My Daughter's Silence

by Caroline Finnerty

A gripping and thought-provoking novel from bestseller Caroline Finnerty that asks the How far would you go, to protect your child? Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Emma Robinson and Kate Hewitt!

When Charlotte Daly wins a scholarship to the prestigious St Thomas’s school, her mother Ali – who has struggled to bring Charlotte up as a single mum – is so proud. She hopes this opportunity will mean a better life for her clever, brilliant daughter.

Ali worries, however, that Charlotte is having a hard time fitting in with her new, wealthy peers. So when Charlotte is invited to a sixteenth birthday party by popular boy Ollie, Ali pushes her to go, hopeful that she'll finally make some friends.

Just before midnight, Charlotte calls Ali to come pick her up from the party. She’s shaking and it’s obvious something has happened but she won’t say what.

It’s only the next day, when Ali is at work, that she learns a teenage boy has been seriously injured. Then the police turn up at their house, wanting to question Charlotte about the events of that night. People are pointing the blame at Charlotte, saying the injured boy was last seen talking to her, before he was found unconscious in the pool.

As the investigation deepens, Ali finds that everyone has their own agenda and people will stop at nothing to protect their children – especially wealthy people. Only Charlotte knows the truth about what happened that night. Can Ali get her to tell the truth before it’s too late?

Praise for Caroline

'A book that will break your heart and then piece it slowly back together.' Sinead Moriarty

'Touching and poignant, this book took me on an emotional ride. A gripping and absorbing read.' Leah Mercer

'The book had me on the edge of my seat, I was on an emotional rollercoaster from being happy to crying silent tears. Another 5 star book by Caroline!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'This is a well written and thought provoking novel that made me wonder what I would do in the same situation.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'This book was an enjoyable read. It was fast paced and filled with mystery and suspense. The characters were well developed with a good storyline. This is a book which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2025

About the author

Thank you for visiting my author page. I am an Irish author living on the banks of the Grand Canal in Co. Kildare with my husband and our four young children. My books have been described as emotional tearjerkers and always have a big dilemma at their heart. I love to explore the different sides of human behaviour and why we do what we do. My 5th book THE LAST DAYS OF US will be published by Boldwood in June 2021. You can find out more about me on my website www.carolinefinnerty.ie or contact me on Facebook (carolinefinnertywriter) or Twitter (@cfinnertywriter).

Reviews

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali Daly, a hardworking single mother of sixteen-year-old Charlotte, pours her heart into their family. The two have always been closed, but their relationship has been strained as of late. Nonetheless, Ali remains steadfast in her love for her daughter, giving her grace, convinced that it’s merely teenage angst.

When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises for Charlotte, Ali seizes it to secure her future. However, this decision further widens the gap between them. Ali remains optimistic, confident that Charlotte will eventually come around. But when a tragic event involving another teen occurs, Ali’s worries for Charlotte intensify.

While the narrative primarily focuses on Ali’s perspective, readers gain a glimpse into Charlotte’s constant turmoil. As the story progresses, some deeper subjects emerge, evoking a profound sense of compassion for both Ali and Charlotte. This compelling story is my first read by Caroline Finnerty, and it certainly won’t be my last.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Caroline Finnerty, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

OMG!! I LOVED My Daughter’s Silence by Caroline Finnerty!! She is an incredible writer who writes stories that pull on your heart strings. But WOWZERS with this one went above and beyond what she has ever written before! This book deserves way more than 5 stars as it is my favorite that she has ever written. I will go one step further and say out of 37 books I have read this year this was my favorite!

Caroline Finnerty’s book that would be perfect for a book club where parents of teens are members of. I say this because this book addresses some very important issues that students today face. There could be a lot of great discussions about those issues. However, these issues may be triggering to some.

Charlotte’s mother made me very upset when she applied for her to get a scholarship at a big wig school so she would have a better education. However, Charlotte liked the school she was at and didn’t want to leave her mom. The more the story went on the madder I got at the situation at hand.

My heart totally was breaking for everything that Charlotte was put through in this book. So many times I wanted to jump in and comfort her and tell her everything was going to be ok even if I didn’t know the outcome. On the other hand I was fuming that this could have all been avoided if her Mom didn’t make that decision.

My Daughter’s Silence really reads like a movie on Netflix that you would totally binge watch.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! "My Daughters Silence" is a book about single mum Ali and daughter Charlotte. Ali just wants what's best for her daughter so when opportunity knock for Charlotte to attend a prestigious school she pushes her daughter to take it. But to what consequence? And what is Ali hiding? You'll have to read the book to find out! The book had me on the edge of my seat, I was on an emotional rollercoaster from being happy to crying silent tears. Another 5 star book by Caroline!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book I have read by this author I have always needed tissues and My Daughter's Silence by Caroline Finnerty was no different! This was a beautifully written book and Caroline as as always wrote from her heart. It was a magical read and I enjoyed reading it.
Every mother wants the best for her children and Ali Daly, was no different. She was a hardworking single mother of Charlotte, who is 16 years old. Ali will do anything for her especially as they were so close. Then, one day Charlotte Daly wins a scholarship to the prestigious St Thomas’s school, her mother Ali is so happy for her and couldn't be so proud! Now, she hopes this will be an opportunity will mean a better life for her clever, brilliant daughter.
All Ali's worries will be finally over. . . . . Charlotte is invited to a sixteenth birthday party by a very popular boy called Ollie, Ali pushes her to go, hopeful that she'll finally make some friends.

Just before midnight, Charlotte calls Ali to come pick her up from the party. When Ali gets there Charlotte is shaking and it’s obvious something has happened but she won’t say what.

The very next day, when Ali is at work, she hears that a teenage boy has been seriously injured. That evening the police turn up at their house, wanting to question Charlotte about the events of that night. People are pointing the blame at Charlotte, saying the injured boy was last seen talking to her, before he was found unconscious in the pool.

What really happened at the party?

The investigation deepens, Ali finds that everyone has their own agenda and people will stop at nothing to protect their children and especially wealthy people. They will do anything and I MEAN everything!!!
But, only Charlotte knows the truth about what happened that night.

Can Ali get her to tell the truth before it’s too late?

This book was so good once I started to read it I could not put it down. This is what makes the author Caroline and excellent storyteller - a superb author.

I highly recommend this book. But don't forget your tissues.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gripped by this story. A single mother, Ali, living in Ireland with her 16-year-old daughter, Charlotte, who is bookish, smart, and a bit isolated. Ali wants more for her, to find a way to give her a leg up for her college years and she agrees with her boss, Lisa, to apply for a scholarship to a prestigious private school to finish her final two years of school. Amazingly, Charlotte wins the scholarship but when Ali tells her about it, she is dismayed by her lackluster response. She expected joy, thrown arms around her neck, glee! But Charlotte doesn't want to move schools; she is content to stay in the public school.

With Lisa's support and push, Ali does eventually get Charlotte to agree to accept the scholarship. However, after she starts at this school, Charlotte becomes more withdrawn, quiet. And she tells her mom that the kids know she is scholarship kid and teasing her about it, that she doesn't belong.

But then Lisa and her husband are throwing a party for their son Ollie's 17th birthday and Ali is invited, though not by Ollie but by Lisa. Ali again pushes Charlotte to do something she doesn't want to, all in the name of wanting to do what's best for her child. But really?!

At the end of the night, Ali receives a frantic call from Charlotte to come get her, and this begins a nightmare for both of them because what could be a fatal accident happens.

Was Charlotte involved? Why won't she say anything about it? Why won't Lisa let her tell the truth about an aspect of the party? Will this nightmare ever end?

I really felt for Charlotte, and I grew to dislike Ali because it felt like she was trying to re-live her late teen years through Charlotte, forcing her to do things she clearly didn't want to do, all in the name of "I'm doing everything for you, Charlotte!" Really? Ali was pushy, and she didn't listen so no wonder her daughter was silent? And Ali didn't respect Charlotte's "No!"

Still, this was well written and I'm looking for other books by this author to add to my tbr.

[Esther Peacock · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Daughters Silence by Caroline Finnerty
When Charlotte Daly wins a scholarship to the prestigious St. Thomas's School, her mother, Ali—who has struggled to raise Charlotte as a single mom—feels immense pride. She hopes this opportunity will lead to a better life for her intelligent and talented daughter.
However, Ali is concerned that Charlotte has trouble fitting in with her new, wealthy peers. So, when Charlotte receives an invitation to a sixteenth birthday party from the popular boy Ollie, Ali encourages her to attend, hoping it will help her make some friends.
Just before midnight, Charlotte calls Ali to pick her up from the party. She's shaken and silent; clearly, something has happened, but she refuses to speak about it.
The following day, while Ali is at work, she learns that a teenage boy has been seriously injured. Soon after, the police arrive at their home, wanting to question Charlotte regarding the events of that night. People are placing the blame on Charlotte, claiming that the injured boy was last seen talking to her before he was found unconscious in the pool.
As the investigation progresses, Ali discovers that everyone has their motives, and people will go to great lengths to protect their children—especially those who are wealthy. Only Charlotte knows the real truth about what happened that night. Can Ali convince her to reveal the truth before it's too late?
I found this an easy read. I worked out what was happening early in the story but continued, and I'm so glad I did. It is a good read, and the subject matter was handled well.
The characters are well-developed; Charlotte's character particularly stood out to me, and I'm sure it will to other readers.
Thank publishers Boldwood Books author Caroline Finnerty and Rachel's Random Resources for providing a copy to read and review.

[Joanne Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book of Caroline Finnerty’s I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing so I was eagerly anticipating this one and the blurb certainly had me intrigued!

I found My Daughter’s Silence to be more of a slow burner than some of the previous reads and, for a while, was unsure whether it was going to be for me, but suddenly events picked up their pace and from then on, it was definitely a page-turner!

Ali’s relationship with her daughter Charlotte certainly provoked mixed emotions in me. While I empathised with her sacrificing everything to provide opportunities for her daughter that she never had, I also found some of her actions frustrating and naive; particularly when faced with Charlotte’s withdrawn behaviour following her switch to the new school. However, as the plot unravelled, it became more apparent as to why she sometimes behaved in the way she did.

I found the depiction of the gulf between the wealthy families attending the school and Charlotte’s situation fascinating and loved how Ali’s relationship with Lisa allowed the two extremes to overlap. There was a definite sting in the tale with this one that was very cleverly played out!

It’s impossible not to feel for Charlotte, who, despite understanding her mum’s motivation, struggles to cope with the challenges she is presented with and consequently recedes even further into her own shell.

It’s worth mentioning at this point that the storyline deals with some difficult topics including self harm and assault and these may be triggering for some readers.

It’s hard to say too much more without revealing certain spoilers but I loved the conclusion to the book and how particular characters came to the fore. Charlotte’s transformation also made me smile!

Yet another hit from this best-selling author and definitely a thought-provoking read from start to finish!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in this book's blog tour.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

Ali is a single mother to her teenage daughter, Charlotte. She's overjoyed when Charlotte receives a scholarship for St Thomas's school. Charlotte isn't sure that she wants to go, but Ali is able to convince her. It seems that Charlotte has some trouble settling in at her new school, but when she is invited to a fellow student's birthday party, Ali hopes this will improve. After Charlotte comes home from the party, Ali senses that there's something her daughter isn't telling her.

I connected with the story and found it emotional to read, as I could empathise with both Ali and Charlotte in different ways. Ali was a hardworking single parent who loved her daughter more than anything, and did the best she could for her. Meanwhile, Charlotte didn't feel able to talk to her mother about what she was going through. I sympathised with the struggles of both characters. I appreciated how parts of the story were told through the eyes of Charlotte in her journal, as well as in the third person.

I found this to be a cleverly written and meaningful story that speaks to the special bond between mother and daughter. I felt their bond was even more special, as they were all each other had. It was a story that I became emotionally invested in, and it was a page turner too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali Daly works as a restaurant manager at Riordan’s Grill in Dublin and is a single mum to Charlotte, who is 16. Charlotte is studious, academic, busy preparing for her exams, and doesn’t go out much. They live in a two-bedroom rented terraced house.
Following a suggestion from Ali’s boss Lisa, Ali applies for Charlotte to get a scholarship to the private St Thomas’s school, one of the best schools in the country. She gets one, but right from the start, Charlotte is taunted and bullied for being ‘the scholarship kid’.
Reluctantly, Charlotte agrees to go to Lisa’s son Ollie’s 16th birthday party at the huge house they live in. But a boy gets seriously injured and suddenly, fingers are pointing at Charlotte…
The book is written from Ali’s point of view but we also have chapters of Charlotte’s journal, which is good, because it means we can see both sides of the characters and how they are feeling.
It’s certainly a difficult time for both of them and the bad stuff just keeps coming in their direction. You really feel for them, as they endure more and more, with both Ali and Charlotte struggling to cope with everything.
While it was easy to get into the story, it did seem a bit slow paced at times, but it’s worth keeping reading as I did enjoy the novel. The characters of Ali and Charlotte are very realistic and it’s easy to empathise with both of them. I liked Ali’s parents too, who were a nice contrast to some of the horrible parents in the story!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Daughter's Silence is the latest masterpiece by the super talented Caroline Finnerty.

In this story, we meet Ali Daly, a devoted single mother to 16-year-old Charlotte, who has tirelessly worked to keep their family afloat. Charlotte means everything to Ali, and she is determined to provide her daughter with opportunities she never had, including securing a scholarship to the prestigious St Thomas’s school for her final years. Unfortunately, once the other students learn about her scholarship, Charlotte becomes a target for bullying. In an effort to help Charlotte make friends, Ali encourages her to attend a party hosted by one of the students. However, when Charlotte calls for a ride home, Ali senses that something is wrong, yet Charlotte is unwilling to share the details. Will Ali uncover the truth and convince her daughter to continue her education at St Thomas's?

Oh my! I've spent every free moment engrossed in this captivating and heartfelt novel, even during the ad breaks of Celebrity Big Brother (in the UK)! The characters felt incredibly authentic, and I found myself resonating with both Ali and Charlotte for various reasons due to our shared experiences! I was completely captivated, and I'm sure you will be too.

Don't miss out on getting your copy soon.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me going from the first few pages and I really enjoyed reading it. And I recommend it to all of you as well...if you love a good mystery with lots of twists and turns this is it.

Just like any mother Ali wanted her daughter Charlotte to have a better life then she did. She is a single mother and very proud of her brilliant daughter. Charlotte is a kind of quiet child that would rather spend her time in a book instead of with a group of people. She is shy and very insecure. She does not have any friends and likes it that way.

Since her daughter is brilliant her mother applied for a scholarship at a very prestigious private school, St Thomas’s school. Ali hopes that her daughter will go to the new school and make lots of new friends. But she is having a hard time fitting in with the wealthy peers. Charlotte is invited to a 16th birthday for a popular boy, Ollie. Her mother pushes her to go and make some friends.

Just before midnight Charlotte calls Ali to pick her up from the party. She is very upset, shaking and silent on the way home. Something has happened at the party, but what?

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Daughter's Silence is another heartfelt and realistic read by one of my favourite authors Caroline Finnerty. When I was offered the opportunity to read and review this book I instantly jumped at it without reading the blurb because I know that I am never disappointed with the author. This book is about a single mother and her daughter who is offered a place at a prestigious school and she sadly feels like she doesn't fit in because of the bullies. After a incident at a party things take a turn for the worst. What really resonated with me about the story is not the teenage bullies but the parents. How can you ever expect your children to take responsibility for their actions when the adults can't take responsibility for theirs? I also truly admired one character and that is Josh because I know how much courage it takes to go against your friends and stick up for what is right! The book is thought provoking on a few subjects and I am appreciative of the tough subjects that needed to be brought up. Well done Caroline on bringing them to the light to be discussed.

[AGilden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I enjoyed this as much as other readers did. The language was simple to the point where I could have written it myself: "Then he did this," "And then she thought that," and so on. I was getting annoyed at the amount of the story that relied on people keeping quiet and keeping secrets, and a person in a coma would have been able too guess the identity of the main villains. The main character also wasn't sympathetic to me; she was just an emotionally absent mother with messed-up priorities. I mean, if you know your child is upset about being bullied at school, are you really going to say, "Hang in there, sweety, it's a very good school." But despite all that, I remained curious about what was going to happen, about what happened the night of the party, and about the secrets the mother was keeping. And it came together nicely at the end. So, 2.5 stars.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. As a first-time reader of her work, I was drawn in by the raw portrayal of the bond between Ali and her daughter Charlotte, and the very real challenges they face. Finnerty perfectly captures the voice of both mother and teen, and the result is a story that is touching, relatable, and unforgettable. This book had me hooked from the start—I laughed, I teared up, and I couldn’t put it down. A gorgeous, heartfelt read.

Thank you Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions are re my own.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Daughter’s Silence is another unforgettable read by one of my favourite Irish authors Caroline Finnerty. Like all her previous books I was completely gripped by is story from start to finish. This book brought out so many emotions as I was reading it. The relationship between mother and daughter was described so well and my heart went out to both of them. I really don’t want to say too much in case of spoilers but I promise once you start this book you will be completely invested in this emotional and at times heartbreaking read.

[Avril Mcauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve not read of Caroline Finnertys books before but I will definitely be looking for more.
What a fantastic page turner, from page one I was hooked. Ali is a single parent to her daughter Charlotte struggling to make ends meet, When Charlotte get the opportunity to accept a scholarship to a prestigious Dublin School Ali pushes her to accept.
When Charlotte goes to a party against her wishes at Ali’s bosses son’s house her life and Ali’s is put to a test like no other.

[Carol Mageean · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoy books by this author and this book was no exception. The relationship between Ali, a single mum and her daughter Charlotte is put to the test and several thought provoking twists throughout the book. It’s fast paced and you can feel the emotion between mother and daughter and the difficult situations they face but it is all brought to a great conclusion . Highly recommend.

[Susan J Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good read

The book does drag a little at the beginning when one wonders why the author paints the mother as being unable to communicate adequately with her daughter
This all leads to an exciting end when for a couple of hours. I was unable to put the book down.
A reminder that adolescents and alcohol are never a good mixture

[Allegra Findeis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book and I really want to type about everything that happened, but spoilers so I will just say that I loved it. I cried, I gasp and I stared at the book in shock a few times. Definitely a great read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free arc in exchange for my honest feedback

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me anxious to see what happens next.

This book had me staying up late to read just a few more pages. It was so good. I anxiously wanted to find out what happened next and loved how the author incorporated so many suspenseful twists. Great book!

[Toni Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Book!

A crazy thrill ride. You won't see it coming. A lot of twists and turns.

It amazes me how secrets of the past have a way of coming out.

They can destroy you. If you let them!

Caroline Finnerty, is a brilliant writer.

[Tammy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

If you are looking for a story Sith lots of twists and turns this is a book for you just when I think I've figured it all out WHAM. Surprise

[Kelly potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

What a lovely and heartbreaking story. You truly feel the emotions connected with the storyline. I enjoyed this story alot.

[jwanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughters silence

I have really enjoyed this story. After the first chapter, I was captured.
I will now read all the books by this author 😀

[Elizabeth Schwan-Rosenwald]

Fiction B+ This kept my interest and had some good plot twists and real character development

[Renita Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

My daughter’s silence is a must read, can’t believe how far people would go. I loved the twist and plots, very good book.

[Amanda Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like it to begin with but then it felt really off toward end and couldn’t finish at 88%

[corina illuzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!!!

One of her best yet!! I was hooked from page one . couldn't put the book down! All your emotions will come to the surface with this read!

[Twobchelm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exhausting….

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

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