In Custody: A Carrie Green Novel

by Lundy Bancroft

A mother and daughter disappear in the midst of a custody dispute, leaving behind indications that they left on purpose -- and that they didn't. A young journalism intern, Carrie Green, gets caught up in trying to find out what's happened to them.
She astounds her editor by developing a rapport with the father of the missing girl even though no one else can stand him.
Then she and her boyfriend infiltrate two opposing illegal networks, both of which seem to be connected to the case.
And suddenly it starts to dawn on the young reporter that she’s been believing all the wrong people...

Genres: Mystery

325 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2021

Reviews

[Laura Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lundy clearly knows his domestic violence stuff from his bestselling non-fiction work he has written. It’s a gripping read with great dialogue and good character development. I look forward to reading more of his fiction work.

[Julia Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I usually don’t read mystery/detective books since normal life is complicated and confusing enough, but I’m such a fan of Lundy Bancroft that I read it anyways. I did start off the book by flipping right to the back and finding out the ending. The beginning felt a little slow for me, but by the middle is was a real page turner, even when I already knew the ending. The book is entertaining and does a fabulous job of showing how the family courts are perhaps some of Americas biggest enablers of intimate partner violence and child abuse. I feel like this is important info for any person who could get pregnant. I look forward to more
Fiction from this author!

[Spivey Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Custody is a gripping psychological novel that examines how quickly assumptions can harden into truth once authority becomes involved. What begins as a seemingly routine custody concern slowly unravels into a tense, emotionally complex situation shaped by bias, ego, fear, and institutional momentum. Bancroft’s strength lies in his ability to show how damage is often done not by villains, but by ordinary people convinced they are doing the right thing. The characters feel painfully real, and the story left me unsettled in a way that lingered well after I finished reading.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is deceptively quiet at first, but the tension builds steadily and relentlessly. In Custody explores the collision between personal lives and powerful systems policing, courts, media and how those systems can distort reality once they lock onto a narrative. I was especially struck by how perspectives shift from chapter to chapter, revealing how incomplete information and personal bias shape each character’s version of events. Bancroft doesn’t offer easy answers, which makes the book feel honest and deeply human.

[Joseph George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story shines because no one is perfect. Kelly’s fury, Lauren’s fear, Sofia’s guilt, Carrie’s impulsiveness they all feel painfully human. Even the police officers, with their egos and blind spots, are written with uncomfortable accuracy.
Carrie, especially, is such an unexpectedly brilliant character. She’s naïve, scrappy, and deeply flawed, but her determination makes her unforgettable. Her chapters feel electric.
The world-building is grounded, gritty, and completely believable.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an interesting book and gives a great deal of insight into family law, custody issues, and the various viewpoints of the support systems.

[Scarlet S. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

believe the victim

Lundy Bancroft illuminates the lack of support for abused women and children. Although this is a novel there are solid facts in it.

[Mary Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Custody starts with what looks like a routine police interaction but very quickly becomes a gripping psychological unraveling. What I loved most is that Lundy Bancroft doesn’t rush anything. He gives you time to sink into these characters’ flaws, fears, and messy loyalties.
By the time Lauren and her daughter disappear, you’re already invested in everyone: the worn down cop, the girl trying to break into journalism, the terrified father, and the friend who’s lying through her teeth to protect someone she loves.
The tension rises in such a natural, believable way that when things finally break open, it hits with real emotional force. I felt every twist.