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Looking For Lucy
A missing child
A house of secrets
And Parents who lie
My name is Lucy Valentine and I have been missing for thirty-one days. I am eight on my next birthday and I would very much like to go home.
A wealthy couple plays dangerous mind games with a reluctant psychic and her daughter in a desperate attempt to locate their own missing child.
The parents think it’s their worst nightmare to lose a child, but the real nightmare begins when another Lucy is found.
Blackmailed into helping John and Jane Valentine discover the whereabouts of their daughter, Lucy—Cindy Martin must convince everyone her clairvoyant abilities have not failed her when she arrives at Moon Hollow, a house with the darkest of secrets.
She must also ensure her own daughter is safely ensconced under the Valentine’s protection before she can start looking for the missing heiress.
When it becomes clear the Valentines are withholding vital information about Lucy’s disappearance, Cindy realises she cannot trust anyone. Everyone acts suspiciously, even the child’s parents.
Who abducted Lucy Valentine? And who is the other Lucy? the mysterious young woman who keeps appearing in Cindy’s visions. What is she trying to tell Cindy?
A house of secrets
And Parents who lie
My name is Lucy Valentine and I have been missing for thirty-one days. I am eight on my next birthday and I would very much like to go home.
A wealthy couple plays dangerous mind games with a reluctant psychic and her daughter in a desperate attempt to locate their own missing child.
The parents think it’s their worst nightmare to lose a child, but the real nightmare begins when another Lucy is found.
Blackmailed into helping John and Jane Valentine discover the whereabouts of their daughter, Lucy—Cindy Martin must convince everyone her clairvoyant abilities have not failed her when she arrives at Moon Hollow, a house with the darkest of secrets.
She must also ensure her own daughter is safely ensconced under the Valentine’s protection before she can start looking for the missing heiress.
When it becomes clear the Valentines are withholding vital information about Lucy’s disappearance, Cindy realises she cannot trust anyone. Everyone acts suspiciously, even the child’s parents.
Who abducted Lucy Valentine? And who is the other Lucy? the mysterious young woman who keeps appearing in Cindy’s visions. What is she trying to tell Cindy?
366 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2021
138 people are currently reading
2439 people want to read
About the author
Jane E. James
18 books258 followersInternational best selling author, Jane E James creates chilling reads that appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, mysteries and dark fiction. Jane loves to weave tense and haunting tales that stay in the reader's mind. All her books are standalone novels.
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 26, 2021
The last book I read by this wonderfully talented author was The Crying Boy which has stayed with me since I read it back in 2017.
This is definitely going to be that kind of book too, where people can ask.....did you read Looking for Lucy by Jane E James? And off I’ll go telling them how awesome it was, how chilling, haunting, creepy at times this was and the fact it had a few “what the hell” moments!
The blurb gives enough for you to get a little taste of what’s inside this book but the impact on you as a reader will astound you.
At first I was puzzled, but as the story unfolded it made everything so clear.
I’m not sure who I felt sorry for, who I had empathy for and who I didn’t understand...
You get too far in to bail out, simply because you (the reader) are hooked.
Chilling
Haunting
Taunting
Twisted (in more ways than one)
Sad, yes sad when something came to light.
Great writing.
This had me flicking pages after page.
This is definitely going to be that kind of book too, where people can ask.....did you read Looking for Lucy by Jane E James? And off I’ll go telling them how awesome it was, how chilling, haunting, creepy at times this was and the fact it had a few “what the hell” moments!
The blurb gives enough for you to get a little taste of what’s inside this book but the impact on you as a reader will astound you.
At first I was puzzled, but as the story unfolded it made everything so clear.
I’m not sure who I felt sorry for, who I had empathy for and who I didn’t understand...
You get too far in to bail out, simply because you (the reader) are hooked.
Chilling
Haunting
Taunting
Twisted (in more ways than one)
Sad, yes sad when something came to light.
Great writing.
This had me flicking pages after page.
April 20, 2021
This is a brilliantly written story that hooked me in from the start. I seriously didn’t know what way it was going to play out so the author certainly threw some unexpected twists at me.
Cindy a psychic is drawn into the Valentine’s life when their daughter Lucy goes missing. Staying at their creepy home she gets more than she bargained for.
The blurb itself is teasingly good.. but the book itself- wow. I’m in awe of this author. The feels she put me through while reading this had me gasping. Can’t wait to read more from this very talented author.
Cindy a psychic is drawn into the Valentine’s life when their daughter Lucy goes missing. Staying at their creepy home she gets more than she bargained for.
The blurb itself is teasingly good.. but the book itself- wow. I’m in awe of this author. The feels she put me through while reading this had me gasping. Can’t wait to read more from this very talented author.
March 25, 2021
Cyndi Martin is a psychic, born with a gift that brings with it startling visions and vivid snapshots. Her mother, a staunch church goer tries to tell her it's a mortal sin , distancing herself from her daughter..Though her father loves her unconditionally she leaves home at sixteen to make her way in the world .Now an adult , people seek her out, but when she makes a mistake..one that she will have to live with for the rest of her life..the press brand her a charlatan and a fake .Seven year old Lucy Valentine a bright, quiet child has been missing for 31 days .John and Jane Valentine will do anything to find their daughter. The police searched for days , though there has been huge press coverage..there have been no sightings of the child. When the Valentines offer to care for Grace, Cyndi's daughter , in exchange for Cyndi agreeing to help them find out what happened to Lucy ..she makes her way to Moon Hollow..As soon as she approaches Moon Hollow , setting sight on the imposing mansion..she has a feeling of deja vu ...she knows this place .The Valentines though wealthy are cold , aloof and distant .Cyndi finds the house one of silence and shadow.A custom made dollhouse along with Lucy's favourite doll Heidi are the only things bright in Lucy's room .In the grounds that stretch for miles is a shimmering Lake..And in the garden the beautiful treehouse where Lucy once played. At the back of the property there is the gamekeepers cottage where the ex gamekeeper still lives.Beyond lies a church that only ever has one visitor..But why is little Grace so besotted with Jane Valentine?, a woman so unlike and yet so similar in temperament to her mother...so beautiful yet so cold hearted..Sinners judging sinners ...Secrets pouring forth ..Will the Valentines be reunited with their little girl ? Nothing will prepare Cyndi or the Valentines with what is yet to pass ..Cold so Cold ...Such Shimmering Darkness all around ..Creepy Chilling and Atmospheric...Looking for Lucy is one of the darkest books I have read this year ....All the stars..
March 25, 2021
Chilling & Creepy!!
Absolutely loved this book its an addictive read which is mesmerising and hauntingly atmospheric. This author delivers the story in such a way I struggled to put it down hungry for another chapter and another. This is the second book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. I was totally gripped by each page, I could hear myself going no way the author had thrown in another curve ball I totally didn't expect. Wow the tension built up to such a huge crescendo at the ending of the book it quickened my heartbeat.
Looking forward to more from this author. Please hurry up!
Absolutely loved this book its an addictive read which is mesmerising and hauntingly atmospheric. This author delivers the story in such a way I struggled to put it down hungry for another chapter and another. This is the second book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. I was totally gripped by each page, I could hear myself going no way the author had thrown in another curve ball I totally didn't expect. Wow the tension built up to such a huge crescendo at the ending of the book it quickened my heartbeat.
Looking forward to more from this author. Please hurry up!
April 2, 2021
Cindy Martin is twenty eight and a single unmarried mother to eight year old Grace. She is also psychic, a curse in her eyes and such an abomination before God to her mother that she left home at sixteen. After Grace was left alone one night and involved in an accident whilst Cindy was out at a sex, drugs and booze filled party, her daughter was taken into care. Another young girl has been taken but in a completely different way. Jane and John Valentine’s seven year old daughter Lucy has gone missing, and despite an extensive police search, no one knows if she is alive or dead. Jane approached Cindy with a deal – I’ll get your daughter back for you and in return you use your abilities to find mine. As the book begins, Cindy has arrived at Moon Hollow, the manor house home of the Valentines in Cambridgeshire and is soon reunited with Grace. She immediately starts to get strange visions and sees Lucy early on sitting for an artist. Not long after, she realizes Grace has the gift too but it seems that Grace is blocking her powers and shunning her most of the time, presumably still making her pay for the accident. What’s more, it soon becomes apparent there were two Lucys, and both of them are missing. Knowing she has already made one mistake which led to a man’s death, Cindy cannot afford to get it wrong again. For such a staunchly religious woman, it seems odd that Jane should be asking a physic to find her daughter rather than putting her faith in God. However John and Jane are not all they appear to be and both agree it is vital they have Cindy to live with them. But is that simply to find Lucy or do they have an ulterior motive? Cindy’s visions become more alarming and the things she sees are most disturbing. Who is the Lord of the Dance? And what is the truth behind John, Jane, Hugh and Lucy and all the spirits haunting Cindy? No one at Moon Hollow is telling the truth, either about young Lucy, the other Lucy or their own lives and actions, which means that a wealth of spirits and images take over Cindy’s mind and get in the way of what she is actually there to do. Once she has discovered more truths about them and they are more restful, the visions start to reveal details about young Lucy's whereabouts, fortunately, since this is the most important thing for Cindy, if she ever wants to take Grace home and become a better mother. In the very strange situation there, everyone is keeping secrets and no one can be trusted except perhaps the spirits who come to her to guide her towards the awful truth about Moon Hollow.
While I guessed the truth about the family, there were still parts which came as a real shock as the skill of the writing led me around in circles. Just when I started to think there can’t be any more lies or surprises to be unearthed, there came an ending both dramatic and shocking, and then the final biggest twist of all. A spooky tale full of mysteries and deceit, this story is wonderfully dark, atmospheric and very chilling at times. 5*
While I guessed the truth about the family, there were still parts which came as a real shock as the skill of the writing led me around in circles. Just when I started to think there can’t be any more lies or surprises to be unearthed, there came an ending both dramatic and shocking, and then the final biggest twist of all. A spooky tale full of mysteries and deceit, this story is wonderfully dark, atmospheric and very chilling at times. 5*
March 31, 2021
Lucy Valentine has been missing for a month and she wants nothing more than to go home. Her parents, John and Jane, are so desperate to find their daughter they enlist the help of reluctant psychic Cindy Martin.
Cindy has used her clairvoyant abilities before, but despite her good intentions, things didn't end well and she's been labelled as a charlatan. This is why she's so hesitant to help them, but the Valentine's are prepared to go to any lengths to find their beloved Lucy - including blackmail and Cindy's own young daughter, Grace.
As soon as Cindy arrives at Moon Hollow she is on edge, this doesn't appear to be a welcoming family house. John and Jane are definitely hiding something but will Cindy be able to unearth all of their secrets and discover the truth to find out what happened to Lucy?
Looking For Lucy has it all, tension, intruigue, mystery and suspense. Right from the start I was hooked, wanting to know more about Lucy and her family, what had happened to this little girl who would be eight on her next birthday and just wanted to be in her treehouse playing with Heidi, her favourite doll. She comes across as such a little sweetheart, I already wanted her to be safely back at home - little did I know what was to come!
This is no straight forward missing child story - there are so many hidden secrets and lies, some of which I had my suspicions about and others which completely blindsided me! I spent a lot of time swinging from feeling empathy for a particular character one minute and then being absolutely stunned and even horrified by what they did or said next.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this dark and atmospheric tale and I couldn't read it fast enough! Another superbly written and fabulous book from this great author.
Cindy has used her clairvoyant abilities before, but despite her good intentions, things didn't end well and she's been labelled as a charlatan. This is why she's so hesitant to help them, but the Valentine's are prepared to go to any lengths to find their beloved Lucy - including blackmail and Cindy's own young daughter, Grace.
As soon as Cindy arrives at Moon Hollow she is on edge, this doesn't appear to be a welcoming family house. John and Jane are definitely hiding something but will Cindy be able to unearth all of their secrets and discover the truth to find out what happened to Lucy?
Looking For Lucy has it all, tension, intruigue, mystery and suspense. Right from the start I was hooked, wanting to know more about Lucy and her family, what had happened to this little girl who would be eight on her next birthday and just wanted to be in her treehouse playing with Heidi, her favourite doll. She comes across as such a little sweetheart, I already wanted her to be safely back at home - little did I know what was to come!
This is no straight forward missing child story - there are so many hidden secrets and lies, some of which I had my suspicions about and others which completely blindsided me! I spent a lot of time swinging from feeling empathy for a particular character one minute and then being absolutely stunned and even horrified by what they did or said next.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this dark and atmospheric tale and I couldn't read it fast enough! Another superbly written and fabulous book from this great author.
April 3, 2021
Jane E James, one of my favourite authors, has written another dark, thrilling, very atmospheric book It has a haunted house, ghosts, a reluctant psychic, a missing child and a dark tale of cruelty and selfishness. Perfect reading for those who like a good scary supernatural read. There are jumpy moments like exploring secret rooms, creepy woods and my favourite “the eyes in the dolls house”. There are lots of twists that keep you reading to find out what really happened to Lucy. I personally didn’t like any of the characters which is usually a turn off for me, but I was compelled to keep reading to see if any of them would be redeemed. I love the final paragraph of the book, it almost mirrors the start but for me it isn’t an ending. Will Lucy ever find her way home? Will there be a return to Moon Hollow? Let’s hope so.
March 31, 2021
Beautifully written and absolutely haunting. This is such an atmospheric tale, the setting of Moon Hollow a character in itself and the lives that dwell inside it (past and present) so tragic. The main characters are wonderfully complex and the plot's twists and turns (genuine 'say WHAT?!' moments!) unpredictable. This is a captivating, character-driven paranormal/psychological/crime thriller, a brilliant hybrid of my favourite genres that delves deep into the shadows of the human psyche and soul, exploring what one might do if vulnerable and desperate (or despicable) enough. This is the first book I've read by this author, and after looking for Lucy, I'll be looking for anything else James has written!
April 2, 2021
What did I just read?! I feel so messed up right now. And I feel terrible for Lucy.
This is all very much GoT feels for me, right now. Everyone one in this book is messed up. Cyndi, John, Jane, Hugh, George, even little Lucy. The story is just really something else and there were so many twists that it if it was a tangible object it would be:
I think I need to read something really light and easy for my next book just so I can somehow wash away just how dark this book is. It's really good, but really dark. Although there were times I felt it was dragging and there were some unnecessary parts, overall it's a good read. But don't read this before going to bed, it's not going to let you sleep!
This is all very much GoT feels for me, right now. Everyone one in this book is messed up. Cyndi, John, Jane, Hugh, George, even little Lucy. The story is just really something else and there were so many twists that it if it was a tangible object it would be:
I think I need to read something really light and easy for my next book just so I can somehow wash away just how dark this book is. It's really good, but really dark. Although there were times I felt it was dragging and there were some unnecessary parts, overall it's a good read. But don't read this before going to bed, it's not going to let you sleep!
April 17, 2021
A psychic is forced to look for a couples missing daughter in exchange for the return of her daughter after she had been removed from her custody.
Cindy was a drinking, partying girl and despite having a daughter didn't give up her lifestyle.
Jane and John are a God-fearing couple who live in a creepy old ancestral home.
When Cindy begins to look for the couples missing daughter Lucy she has visions of another Lucy.
As she begins to investigate she starts to uncover the truth.
This book is super creepy, the setting, the sinister old house, lots of ghosts, the frequent outbursts of Jane.
There are so many crazy twists, all cleverly weaved in. Can't wait to read more.
Cindy was a drinking, partying girl and despite having a daughter didn't give up her lifestyle.
Jane and John are a God-fearing couple who live in a creepy old ancestral home.
When Cindy begins to look for the couples missing daughter Lucy she has visions of another Lucy.
As she begins to investigate she starts to uncover the truth.
This book is super creepy, the setting, the sinister old house, lots of ghosts, the frequent outbursts of Jane.
There are so many crazy twists, all cleverly weaved in. Can't wait to read more.
April 5, 2021
Loved this book, spooky story and some brilliantly strange characters
April 8, 2021
A creepy old house, a psychic, a missing child and ghosts aplenty. If you enjoy supernatural tales, this is one for you.
The writing flows smoothly in this modern day story of a woman brought in by a grieving couple to find their missing child. There are plenty of twists as the plot unfolds.
A well written and entertaining read.
The writing flows smoothly in this modern day story of a woman brought in by a grieving couple to find their missing child. There are plenty of twists as the plot unfolds.
A well written and entertaining read.
October 18, 2021
I seem to have read a lot of meh books recently. Books that weren't amazing and weren't terrible and therefore weren't really worth reviewing. It's a shame that when I finally read something that made me feel like writing a review, it was on the terrible side rather than the amazing.
Issues I had with this book:
It's poorly written. It never really flows. It's stilted.
All the plot twists are obvious right from the beginning. Meaning that where I should have been gasping and turning pages, I was just rolling my eyes and wondering why the characters were so slow on the uptake.
None of the people behave like real people. The creepy couple in the creepy house are artificially creepy. The grieving psychic who would do anything to be reunited with her daughter doesn't give a toss about actually spending time with the girl, preferring instead to blunder around sleeping with the locals and occasionally ask who's looking after her daughter. Don't try to tell me any of these people are worth reading about.
I could go on but that's probably enough to make the point.
Issues I had with this book:
It's poorly written. It never really flows. It's stilted.
All the plot twists are obvious right from the beginning. Meaning that where I should have been gasping and turning pages, I was just rolling my eyes and wondering why the characters were so slow on the uptake.
None of the people behave like real people. The creepy couple in the creepy house are artificially creepy. The grieving psychic who would do anything to be reunited with her daughter doesn't give a toss about actually spending time with the girl, preferring instead to blunder around sleeping with the locals and occasionally ask who's looking after her daughter. Don't try to tell me any of these people are worth reading about.
I could go on but that's probably enough to make the point.
December 18, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟 WOW…. I wasn’t too sure to start with, I thought it a bit odd, and had absolutely no idea where the story was heading, but I just had to keep reading to see how the story panned out.
I did somehow guess a couple of the crazy twists, but it definitely wasn’t predictable as many novels of this genre can be.
I absolutely did not guess all of them! I don’t think anyone could see some of those twists and turns coming!
And when I say crazy twists and turns, they’re jaw dropping!!!
My first ever read of a book by Jane E. James, I’m sucked in now, and I’m off to hunt down some more.
A very unique kind of psychological thriller, unlike anything I’ve ever read, but I couldn’t put it down. Fabulous author; well done for being so incredibly imaginative and throwing such a unique spin into the genre!
Psychological thriller cross haunting, and a bit Gothic.
Bravo Ms James, I am a fan! 👏🏻 🙂
I did somehow guess a couple of the crazy twists, but it definitely wasn’t predictable as many novels of this genre can be.
I absolutely did not guess all of them! I don’t think anyone could see some of those twists and turns coming!
And when I say crazy twists and turns, they’re jaw dropping!!!
My first ever read of a book by Jane E. James, I’m sucked in now, and I’m off to hunt down some more.
A very unique kind of psychological thriller, unlike anything I’ve ever read, but I couldn’t put it down. Fabulous author; well done for being so incredibly imaginative and throwing such a unique spin into the genre!
Psychological thriller cross haunting, and a bit Gothic.
Bravo Ms James, I am a fan! 👏🏻 🙂
June 18, 2021
The opening chapter, written in Lucy's voice, sets the scene perfectly and makes chills run down your spine. The creepy setting of Moon Hollow, the cold strangeness of Jane and John, and the dark, still waters of the lake add to the atmospheric drama of the story.
Lucy has been missing for a month, and her parents coerce Cindy Martin, a psychic who has been cast aside by her mother and most of her friends, to help them search for her. But the house is full of secrets, and Cindy keeps having disturbing flashbacks.
Nothing is as it seems and every character is hiding something - what happened at Moon Hollow, and is Lucy still alive? This is a story with plenty of unexpected twists and revelations that keeps you turning the pages to find out what's really going on. The ending is just as sinister as the opening, with a haunting sadness that will break your heart. Highly recommend.
Lucy has been missing for a month, and her parents coerce Cindy Martin, a psychic who has been cast aside by her mother and most of her friends, to help them search for her. But the house is full of secrets, and Cindy keeps having disturbing flashbacks.
Nothing is as it seems and every character is hiding something - what happened at Moon Hollow, and is Lucy still alive? This is a story with plenty of unexpected twists and revelations that keeps you turning the pages to find out what's really going on. The ending is just as sinister as the opening, with a haunting sadness that will break your heart. Highly recommend.
July 10, 2021
Fascinating
Brilliant psychological thriller with more than a hint of the supernatural. Deeply atmospheric, it kept me guessing to the end. Great writing making for a deeply immersive experience, really lived this one. Looking forward to reading more from this author
Brilliant psychological thriller with more than a hint of the supernatural. Deeply atmospheric, it kept me guessing to the end. Great writing making for a deeply immersive experience, really lived this one. Looking forward to reading more from this author
September 16, 2021
Never ever read a book with so many unpleasant characters. Very predictable last few chapters First few pages were good and I kept kidding myself that it would improve again but it didn't. . Not recommended.
May 18, 2021
I have to be honest. I did not like the story, the plot and the characters. However it received very good reviews from others. It just comes down to different tastes in the books one likes.
May 28, 2021
I loved this book. The twists and turns had me holding my breath at times. I thoroughly recommend the experience.
June 24, 2021
I received this book in a give away. It hooked me in at the start but 1/2 in I got bored and wanted to find out just finish. the plot and characters were interesting. There is a surprise ending.
April 17, 2024
I'm not sure about this book. I felt like it had 2 many twist and not much of a storyline.
April 30, 2024
Very good
An unusual read but very interesting. I knew the big secret before it was revealed. Great ending to sum the story up
An unusual read but very interesting. I knew the big secret before it was revealed. Great ending to sum the story up
September 9, 2024
Twisted
How can so many wrongs make a right? This novel keeps you hoping for a good ending ….only to be disappointed .
How can so many wrongs make a right? This novel keeps you hoping for a good ending ….only to be disappointed .
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews