Currently dating David. Jealous of Jeanette and not sure how she feels about Kristy.
~Mia:
Teaching assistant (Leonie's class). Has a crush on her. Jealous of David.
David and Kristy are constantly bickering and fighting over Toby. Kristy is trying very hard to follow all the rules to get the opportunity to bond with her son, win back custody, and develop a relationship.
David does everything he can to keep her away. He is quite manipulative, and all the others around him mentioned above try to get his attention. There is also tension between David and Leonie, who are going for the same promotion. They are dating, and they try to keep a secret.
The children's activities are planned; however, things do not go smoothly (this is fiction). But what did you expect from this group?
Someone is murdered. Toby goes missing.
What was supposed to be a weekend of campers, fun, teambuilding, adventure, and outdoor activities for the children is cut short when there is a death at the camp. The police are called in to investigate.
Who among them is capable of murder? With a killer on the loose, one dead, and a boy missing is not a good combination. Why and whodunit? Racing against the clock, their desperate search for answers begins—one where the greatest danger could lie behind the one they trust the most.
My thoughts...
THE TAKEN CHILD is a gripping twisty domestic suspense thriller told from multiple POVs. The author cleverly lines up all her players who will ultimately end up in a dangerous, terrorizing showdown and deadly game of obsession and revenge.
Mostly, all the characters are unlikable except for Toby and Kristy. David is despicable and narcissistic, and everyone seems to be the chess pieces he is manipulating—from lies, betrayal, and secrets. I liked the little reflections at the end of each chapter.
Centered around outdoor activities and nature, the atmospheric isolated setting reinforces the sense of vulnerability, danger, and fear. There is also an ongoing theme of responsibility throughout the novel. These adults are to be held responsible for innocent 5-6-year-olds as leaders and parents, and responsible for their actions. However, not all took this responsibility seriously and used the opportunity for their own wicked evil agenda.
While I enjoy watching this imaginative author on social media and reading her books, this one was just a little too dramatic for me with all the crazy adults. You feel for Kristy trying desperately to get her son back, and the adults have their own selfish plans.
With twists and turns, the author builds tension and suspense to the explosive ending, where all is unraveled. There are many potential suspects and victims, and you are not sure whom to trust. THE TAKEN CHILD has topics and themes of betrayal, crossing ethical lines, family, mental health, trauma, moral dilemmas, alcoholism, divorce, and more.
Recs...
For fans of the author and authors, Daniel Hurst, K.L. Slater, and Kimberly Belle's Three Days Missing. Looking forward to reading Frankland's upcoming title, The Married Couple, coming Aug 6, 2024.
Thanks to Bookouture for providing a digital advanced reading copy for an honest opinion.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 25, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
June 2024 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter
July 16, 2024
Taking a group of primary school pupils on a residential trip is enough of a horror story to start with! However, throw in a group of adults who have enough issues & you have a book that was very difficult to put down. Popular teacher Leonie has planned the trip with year six teacher David. She is more involved with him that that which is strictly academic! Head teacher Catherine is very uptight. She was brought in to 'save' the school & is doing a good job of it although it doesn't always make her popular. Classroom Assistant Mia hero worships Leonie. Two parent helpers are also along to help, although it was supposed to be a lucky dip they are the board of governors daughter & David's ex wife! Their son desperately wants to be with Mum but Dad has custody. A melting pot for trouble. Told from various points of view, this story never failed to hold the interest- Goodness knows what any of them saw in David- perfect creep! I got to really like Catherine as the story went on.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for keeping me up a late reading this great story!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for keeping me up a late reading this great story!
June 5, 2024
Thankyou NetGalley for this ARC! 🥰
I don’t really know what to say about this book. Although the story was interesting, exciting and thrilling there was issues I had with it. After reading the synopsis I was under the impression the story was about a child that was abducted due to family secrets etc. yet the child isn’t “abducted” until 75% of the way in. 75% of the book is about a whole other aspect of the many relationships within the book. So I don’t feel the name of the book nor the synopsis actually tells you properly what to expect with the story or gives someone an accurate description of what they’re going to read. I also found the start really confusing with it switching so much between 4 people’s perspectives. It was too quick and quite overwhelming to get a grip of what was actually going on.
BUT the story was good and it was exciting and once I was in and made myself ignore the name of the book etc it was a really good read!!
I don’t really know what to say about this book. Although the story was interesting, exciting and thrilling there was issues I had with it. After reading the synopsis I was under the impression the story was about a child that was abducted due to family secrets etc. yet the child isn’t “abducted” until 75% of the way in. 75% of the book is about a whole other aspect of the many relationships within the book. So I don’t feel the name of the book nor the synopsis actually tells you properly what to expect with the story or gives someone an accurate description of what they’re going to read. I also found the start really confusing with it switching so much between 4 people’s perspectives. It was too quick and quite overwhelming to get a grip of what was actually going on.
BUT the story was good and it was exciting and once I was in and made myself ignore the name of the book etc it was a really good read!!
September 22, 2024
First, thank you to NetGalley, author Maria Frankland and Bookotoure publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
I’m not sure where to start and I am highly conflicted on if I liked this book or not. The premise around the storyline was good, the different character points of view I liked but overall I just feel it was under whelming.
The title really doesn’t come into play until 75% through. It is a slow read with multiple characters. I found the writing style to be a bit juvenile but I also went into this book blind so perhaps that is this author’s audience.
I feel it had so much potential to be gripping and suspenseful. The little camera with clips of writing I feel weren’t even really necessary. It ends with questions still and was easy to figure out what was happening early one.
Perhaps this is just a one off and I’ll try another of her books in the future but I just wasn’t overly ‘thrilled’ with this one.
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m not sure where to start and I am highly conflicted on if I liked this book or not. The premise around the storyline was good, the different character points of view I liked but overall I just feel it was under whelming.
The title really doesn’t come into play until 75% through. It is a slow read with multiple characters. I found the writing style to be a bit juvenile but I also went into this book blind so perhaps that is this author’s audience.
I feel it had so much potential to be gripping and suspenseful. The little camera with clips of writing I feel weren’t even really necessary. It ends with questions still and was easy to figure out what was happening early one.
Perhaps this is just a one off and I’ll try another of her books in the future but I just wasn’t overly ‘thrilled’ with this one.
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 27, 2024
The Taken Child is a very good psychological suspense thriller. It starts off quite slow paced but the pace definitely sped up as the story progressed. I will admit to struggling slightly at the start getting to know all the various characters but it certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book. It’s a book that’s full of tension, deceit and lies and with characters who aren’t all who they seem and one or two who are really quite nasty. It’s one of those books that really took me by surprise as I really had not the slightest inclination of how it was going to all end. I don’t want to say too much in case I leave an unintentional spoiler. I really liked the anonymous sentences in bold at the end of every chapter and each one really had me thinking as to which of the characters it could be writing them.
July 4, 2024
My Review:
Enjoyed!!!!! This was my first rodeo with this author and it certainly won’t be my last. I was hooked from the very first page. This book was fast paced and had so many OMG moments. The characters really made this one for me. I thought teenagers were the worst with gossip, cliques and cattiness but this book proved to me that grown ups can act the same way. I think that’s why I liked this book so much. I also loved the plot. The blurb drew me in but the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It had many twists and turns. Let’s not forget the Wow of an ending. It had me saying What????? I can’t wait to see this author book list and read more by her.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Enjoyed!!!!! This was my first rodeo with this author and it certainly won’t be my last. I was hooked from the very first page. This book was fast paced and had so many OMG moments. The characters really made this one for me. I thought teenagers were the worst with gossip, cliques and cattiness but this book proved to me that grown ups can act the same way. I think that’s why I liked this book so much. I also loved the plot. The blurb drew me in but the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It had many twists and turns. Let’s not forget the Wow of an ending. It had me saying What????? I can’t wait to see this author book list and read more by her.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 5, 2024
Many thanks to netgalley, the author and bookouture for approving my request to read this book.
I'm a huge fan of Maria's books and once again I really enjoyed this one.
The Taken Child takes place on residential school trip and is a well written, tightly woven psychological thriller which most definitely kept me wanting to turn the pages until the big reveal at the end- I'm now most dubious about sending my own child on a residential trip!
This story is told from multiple viewpoints and each of the characters has a secret they are keeping though I have to say I loved them as much as I hated them.
I'd recommend this is you're a fan of domestic thrillers, you won't be disappointed!
#thetakenchild #netgalley #bookouture
I'm a huge fan of Maria's books and once again I really enjoyed this one.
The Taken Child takes place on residential school trip and is a well written, tightly woven psychological thriller which most definitely kept me wanting to turn the pages until the big reveal at the end- I'm now most dubious about sending my own child on a residential trip!
This story is told from multiple viewpoints and each of the characters has a secret they are keeping though I have to say I loved them as much as I hated them.
I'd recommend this is you're a fan of domestic thrillers, you won't be disappointed!
#thetakenchild #netgalley #bookouture
May 24, 2024
I'm very thankful to have been chosen to receive an ARC copy of this book through netgalley, I requested this book based on the title, description, and book cover. ALTHOUGH, my PERSONAL views of this book are low in rating and some "negative" reviews, I still want to say that if this sounds like a good book to you, then PLEASE TRY it. Reading is very diverse. Unfortunately for me, this just wasn't what I was expecting. Maybe I took the title too literally because that didn't happen until 72% into the book. It was a slow burn for me, and I'm not a fan of slow burns. To me, the main premise of this book is about a love triangle/ lovers quarrel. I'd be fine with that if the title didn't make it sound like the whole book was about THE TAKEN CHILD.
May 30, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC and I really pushed through this one, it was hard. and I DNF'd this at the 50% mark .This follows 4 females who are connected in each others life. There’s multiple pov’s. the characters weren’t very deep. The four of them are pretty much the same there’s nothing to differentiate between them so that really distracted me. I guess this was just low for me because I couldn’t ever concentrate. I also felt like the story wasn't really focused on the missing child, I was disappointed. However, I do think that other people would love this though if you like psychological thrillers and stuff. I guess I’m just burned out. It isn’t bad it just didn’t grip me like others did.
June 16, 2024
This was the first novel I have read by Maria Frankland. While the plot was well thought out and there were twists and turns and it was even well hidden throughout a good portion of the book who was involved in the “accident”, I had a hard time with most of the characters. I see what she may have been trying to do, possibly wanting the reader to dislike most of the adults involved in the school trip. This worked, as I did not connect with any of them and found most of the annoying and petty. I am not a fan of books where I cannot connect with the characters, so I am only giving it 3 stars. Others, though, may be very captivated by the intriguing plot. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher, Bookouture for a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews