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Detective's Daughter

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From Erica Spindler, the New York Times bestselling author of The Other Girl and The Look-Alike , comes The Detective’s Daughter , a thrilling crime drama about a woman who risks everything to solve the cold case that destroyed her father—but will it destroy her as well?

New Orleans Detective Quinn Conners is haunted by her father’s whiskey-soaked, last words—that he solved the Hudson murder and kidnapping. It wasn’t the first time he’d made that drunken claim, and she didn’t believe him. Twenty-four hours later she found him dead by his own hand.

Quinn blames the investigation for his downfall, so when a woman researching a book about the kidnapping contacts her for help, Quinn shuts her out. But an attempt on the writer’s life and an anonymous message that puts her father’s suicide in question convinces Quinn there’s more to the writer’s story.

Soon, Quinn finds herself entangled in the web of mystery surrounding Grace Hudson’s disappearance and the powerful, secretive family at the heart of it. With nowhere else to turn, she immerses herself in her dad’s private notes—they lead her down a dark, twisted path where nothing is as it seems and no one is above suspicion.

Too late, Quinn sees that, like her father before her, the case threatens to consume her. But turning back is not an option—she’s determined to unearth the truth of whatever happened to Grace Hudson . . . even if it costs her life.

Audible Audio

First published March 29, 2022

140 people are currently reading
2054 people want to read

About the author

Erica Spindler

99 books2,554 followers
A New York Times and International bestselling author, Erica Spindler's skill for crafting engrossing plots and compelling characters has earned both critical praise and legions of fans. Her stories have been lauded as “thrill-packed page turners, white- knuckle rides and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.”

Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.

In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.

Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
1,667 reviews1,717 followers
October 22, 2022
"The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind." (Humphrey Bogart)

And that's the blurred vision of Detective Rourke Conners. After staring into the amber liquid that magically gets replenished time and time again in his glass, Conners allows himself to slip away. The whiskey numbs the pain of a broken life and a recent case that he can't seem to crack. Failure sits heavy. His daughter, Quinn, finds him a few hours later. Conners has paid his tab.

We advance five years later and daughter Quinn is now Detective Quinn Conners of the New Orleans Police Department. She takes her career seriously and works well with her partner and best friend, "Dobbie" Dobson. He tells her straight out when she's crossed the line.

But her personal life is in turmoil. She carries the guilt of not intervening when her drunken father called her on that night. It still eats away at her. And her relationship with Rick, owner of the bar Pour, has hit the skids once and for all. Rick has had enough.

That's all about to change when Quinn is contacted by Erica from DeKalb, Illinois out of the blue. Erica says that she's writing a book on the very case that Quinn's father was working on to no avail. That's the last thing that Quinn wants to resurrect. But details are a poppin' and Quinn can't deny the coincidences. She drags out her father's personal copies and notes on the case. A match has been struck.....

The case involved the murder of a young wife, Cynthia Hudson, who was found dead on her bathroom floor. Her baby, Grace, was kidnapped. And here's the hook: Cynthia married into the beyond wealthy Hudson dynasty. No weapon and no clues. No baby ever found. Her husband was cleared. Then who?

Erica Spindler knows how to tangle and untangle a tale. I've read plenty of her novels. This one published in March of 2022. If you profess bloodhound blood in your veins, you'll figure this one out. But know this: the ride is still a twisty one and well done. Spindler does sail this ship farther than necessary in the wrap-up, but we forgive her with the possible hint of a series, perhaps?

What could be better than a curly red-headed dynamo of a detective based in the winding streets of historical New Orleans? I've already signed on the dotted line......
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,183 reviews173 followers
March 28, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author.

The Detectives Daughter is an explosive new crime thriller from one of my all-time favourite authors , Erica Spindler. I'm hoping this book is the start of a new series as I'd love to read more of Quinn and her partner Dobbie.
Quinns father killed himself after investing so much time and energy on a case he never managed to solve. Quinn followed in her fathers footsteps to become a cop and when a woman called Eden turns up digging up information on the case that broke her father, Quinn ends up following down the rabbit hole.
But someone doesn't want the past to be dug up and Quinn is putting her life in danger by doing so. Is Eden who she says she is? Who's to be trusted? Is baby Grace still alive? There's so much to uncover in this book and I loved the twists upon twists at the end of the book! It truly was a rolercoaster of a ride!
Quinn was such an amazing character! Her no nonsense, stubborn nature, heart, and determination is outstanding, and I'm hoping this is the start to a new crime fiction series!!
Profile Image for Mandy White (mandylovestoread).
2,815 reviews871 followers
March 31, 2022
Thank you so much to Erica Spindler for sending me an advances copy of The Detective's Daughter to read and review. I was thrilled to be asked and there is no surprises when I saw that I loved it so much!

Erica Spindler is an auto-buy, trusted author for me. I was introduced to her books by my dad and have never looked back. Her crime and psychological thrillers are always so well crafted and researched. I always feel like I am in New Orleans reading them, the setting always big part of her stories.

I hope that The Detective's Daughter will be the start of another series, I loved Quinn and her stubbornness, determination and heart. She won't give up no matter what it might cost her. She learnt that from her father, who died 5 years earlier. The case that haunted him, the case of missing baby Grace Hudson, has always been on Quinn's mind. When she gets a note on her care claiming that her father didn't kill himself, and at the same time, a writer comes to town looking into the case, she sees it as signs that she needs to take a fresh look.

What really happened to baby Grace? What is her rich and powerful family hiding? And what did her father discover right before he died? Quinn is going to find out, one way or another.

I can't recommend this book and all of Erica's back catalogue more. You will not be sorry. Grab The Detective's Daughter on March 29th - get your pre orders in now - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple Books.

All the stars!
Profile Image for Mary.
2,278 reviews614 followers
October 30, 2022
The first thing I want to say about The Detective’s Daughter by Erica Spindler, is that this NEEDS to be a series. I loved Quinn, I loved the police procedural aspect, and I think there is a whole lot left to explore for her character - oh the things she could do! I loved Spindler's previous novel The Look-Alike, and just like with that one I loved her writing and how engaging the storyline was. There was never a dull moment, and there were quite a few times that I was on the edge of my seat with this one. The story shook me to my core, and there was no way I would have suspected just how things would turn out, not with her dad, and especially not with Grace. Lies upon lies and a web of deceit made it hard to know who to trust, and I was suspicious of basically everyone.

The Detective’s Daughter is a bit on the longer side coming in at a little over 400 pages, so even though I started by reading it, I ended up having to finish it up on audio because I didn't have the time I had hoped I would. Fortunately, Sophie Amoss is an amazing narrator and I thought she really did both Quinn and the book justice. I hope that if this does happen to turn into a series that Amoss will be the narrator for all, and I fully recommend the audiobook. Usually, I don't try, but I have to admit that I was trying to play a bit of detective during the book but there were so many red herrings and suspicious characters that my attempts were basically futile. I'm sure there are people who will be able to figure out the twists, but please just follow this ride and let it take you where it will. I ended up purchasing a copy because I loved The Detective’s Daughter so much, and I can't wait to read more of Spindler's books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich.
1,547 reviews206 followers
March 31, 2022

The Detective’s Daughter by Erica Spindler  is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank the publisher Hoffman Miller Advertising (and in particular Monica Growden) and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Detective Quinn Conners is 29 and having relationship problems.  Commitment doesn't come easy.  Her mother died when she was a baby, and her father killed himself, after telling her that he had solved the murder of Cynthia Hudson, and the kidnapping of her daughter, Grace.  Of course, Quinn's father had been drunk at the time of this revelation, and Quinn didn't believe him.  He had been obsessed with the case since Quinn was around two.

When Quinn receives an anonymous message saying "Your father didn't kill himself", she starts to question things.  But when a writer shows up who seems determined to re-open the Hudson cold case, Quinn finds herself drawn in.  Soon she is as obsessed with the case as her father had been.


My Opinions:   
I probably would have given this 5 stars, if it hadn't been so predictable that it annoyed me.  I had it figured out early on, and just got frustrated that it was taking so long for the protagonist to make the connections.  It was still a good book, even though I had guessed most of the twists.

The story is told in two time-lines, one centered on Quinn, and one on her father.  I liked that method of telling both stories.

I did like Quinn, although a lot of her actions seemed like rookie moves.  She is a stubborn and determined woman, but  gives no thought to authority, and basically does whatever she wants - which further annoyed me.  Okay, maybe I don't like her as much as I should.

I wouldn't be surprised if this book lead to a series.

Don't get me wrong, it was well-written, and entertaining.  For Spindler fans, this one will be a must.


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
1 review
February 28, 2022
I have been reading Erica Spindler's books for a long time. She was my introduction into the thriller/mystery genre.
With that, she still keeps the stories fresh and the readers on their toes.

I started this book when I woke up on Sunday and I literally couldn't put it down all day. My partner told me that I was like an addict all day doing nothing but reading this book.

I thought I had the story all figured out, and she surprised me with the plot twists. The imagery is well written and sucks you in, you can feel and see what the characters are experiencing. Get you hooked into the story. In the end I had a feeling of where the story was going to go and Erica met the expectation of the weird and uncomfortable. Which, in my opinion, is the best way to feel while reading a book.

I would definitely recommend it to the mystery lovers. I love the writing style that Erica uses and you can tell how deep she goes into research and building each character to perfection.

If a book doesn't leave me feeling something at the end, then is it even worth reading?

Read this book! Whether it's your first book by Erica Spindler or your 30th book, she will always surprise you and make you feel something.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,545 reviews
June 17, 2022
What an awesome book !
Filled with so many twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
I loved the cover. It was very suited to the story.
Profile Image for Sarah.
662 reviews
March 1, 2022
I would like to thank the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Well, Erica Spindler, you've done it again! I have been a fan for as long as I can remember and have been looking forward to this release for ages so I was excited to get an advance copy. This book does not disappoint, we see the book through the eyes of a father and daughter, both cops in different decades. After Quinn's father dies and a woman comes to town wanting to write a book about the crime that got away from her father, the past and present collide, with casualties and and ending you don't see coming. I love how Erica incorporates New Orleans within the story as a character, makes you feel like you are there with them. Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Ranjini Shankar.
1,674 reviews86 followers
August 21, 2022
This was a really good procedural with plenty of twists and reveals to keep you turning the page. It had all the elements you usually see - detective with a history, rich people who can get away with everything, an innocent victim and the persistent press. But even within these typical parameters Erica Spindler has created a really engaging story.

The Detective’s Daughter follows detective Quinn Conners who is trying to put the death of her father, also a detective, behind her. However a novelist writing about the case that consumed her father has been in touch and possibly has new evidence that could push that cold case forward. As Quinn goes down the familiar path with this case that destroyed her father she needs to keep it from destroying her too.

The chapters are short and keep you hooked but I was completely unable to put the book down in the last third. Some reveals I guessed but there were plenty I didn’t see coming and I enjoyed them all.
Profile Image for Brandy.
1,154 reviews26 followers
May 13, 2022
This one grabbed me from the very first page, and did not let up! I loved the flashbacks to her dad's case, and then to the present for the daughter to finish what her father started. Very entertaining!
Profile Image for Marianne Jay.
1,057 reviews16 followers
September 5, 2022
I so need to amend my original review. I was doing really well on my Reading Challenge and then I stopped reading. Why? My huusband died. It was very unexpected and I literally could not pick up a book and read.

My mind stopped working and I would sit all day in front of my tv in a chair in my room.

4-1/4 months later, I went to look at a new home for myself and my dog. I was out of my oppressive house, I was out of the house that my mother-in-law, my father-in-law and my husband died in and it happened. I started to read again..

This was a very well written stand-alone book by Erica Spindler and I rewrote my review because she deserves better than the mediocre review that I gave it.

If you are a mystery, thriller fan ~ you will love this book
Profile Image for Naomi Rettig.
9 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2022
Kept me gripped all the way through. How I like my thrillers, a real page turner. Loved the characters, loved the plot.
Profile Image for Tracy Margis.
65 reviews
February 28, 2022
Erica Spindler - The Detective's Daughter

Wow! The Queen of Suspense does it again!! I can usually guess who the killer is pretty quickly. But Erica always keeps me on my toes with all the twists and turns! Once I picked up this book, there was no putting it back down. I was finishing it before I closed my eyes for sure! Thanks, Erica, for another amazing book!


Profile Image for Peg Campos.
8 reviews
March 1, 2022
Erica has done it again! The twists and turns, beautiful representation of New Orleans, keep you on your toes book!! I love the flashback chapters and you get a solid, well thought-out relationship between her and her Dad. The way Erica can twist and turn a story is amazing. LOVED IT!
Profile Image for Daisy.
45 reviews
July 12, 2022
2.5 stars

This book was okay; not great. I figured out everything pretty early on. It could've been shorter, and it definitely needs a proofreader and/or copy editor. There are several instances of the wrong word (ex: roll for role) and there's even one sentence where a word is crossed out, which I don't think I've ever seen before when it's unintentional. Which this clearly was.
Profile Image for Bryngel.
1,945 reviews14 followers
January 24, 2023
There is not much that is good with this book. I can't believe the high ratings. I must have read a different book because this was so filled with clichés that I can't give it more than a two star rating.
Profile Image for Kristin (Always With a Book).
1,901 reviews440 followers
September 25, 2022
Thank you to the author for the gifted e-copy.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Erica Spindler, so of course I jumped at the chance to read this latest one and I’m so glad I did…I really enjoyed this one. Her writing is just so addictive and thrilling – now I remember why I used to read her books and clearly I need to go back and add all the ones I missed to my tbr!

This book grabbed me right from the get-go. Starting in the past and the moving to the present, I was hooked! I loved that we see how stubborn both father and daughter are and how down-right determined they both can be when on a case. Quinn, now a detective much like her father, hasn’t let go of all that he taught her and is still haunted by the case that basically drove him to his death and alienated him from everyone that loved him. Why is someone now bringing it back up and stirring up all those emotions and questions?

I also loved that it balanced the police procedural with great character development. I felt I really got to know both Quinn and her dad, especially as she started working on his case so many years later.

This book kept me on my toes the entire way. There was moments that I thought I had it all figured out, only to be thrown off when a new clue or twist was given. While I did work out some parts it in no way detracted from my overall enjoyment because I didn’t have all the pieces and I certainly didn’t have the why and that is really the heart of it all.

If you like a highly thrilling, suspenseful read that will keep you flipping the pages, I definitely recommend picking this one up. I would love to see this made into a series because I want more of Quinn…but I’m not sure that is happening, though I can only hope!


You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com/
Profile Image for Tez.
859 reviews231 followers
August 14, 2022
There's no acknowledgements section, so I don't know if this book had a copyeditor...and I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't.

A crime scene tech named Rick on one page, and on the next Quinn's love is named Rick. And the police chief Thompson shares a surname with someone we meet late in the novel, but they're unrelated. And copyedit errors, like "roll" instead of "role", missing words in sentences, or wrong words in sentences.

I read the hardcover, so a finished edition which really should've had another check before going to print. I'm pretty sure "Double Shot Press" is the author self-publishing. But that's no excuse for not paying a copyeditor.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
282 reviews
March 22, 2022
Wow! This was well worth the 2 year wait for a new Erica Spindler book. I did not want to put this book down and was sad when I had to so I could go to bed to get sleep before work! Too many nights of staying up way past my bedtime reading. Many twists and turns in this story all the way up until the end. You think you know what happened and then BAM, a new twist. Highly recommend...thank you for keeping me up at night, Erica!
Profile Image for Morrigan Mayhem.
2 reviews
March 19, 2022
*I received an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for my review*

Erica Spindler has been one of the authors I know no matter how long it takes or what the novel is about, I will be reading it. Since I picked up my first of her novels, now about 20 years ago, I have been hooked and have inhaled every single novel I've been able to get my hands on. With her newest novel, The Detective's Daughter, we the reader are once again brought into Erica's beloved 'The Big Easy' and this one discusses the scars the past leave on us, even the ones we cannot see.

Quinn Conners is a Detective in her own right, but her father Rourke had taught her everything he knew until he made the decision to end his life at his own hand. And for the last five years, she has carried this weight on her shoulders, but when she receives an anonymous message that opens up wounds, she had hoped were long healed, Quinn begins to unravel the truth, at any and all costs...

Another page turner full of spine-tingling moments, interesting characters and a mystery you are just dying to solve, The Detective's Daughter is easily one of the best novels Erica Spindler has produced, which is saying something. I will be re-reading this one again and recommending it to anyone who loves a good mystery and a fantastically written novel.

C'est bon!
Profile Image for Jen.
268 reviews10 followers
April 15, 2022
An enjoyable suspense novel.

Quinn, a New Orleans police detective, like her father, picks up a homicide case that happened at a large party. At the same time she becomes involved in a cold case in which, her father was desperate to solve right up to the day he died.

So much going on in this young detective's world. Great story, although predictable, it was a fun read.
Profile Image for Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book.
1,519 reviews35 followers
June 27, 2022
HOLY CANNOLI.

I could not put this book down. What a crazy ride. This book is so fast paced I still have whiplash. It has more twists & turns than a country back road.

This was such a great story. Every single time you thought you had all the answers something else came rearing out. If you like a twisted mystery this is a must read. Grab a copy and settle in. You will be hooked.
Profile Image for Janet Womack.
278 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2022
The Detective's Daughter is a fast-paced thriller with a lot of twists. Erica Spindler creates interesting characters. The relationships are well written. I stayed up until 2am because I couldn't go to sleep without finishing it. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Erica Spindler you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Kathy Kirby.
3 reviews
March 10, 2022
Thank you for my advance copy of The Detective's Daughter. WOW it was definitely worth the wait. The characters come to life and take you along for the thrilling ride of twists and unexpected discoveries. The ambience of New Orleans only added to it's perfection. In true Erica Spindler fashion she delivers a tale that will be devoured by all her fans as well as capturing her some devoted new ones. Five stars!
Profile Image for Readwithme.
220 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2023
This book and the raving reviews reinforce my belief that if the majority of the reviews are from ARC recipients I need to pass.

I have fallen for this several times and I'm tired of it.

I am unsure what everyone else is raving about but this book was a mess. The plot holes, the unnecessary length, and this poor main character's unruly hair being mentioned in every chapter was just too much.

I liked the beginning considering the reader got a view into the past along side with the present but that was the only thing I liked.

This book could have use a little bit more development.
Profile Image for Michelle Burress.
3 reviews
April 15, 2022
It was a good enough story but pretty predictable, and littered with typos which annoyed me for some reason.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews

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