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Her Father's Daughter
Skillfully weaving together domestic suspense, a desperate police investigation, a love affair, and a serial killer on the loose, acclaimed author T. M. Dunn’s Her Father’s Daughter makes for a raw, edgy, and hard-hitting hero’s journey into a family’s twisted secrets, perfect for fans of Oyinkan Braithwate and Karen Dionne.
Twenty-five-year-old Linda Donovan has spent her life working for her father, Anthony, at Donovan and Daughter Exterminators in New York City. On the anniversary of her mother’s death, her father makes his annual visit to his late wife’s grave while Linda heads to a Park Avenue apartment building to work solo.
When she arrives, she finds the body of an elderly resident, partially eaten by rats. The gruesome death not only speaks poorly of the Donovans’ exterminating services—it also points to foul play. When the cops show up, they demand to speak to Linda’s father. But despite her efforts to contact him, Anthony has gone off the radar.
As he evades a possible murder charge, Linda’s father records in five notebooks—and five damning acts—the story of how he met and fell in love with her mother, a previously untold history of familial abuse, tormented souls, and true love gone terribly wrong.
Twenty-five-year-old Linda Donovan has spent her life working for her father, Anthony, at Donovan and Daughter Exterminators in New York City. On the anniversary of her mother’s death, her father makes his annual visit to his late wife’s grave while Linda heads to a Park Avenue apartment building to work solo.
When she arrives, she finds the body of an elderly resident, partially eaten by rats. The gruesome death not only speaks poorly of the Donovans’ exterminating services—it also points to foul play. When the cops show up, they demand to speak to Linda’s father. But despite her efforts to contact him, Anthony has gone off the radar.
As he evades a possible murder charge, Linda’s father records in five notebooks—and five damning acts—the story of how he met and fell in love with her mother, a previously untold history of familial abuse, tormented souls, and true love gone terribly wrong.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
22 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
June 16, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 265
Audio length ~ 8 hours 44 minutes
Narrators ~ Cara Swingline, David Bendena
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ long chapters for the acts, serial killer, murder, suicide, secrets
Father and daughter, Anthony & Linda are pretty close since he raised her on his own from birth, and they work together in an exterminating business. She takes on a job and makes a gruesome discovery, which sets forth an investigation bigger than Linda ever thought possible.
Anthony's chapters were told as 'acts', he is an actor after all, that are written in journals to Linda that explain his life to her. What she reads is unthinkable and quite shocking.
I do enjoy a serial killer plot and just as expected this was pretty dark and disturbing. Despite the long chapters, the pace and the flow were great and kept me engaged. I'd be happy to read what this author writes next in the adult genre (she has written YA under a different name).
Side note ~ although sad, I like why she was named Linda.
I had a kindle and an audio copy to review.
Narration notes:
David did a wonderful job, his tone was really animated at times and really drew me into the story. Cara on the other hand was not so great. Her voices for other women characters was just awful and cringey.
*Thanks to Patricia Dunn (AKA T.M. DUNN), Crooked Lane Books, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 265
Audio length ~ 8 hours 44 minutes
Narrators ~ Cara Swingline, David Bendena
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ long chapters for the acts, serial killer, murder, suicide, secrets
Father and daughter, Anthony & Linda are pretty close since he raised her on his own from birth, and they work together in an exterminating business. She takes on a job and makes a gruesome discovery, which sets forth an investigation bigger than Linda ever thought possible.
Anthony's chapters were told as 'acts', he is an actor after all, that are written in journals to Linda that explain his life to her. What she reads is unthinkable and quite shocking.
I do enjoy a serial killer plot and just as expected this was pretty dark and disturbing. Despite the long chapters, the pace and the flow were great and kept me engaged. I'd be happy to read what this author writes next in the adult genre (she has written YA under a different name).
Side note ~ although sad, I like why she was named Linda.
I had a kindle and an audio copy to review.
Narration notes:
David did a wonderful job, his tone was really animated at times and really drew me into the story. Cara on the other hand was not so great. Her voices for other women characters was just awful and cringey.
*Thanks to Patricia Dunn (AKA T.M. DUNN), Crooked Lane Books, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
October 15, 2022
Wow! Finally I’m out of my patience! My main motto is giving enough chance to authors’ brilliant way of thinking and reflecting their opinions into fictional worlds! I always try my best to pass: dnf option! But this time : I couldn’t finish it! I stopped reading around first half and decide to waste my energy for other painful chores (folding entire year’s laundry, waxing my eyebrows , trying to cook fancy French meals I’ve seen on Instagram and getting failed after seventh attempt)
Okay, I wanted to put a smile on your face with my blabbering so I could get rid of my negative energy about my unsatisfied reading experience.
The extra detailed and mostly a little weird descriptions, dislikable characters and a little odd, unusual but not in a good way writing style gave me hard time to get into the story and so gave up and decided to give a pass!
I’m rounding up 2.5 stars to 3 for promising blurb and interesting plot line but unfortunately execution of the story failed me!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Okay, I wanted to put a smile on your face with my blabbering so I could get rid of my negative energy about my unsatisfied reading experience.
The extra detailed and mostly a little weird descriptions, dislikable characters and a little odd, unusual but not in a good way writing style gave me hard time to get into the story and so gave up and decided to give a pass!
I’m rounding up 2.5 stars to 3 for promising blurb and interesting plot line but unfortunately execution of the story failed me!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
July 20, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was hard to rate. I love the dad's POV but didn't care for Linda's.
Linda and her dad are exterminators. While working a job, Linda found one of their long-time client dead. Both Linda and her dad were called in for questioning. Instead of cooperating with the cops, Linda's dad ran away! Why?! Read to find out!
I love the dad's POV. He explained his past, Linda's mom, and his master plan. It was fascinating to see things through his perspective and thought process. Linda's POV, on the other hand, wasn't that memorable. She was either whining or confused. I wanted more from her character.
Overall, good but not perfect.
***Thank you to NetGalley, T.M. Dunn, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
This was hard to rate. I love the dad's POV but didn't care for Linda's.
Linda and her dad are exterminators. While working a job, Linda found one of their long-time client dead. Both Linda and her dad were called in for questioning. Instead of cooperating with the cops, Linda's dad ran away! Why?! Read to find out!
I love the dad's POV. He explained his past, Linda's mom, and his master plan. It was fascinating to see things through his perspective and thought process. Linda's POV, on the other hand, wasn't that memorable. She was either whining or confused. I wanted more from her character.
Overall, good but not perfect.
***Thank you to NetGalley, T.M. Dunn, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
July 9, 2023
Actual rating: a solid 4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well that was just, REALLY good!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this psychological thriller - just what I needed to get me out of my slump! The story started off with a ✨literal✨ bang and I was immediately engaged!
Told in a dual POV from both Linda and her dad, we get a view of the past and present. I loved how each “act” was broken up and explained by the end. And even though you KNOW what’s going on, it’s still a surprise to read.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book. It would spark lots a great discussion and probably really good for book club!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well that was just, REALLY good!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this psychological thriller - just what I needed to get me out of my slump! The story started off with a ✨literal✨ bang and I was immediately engaged!
Told in a dual POV from both Linda and her dad, we get a view of the past and present. I loved how each “act” was broken up and explained by the end. And even though you KNOW what’s going on, it’s still a surprise to read.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book. It would spark lots a great discussion and probably really good for book club!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2023
WOWZA! I could not stop listening to this unique and suspenseful thriller. The dual POV and dual timeline created such a great mystery that you will want to keep reading. While some of the parts was rather disturbing, I just couldn’t get enough!
The narrators were great and brought the book to life! If you are looking for something unique and not talked about much, add this book to your TBR. I look forward to see what Dunn comes up with next.
***Many thanks to @thrillerbookloverspromotions, TM Dunn, @dreamscapemedia, and NetGalley for the ALC in turn for my honest review.
The narrators were great and brought the book to life! If you are looking for something unique and not talked about much, add this book to your TBR. I look forward to see what Dunn comes up with next.
***Many thanks to @thrillerbookloverspromotions, TM Dunn, @dreamscapemedia, and NetGalley for the ALC in turn for my honest review.
May 27, 2023
Her Fathers Daughter
By: T. M. Dunn
5🐁🐁🐁🐁🐁
Linda Donovan is working with her father Anthony with their business Donovan and Daughter Exterminators in NYC. They are used to finding rats, mice and squirrels. On this day Linda discovers a dead body in one of the more prominent apartments.
🐁
Her father raised her since her mother died shortly after her birth. He has an unhealthy obsession with his dead wife.
🐁
Part of the story is told by Anthony telling his daughter about his sorted past. I had no idea where this was going but it was creepy and the things horror movies are made out of. I love a good scary movie and I could see the scenes play out until the CRAZY ending!!!
🐁
Thank you Thriller Book Lovers for introducing me to this author. I will definitely look for more of T.M. Dunn’s books. Available July 18, 2023.
#crookedlanebooks, #tmdunn, #herfathersdaughter, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50, #thrillerbookloverspromotions
By: T. M. Dunn
5🐁🐁🐁🐁🐁
Linda Donovan is working with her father Anthony with their business Donovan and Daughter Exterminators in NYC. They are used to finding rats, mice and squirrels. On this day Linda discovers a dead body in one of the more prominent apartments.
🐁
Her father raised her since her mother died shortly after her birth. He has an unhealthy obsession with his dead wife.
🐁
Part of the story is told by Anthony telling his daughter about his sorted past. I had no idea where this was going but it was creepy and the things horror movies are made out of. I love a good scary movie and I could see the scenes play out until the CRAZY ending!!!
🐁
Thank you Thriller Book Lovers for introducing me to this author. I will definitely look for more of T.M. Dunn’s books. Available July 18, 2023.
#crookedlanebooks, #tmdunn, #herfathersdaughter, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50, #thrillerbookloverspromotions
July 24, 2023
4.4
*I won this book as 1/2 of a giveaway win from @leeykelly. I won a copy of With Regrets by Lee Kelly and a Crooked Lane book of my choice! So exciting! Thank you!
Performance, character study, shell…
“All the world’s a stage!”
Father/daughter Anthony and Linda currently own Donovan & Daughter Exterminators in NY. Anthony has been a single parent to Linda for the past 25 years. Anthony hasn’t always been an exterminator, but has had an acting career in the past.
On a solo service trip to a Park Avenue apartment, Linda finds a body. Now the police want to talk to both Linda and her father.
A chilling , ageless story of secrets, dysfunction, goals, family relationships, and family legacy. Father’s backstory will be revealed through “Acts 1-5”. (5 journals)
* I read 1/2 of this book , but due to too many interruptions, started over again. I read it entirely in the last 24 hours.
*SUGGESTION —
Don’t read a summary or the inside front cover flap before starting the book!
*Suspenseful! Wild ending!
* Unique plot!
*CW
*First time reader of T.M.Dunn. I would read future books by this author!
*I won this book as 1/2 of a giveaway win from @leeykelly. I won a copy of With Regrets by Lee Kelly and a Crooked Lane book of my choice! So exciting! Thank you!
Performance, character study, shell…
“All the world’s a stage!”
Father/daughter Anthony and Linda currently own Donovan & Daughter Exterminators in NY. Anthony has been a single parent to Linda for the past 25 years. Anthony hasn’t always been an exterminator, but has had an acting career in the past.
On a solo service trip to a Park Avenue apartment, Linda finds a body. Now the police want to talk to both Linda and her father.
A chilling , ageless story of secrets, dysfunction, goals, family relationships, and family legacy. Father’s backstory will be revealed through “Acts 1-5”. (5 journals)
* I read 1/2 of this book , but due to too many interruptions, started over again. I read it entirely in the last 24 hours.
*SUGGESTION —
Don’t read a summary or the inside front cover flap before starting the book!
*Suspenseful! Wild ending!
* Unique plot!
*CW
*First time reader of T.M.Dunn. I would read future books by this author!
February 18, 2024
4.25/5
Her Father's Daughter is T.M. Dunn's thrilling debut novel, and while I was a little confused by the format at first, I quickly figured it out and loved it! Sections of the book are separated by acts as in a play which is a male viewpoint, and the rest is told from our FMC Linda's viewpoint. It took me a minute to figure out who the male POV was, but eventually, I caught on and... chills! There are so many downright creepy and suspenseful moments, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. While some would call this fast-paced, I thought it was on the medium side of things, which felt perfect for the storyline.
David Bendena & Cara Swingline narrate the audiobook, and I would be lying if I said I didn't love them both equally. Bendena killed it as our male narrator, and I loved Swingline as the voice of Linda. I highly recommend the audiobook and be prepared to not want to put it down. Her Father's Daughter is gruesome and gross at times, but what do you expect when the MC is an exterminator? That was such an interesting facet of the book, and it will thoroughly freak you out once you know how that came to be. I loved the twists and turns, and the fascinating and unique take on the serial killer trope! This just came out in 2023, but I hope we will see more from this author very soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Her Father's Daughter is T.M. Dunn's thrilling debut novel, and while I was a little confused by the format at first, I quickly figured it out and loved it! Sections of the book are separated by acts as in a play which is a male viewpoint, and the rest is told from our FMC Linda's viewpoint. It took me a minute to figure out who the male POV was, but eventually, I caught on and... chills! There are so many downright creepy and suspenseful moments, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. While some would call this fast-paced, I thought it was on the medium side of things, which felt perfect for the storyline.
David Bendena & Cara Swingline narrate the audiobook, and I would be lying if I said I didn't love them both equally. Bendena killed it as our male narrator, and I loved Swingline as the voice of Linda. I highly recommend the audiobook and be prepared to not want to put it down. Her Father's Daughter is gruesome and gross at times, but what do you expect when the MC is an exterminator? That was such an interesting facet of the book, and it will thoroughly freak you out once you know how that came to be. I loved the twists and turns, and the fascinating and unique take on the serial killer trope! This just came out in 2023, but I hope we will see more from this author very soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 6, 2023
This was a middle-of-the-road kind of experience for me. Her Father's Daughter is told from the alternating perspectives of Linda and her father (her father's chapters are in epistolary form). Her father tells the tale of how he met her mother and how their love story descended into dark territory, while Linda in the present day carries us through a murder investigation and her complicated dealings with the past. Linda's father's sections were the hardest for me to get through since they were so dialogue heavy with minimal forward movement for the most part. Linda's perspectives were much more engaging, though it took a few chapters to really get into things.
I love how dark this story became, and I think that the character development was its biggest strong point. I just wish that the execution had been more thrilling and entertaining overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book!
I love how dark this story became, and I think that the character development was its biggest strong point. I just wish that the execution had been more thrilling and entertaining overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book!
July 11, 2023
Nothing says family like handing down the family business. In this book, that business is murder. I’ve always gotten a kick out of the concept of serial killers teaching their ways to their descendants. It’s a common thriller plot to have that killer gene passed down, with the child questioning if they were like their parent. In, Her Father’s Daughter, Linda has no clue that her father is a killer. But he plans to let her in on his secret, hoping she is like him. It’s creepy and good!
The story takes on a darker tone while in the perspective of the father. He was clearly conditioned and groomed to be the man he is, and full embraces the lifestyle. At times he is a little unhinged, and at times there is hope he has changed. But does a killer ever really stop killing? I appreciated the breaks in narrative, with his as “Acts”. It helped push the psychotic voice.
I really liked this book. It was a very quick read, definitely fast paced with thrills all the way through. I wouldn’t mind a follow up book. I’d love to see where Linda’s mind goes after all this.
July 6, 2023
Linda and her father Anthony are exterminators; together they run “Donovan and Daughter”. While Linda has worked with him all of her adult life, at 25, she is ready to go to college. Her father is sad to see her go, and after an argument, Linda goes on a job alone. There, she finds a dead woman - with a rat chewing on her face!! As if that isn’t disturbing enough, the police suspect Linda’s father is somehow involved. What follows is a twisty, character-driven thriller unlike any other that I’ve read.
Well, the rat chewing off a face definitely caught my attention! In that way (and a few other parts), it bordered on a horror story. But, ultimately this is a suspenseful thriller that kept me guessing all throughout. Told in dual points of view, Linda is trying to get to the truth while her father has compiled his story in “acts” that he has written in journals for her. This made for a story that was extremely unique, in a way that worked! I really appreciated how the author wasn’t afraid to ”write outside the box” in putting this story together. I would love to read more of her work in the future!
Thank you to TM Dunn, Thriller Book Lover Promos and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC! This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
Well, the rat chewing off a face definitely caught my attention! In that way (and a few other parts), it bordered on a horror story. But, ultimately this is a suspenseful thriller that kept me guessing all throughout. Told in dual points of view, Linda is trying to get to the truth while her father has compiled his story in “acts” that he has written in journals for her. This made for a story that was extremely unique, in a way that worked! I really appreciated how the author wasn’t afraid to ”write outside the box” in putting this story together. I would love to read more of her work in the future!
Thank you to TM Dunn, Thriller Book Lover Promos and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC! This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
February 2, 2023
Thank you T.M. Dunn, NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for giving me this opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of, “Her fathers daughter.” This book is due to be published July 18th 2023 and is the first book I believe to be written by this author.
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Linda and her father. Her father tells a story of how he met Linda’s mother and how their love story turns into dark territory. While Linda’s perspective is told in the present day bringing us through a murder investigation and her complicated past.
I really love the alternating perspectives in a story it gives me a lot to think about when it switches back and forth. The fathers sections were really hard to get into though due to all of the dialogue. It seemed to really drag on and on. Lindas parts were really easy to get into and kinda wish there was a tad bit more from her side. This story was really dark and had you wanting to race through to find out what happened.
The story was great overall and will be looking forward to anymore works from this author in the future.
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Linda and her father. Her father tells a story of how he met Linda’s mother and how their love story turns into dark territory. While Linda’s perspective is told in the present day bringing us through a murder investigation and her complicated past.
I really love the alternating perspectives in a story it gives me a lot to think about when it switches back and forth. The fathers sections were really hard to get into though due to all of the dialogue. It seemed to really drag on and on. Lindas parts were really easy to get into and kinda wish there was a tad bit more from her side. This story was really dark and had you wanting to race through to find out what happened.
The story was great overall and will be looking forward to anymore works from this author in the future.
January 31, 2023
If you are looking for a twisty, dark, domestic thriller, T.M. Dunn's "Her Father's Daughter" won't disappoint, with its unique tale of an exterminator and his daughter.
Linda Donovan, the twenty-something daughter of Anthony, is struggling under the weight of family expectations. She put off going to college to help her father run his business, Donovan and Daughter Exterminators. But things are about to change. Having won a scholarship to a college in California, Linda is weeks away from moving across country from New York City to finally pursue her dream.
The timing of her imminent departure coincides with the anniversary of her mother's death, a date that her father honors annually with a visit to his wife's grave. Linda is worried about how her father will handle the business on his own without her, or even how he will manage without burning their apartment down without her. When their most important account calls for emergency service on the anniversary, her father refuses to go to work. Linda, in an effort to make sure he doesn't lose the account, goes on her own only to find a dead body, partially eaten by rats.
The presence of rats in the building doesn't speak well of the Donovan's exterminating services, but it also brings Linda back into contact with her ex-girlfriend, a homicide cop and straight into the middle of the homicide investigation.
Things get pretty dark and twisty right off the bat. It is clear from the beginning that the family has generations of abuse and horrible secrets. The characters are well-developed, even if some of them are deeply unlikable. The family business of exterminating is apt, but the history of that business is particularly chilling. The story is told from two points of view that are unique in tone. They weave through each other, ever more tightly, until the wild climax. I found, no matter how disturbing each turn was, I could not put it down.
Linda Donovan, the twenty-something daughter of Anthony, is struggling under the weight of family expectations. She put off going to college to help her father run his business, Donovan and Daughter Exterminators. But things are about to change. Having won a scholarship to a college in California, Linda is weeks away from moving across country from New York City to finally pursue her dream.
The timing of her imminent departure coincides with the anniversary of her mother's death, a date that her father honors annually with a visit to his wife's grave. Linda is worried about how her father will handle the business on his own without her, or even how he will manage without burning their apartment down without her. When their most important account calls for emergency service on the anniversary, her father refuses to go to work. Linda, in an effort to make sure he doesn't lose the account, goes on her own only to find a dead body, partially eaten by rats.
The presence of rats in the building doesn't speak well of the Donovan's exterminating services, but it also brings Linda back into contact with her ex-girlfriend, a homicide cop and straight into the middle of the homicide investigation.
Things get pretty dark and twisty right off the bat. It is clear from the beginning that the family has generations of abuse and horrible secrets. The characters are well-developed, even if some of them are deeply unlikable. The family business of exterminating is apt, but the history of that business is particularly chilling. The story is told from two points of view that are unique in tone. They weave through each other, ever more tightly, until the wild climax. I found, no matter how disturbing each turn was, I could not put it down.
July 27, 2023
This book right here was one of my most anticipated reads for Summer and I don't mean to brag but I have been choosing some back to back blockbuster hits and Her Father's Daughter, was definitely one of them
Buckle your seat belts folks, T.M Dunn, is about to put you on a ride of a lifetime.
Jam packed with twists and turns, you will never be able to anticipate what comes next but hold on tight, because it might just knock the wind out of you,
Fun Fact : This is T.M Dunn's debut but you would never guess it, after concluding Her Father's Daughter, I was left with my jaw on the ground and anticipating what T.M. Dunn will come out with next.
Don't believe me, find out for yourself and pick this one up!
Teaser:
wenty-five-year-old Linda Donovan has spent her life working for her father, Anthony, at Donovan and Daughter Exterminators in New York City. On the anniversary of her mother’s death, her father makes his annual visit to his late wife’s grave while Linda heads to a Park Avenue apartment building to work solo.
When she arrives, she finds the body of an elderly resident, partially eaten by rats. The gruesome death not only speaks poorly of the Donovans’ exterminating services, it also points to foul play. When the cops show up, they demand to speak to Linda’s father. But despite her efforts to contact him, Anthony has gone off the radar.
As he evades a possible murder charge, Linda’s father records in five notebooks—and five damning acts—the story of how he met and fell in love with her mother, a previously untold history of familial abuse, tormented souls, and true love gone terribly wrong. Skillfully weaving together domestic suspense, a desperate police investigation, a love affair, and a serial killer on the loose, acclaimed author T. M. Dunn’s Her Father’s Daughter is perfect for fans of Oyinkan Braithwaite and Karen Dionne.
Buckle your seat belts folks, T.M Dunn, is about to put you on a ride of a lifetime.
Jam packed with twists and turns, you will never be able to anticipate what comes next but hold on tight, because it might just knock the wind out of you,
Fun Fact : This is T.M Dunn's debut but you would never guess it, after concluding Her Father's Daughter, I was left with my jaw on the ground and anticipating what T.M. Dunn will come out with next.
Don't believe me, find out for yourself and pick this one up!
Teaser:
wenty-five-year-old Linda Donovan has spent her life working for her father, Anthony, at Donovan and Daughter Exterminators in New York City. On the anniversary of her mother’s death, her father makes his annual visit to his late wife’s grave while Linda heads to a Park Avenue apartment building to work solo.
When she arrives, she finds the body of an elderly resident, partially eaten by rats. The gruesome death not only speaks poorly of the Donovans’ exterminating services, it also points to foul play. When the cops show up, they demand to speak to Linda’s father. But despite her efforts to contact him, Anthony has gone off the radar.
As he evades a possible murder charge, Linda’s father records in five notebooks—and five damning acts—the story of how he met and fell in love with her mother, a previously untold history of familial abuse, tormented souls, and true love gone terribly wrong. Skillfully weaving together domestic suspense, a desperate police investigation, a love affair, and a serial killer on the loose, acclaimed author T. M. Dunn’s Her Father’s Daughter is perfect for fans of Oyinkan Braithwaite and Karen Dionne.
January 5, 2023
thank you netgalley for the ARC!
i mean this so genuinely when i say that this is by far one of the best, most interesting, most captivating, insane, crazy, unique, and fan-fucking-tastic books i have EVER read. no exaggeration!!
this book consumed me and spat me out, over and over and over again. i cant explain it.
the MIND of this author blows MY mind! everything about this book and its plot and characters and twists are so precise, so perfectly planned, so complex. being inside of the mind of linda's father felt like pure insanity - in the most rational way possible!
i could go on forever about this book, but at the same time i am speechless! so im gonna shut up now!!
PLEASE read this book. prepare to have your mind fucking blown!!!!!!
1000000000000/5 stars. please read.
i mean this so genuinely when i say that this is by far one of the best, most interesting, most captivating, insane, crazy, unique, and fan-fucking-tastic books i have EVER read. no exaggeration!!
this book consumed me and spat me out, over and over and over again. i cant explain it.
the MIND of this author blows MY mind! everything about this book and its plot and characters and twists are so precise, so perfectly planned, so complex. being inside of the mind of linda's father felt like pure insanity - in the most rational way possible!
i could go on forever about this book, but at the same time i am speechless! so im gonna shut up now!!
PLEASE read this book. prepare to have your mind fucking blown!!!!!!
1000000000000/5 stars. please read.
December 5, 2022
I was mesmerized from the first page. Linda and her father were fascinating. This novel is so suspenseful and terrifying, truly an escape. Dunn spins a complex and compelling mystery that is at its heart about family and the assumptions we make about each other. HER FATHER’S DAUGHTER kept me riveted.
January 30, 2023
I requested Her Father’s Daughter for review because the book summary appealed to me and expected it was a crime thriller. It’s not. It’s more a domestic thriller, but that was fine. Dunn, a capable storyteller, cleverly plots the book in almost a circular way. We start near the end before moving back in time. The book unfolds from two first person viewpoints, that of Linda Donovan, the protagonist, and that of her father, Anthony, and the viewpoints switch back and forth. The opening prologue tells us a little of Anthony’s history before we meet Linda in the first chapter.
Twenty-five-year-old Linda Donovan has spent her life working with her father, Anthony, in their pest control business in New York City. But Linda, recently offered a scholarship, is planning to leave home for college soon. While she’s eager to go, she can’t help but worry about how her father will keep the business going without her. Linda’s mother had committed suicide shortly after her birth, and Anthony is the only parent she has ever known. Anthony, who seems from the outset to have a preoccupation with death, has always taken Linda with him to visit her mother’s grave site each year on the anniversary of her mother’s death. But when their main and most profitable client calls with a pest control emergency, instead of accompanying her father on the annual cemetery visit, Linda heads to an upscale Park Avenue apartment building to handle the emergency solo. There she discovers the body of an elderly resident, partially eaten by a rat. And when the police arrive, they suspect foul play. In the course of the police investigation, Anthony becomes a murder suspect and goes on the lam. And because of the investigation, some disturbing secrets about Linda’s father come to light. Linda soon learns the “family business” her father inherited from his father and grandfather and hopes to pass on to her has nothing to do with their exterminator business. The reader learns about Anthony’s past long before his daughter does. So, the primary tension develops from how Linda will react when she learns the truth about her father and his history and what will happen when she does.
I’m not sure how much I enjoyed, as such, reading this book. But I concede it’s good, nonetheless. And yes, I believe it’s possible to recognize and acknowledge that a book is good without liking it. It is exceedingly clever plotting and confronting in terms of social commentary. And there was much I loved about it. As an example, the lead character Linda drew me in, though she’s not altogether likeable. But she is easy to get to know and feel empathy for. Also, there were plenty of humorous moments in the book, which I appreciated. And despite how much or little I enjoyed reading the book, it is riveting in the sense the story kept me engaged and wanting to know more. Finally, the way Dunn wraps up the story makes sense.
I think this is a book you want to talk about after finishing it, so I expect it would be a great novel for a book club as it lends itself to discussion. But Her Father’s Daughter isn’t your usual crime or psychological thriller. As long as you don’t approach it with that expectation, as I admittedly did, you may find this a very entertaining read. While it isn’t horror, those who enjoy Stephen King’s brand of suspense would probably enjoy this novel.
Twenty-five-year-old Linda Donovan has spent her life working with her father, Anthony, in their pest control business in New York City. But Linda, recently offered a scholarship, is planning to leave home for college soon. While she’s eager to go, she can’t help but worry about how her father will keep the business going without her. Linda’s mother had committed suicide shortly after her birth, and Anthony is the only parent she has ever known. Anthony, who seems from the outset to have a preoccupation with death, has always taken Linda with him to visit her mother’s grave site each year on the anniversary of her mother’s death. But when their main and most profitable client calls with a pest control emergency, instead of accompanying her father on the annual cemetery visit, Linda heads to an upscale Park Avenue apartment building to handle the emergency solo. There she discovers the body of an elderly resident, partially eaten by a rat. And when the police arrive, they suspect foul play. In the course of the police investigation, Anthony becomes a murder suspect and goes on the lam. And because of the investigation, some disturbing secrets about Linda’s father come to light. Linda soon learns the “family business” her father inherited from his father and grandfather and hopes to pass on to her has nothing to do with their exterminator business. The reader learns about Anthony’s past long before his daughter does. So, the primary tension develops from how Linda will react when she learns the truth about her father and his history and what will happen when she does.
I’m not sure how much I enjoyed, as such, reading this book. But I concede it’s good, nonetheless. And yes, I believe it’s possible to recognize and acknowledge that a book is good without liking it. It is exceedingly clever plotting and confronting in terms of social commentary. And there was much I loved about it. As an example, the lead character Linda drew me in, though she’s not altogether likeable. But she is easy to get to know and feel empathy for. Also, there were plenty of humorous moments in the book, which I appreciated. And despite how much or little I enjoyed reading the book, it is riveting in the sense the story kept me engaged and wanting to know more. Finally, the way Dunn wraps up the story makes sense.
I think this is a book you want to talk about after finishing it, so I expect it would be a great novel for a book club as it lends itself to discussion. But Her Father’s Daughter isn’t your usual crime or psychological thriller. As long as you don’t approach it with that expectation, as I admittedly did, you may find this a very entertaining read. While it isn’t horror, those who enjoy Stephen King’s brand of suspense would probably enjoy this novel.
July 22, 2023
This is an interesting take on the serial killer trope, and is told in two POV’s, Anthony and his daughter Linda’s. I enjoyed both but liked Anthony’s a little more. The father/daughter duo are exterminators, and on the anniversary of her mother’s death she takes a solo job while Anthony goes to visit his wife’s grave. Her solo job turns into a disaster as it appears a deceased elderly woman’s face has been partially eaten by rats… (I um, thought this was definitely a different way to go…) It appears to be intentional not an accident, and the cops want to speak to Anthony but lo and behold, he has disappeared. Linda is confused, and soon realizes she may not know as much about her past as she thought. She then sets out to find her dad, learning more than she bargained for in the process. I really enjoyed this one, it was different, the ending wasn’t what I expected and I thought it all wrapped up well.
Thank you to @thrillerbookloverspromotions @crookedlanebooks and @netgalley for the digital copy to review!
Thank you to @thrillerbookloverspromotions @crookedlanebooks and @netgalley for the digital copy to review!
August 23, 2023
4 stars!
"Her Father's Daughter" by T. M. Dunn surprised me in more ways than one. This is a dramatic, disturbing, savvy, pretty twisted book that kept me guessing about the direction of the story. I enjoyed the dual points of view and found the story to be mostly fast-paced, though I will admit that there were aspects of both Linda and Anthony's POVs that dragged the story down here and there. I found myself drawn into what was going on from the first few chapters and had to keep reading to find out the ending. It sure sucked me in! Some aspects of the plot could have been kept a secret for a little longer in the narrative, but I digress. The descriptions are gross, the mystery is tense, and the tea is piping. Fans of familial dramas, thrillers, and mysteries will probably be satisfied by the contents of this book. Try to go in knowing as little as possible for maximum payoff.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and T. M. Dunn for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Her Father's Daughter" by T. M. Dunn surprised me in more ways than one. This is a dramatic, disturbing, savvy, pretty twisted book that kept me guessing about the direction of the story. I enjoyed the dual points of view and found the story to be mostly fast-paced, though I will admit that there were aspects of both Linda and Anthony's POVs that dragged the story down here and there. I found myself drawn into what was going on from the first few chapters and had to keep reading to find out the ending. It sure sucked me in! Some aspects of the plot could have been kept a secret for a little longer in the narrative, but I digress. The descriptions are gross, the mystery is tense, and the tea is piping. Fans of familial dramas, thrillers, and mysteries will probably be satisfied by the contents of this book. Try to go in knowing as little as possible for maximum payoff.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and T. M. Dunn for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
August 15, 2023
Anthony and Linda Donovan run the Donovan and sons pests extermination company and on this day 25-year-old Linda is going out on a call only to arrive and see one of their rich clients dead with the rat chewing her face off to make matters worse the police think her dad did it and she would love to ask him but it is the anniversary of her mom‘s death a day her dad always takes to go and visit the grave but this time Anthony doesn’t come back.. is Anthony missing or did he go on the run? when Linda tries to find out where he is, she doesn’t find him but finds notebooks and after reading them she will know her dead way better than she ever thought she would. I really thought this was some type of cozy mystery and was totally down for that but what I got instead was a mystery thriller it was OMG good! It deals with family secrets duplicity the ties that bind and family obligation and OMG it was good… Oh yes I said that! If you love a great mystery thriller with twist and unforeseeable subplots Then you’ll love Her Father‘s Daughter by T M Dunn
December 5, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this thriller which is a family story and there’s love and intrigue and mystery! The plot takes unexpected twists and turns and yet I could follow the daughter every sad step of the way. What was most fascinating was that I couldn’t predict what was coming and then loved every turn - even those that truly frightened me. A true page turner! So captivating!
July 16, 2023
If you're looking for a slow burn, dual POV mystery, then I've got one for you. Told from present day Linda and in past letters from her dad, you get bits and pieces of the whole picture throughout the book. It's an extremely dark suspense thriller. The creepy factor is excellent! I can't say much without giving anything away and I'm kind of on the fence about whether I should tell you to check trigger warnings or just go in blind. Great read!
March 9, 2023
I just finished reading "Her Father's Daughter" by T.M. Dunn. Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about secret lives and finding the truth, and horrible parents, and relationships between daughters and their fathers. Linda, the main character is very close to her father and they own an exterminating company. She wants to leave her dad to go to college, but before she leaves she is called to do one moe extermination at a ritzy complex in New York where she finds a woman dead. What follows is a. mystery as her Dad becomes a suspect and disappears leaving Linda with ALOT of questions...Why did her dad leave? What is he hiding? And then she finds his journal....BOOM.. The story is written from the perspective of the father and the daughter, so we know about the Father's secret life but reading about how Linda finds our is riveting and incredible. To say anymore would be to spoil the story...so I will just say...Read this book. You will not regret it. It was a pretty incredible ride and surprising and horrifying and the perfect thriller.
What I liked about this story was that the characters were very imporatant to the story. There was no useless story telling..it all had a point. I liked how the story unfolded slowly, how I coldn't believe what. was reading and I was so intrigued by the father and daughter and the mother as well. I read this book very quiclkly becuase I could not stop thinking about the tragedy surrounding the realtionship between the father and the dauther.
Was there anything I didn't like? Not really, It was a very satisfying read. Well written and well paced with an icredible and unique storyine.
My congratulations to the author for weaving such a wonderful and horrifying story together in such a creative way. I have found a new must-read author, and I am exciited to read more books by this author. Well Done...
Happy Reading!
This book is about secret lives and finding the truth, and horrible parents, and relationships between daughters and their fathers. Linda, the main character is very close to her father and they own an exterminating company. She wants to leave her dad to go to college, but before she leaves she is called to do one moe extermination at a ritzy complex in New York where she finds a woman dead. What follows is a. mystery as her Dad becomes a suspect and disappears leaving Linda with ALOT of questions...Why did her dad leave? What is he hiding? And then she finds his journal....BOOM.. The story is written from the perspective of the father and the daughter, so we know about the Father's secret life but reading about how Linda finds our is riveting and incredible. To say anymore would be to spoil the story...so I will just say...Read this book. You will not regret it. It was a pretty incredible ride and surprising and horrifying and the perfect thriller.
What I liked about this story was that the characters were very imporatant to the story. There was no useless story telling..it all had a point. I liked how the story unfolded slowly, how I coldn't believe what. was reading and I was so intrigued by the father and daughter and the mother as well. I read this book very quiclkly becuase I could not stop thinking about the tragedy surrounding the realtionship between the father and the dauther.
Was there anything I didn't like? Not really, It was a very satisfying read. Well written and well paced with an icredible and unique storyine.
My congratulations to the author for weaving such a wonderful and horrifying story together in such a creative way. I have found a new must-read author, and I am exciited to read more books by this author. Well Done...
Happy Reading!
March 10, 2023
I was grateful to get an advance copy of HER FATHER'S DAUGHTER. The story kept me on the edge of my bed. It kept me up all night because I couldn't put it down. I am a huge fan of thrillers. This is one of the best, most unique, thrillers I've read. The father and daughter relationship is heartbreaking and horrifying. I loved it. I can't wait for TM DUNN's next book.
September 9, 2023
So it turns out, your Dad is a serial killer… what do you do?!
Linda and her father are the duo that makes up Donovan & Daughter Exterminators. They are skilled at killing pests, but Anthony Donovan just might be even more skilled at murder than his daughter thinks.
When Linda goes solo on a call on the anniversary of her mother's death, she finds a wealthy elderly woman dead... partially eaten by rats. 😳 Something is definitely shady about the whole situation and when Anthony goes on the run, Linda is stuck with a reality more gruesome than a few pesky vermin.
Super dark, and intensely disturbing, I really enjoyed this clever and twisted serial killer story. Dunn expertly weaves past and present and it was a superbly unique, graphic, and creepy read, that will had me captivated at every shocking twist!
Linda and her father are the duo that makes up Donovan & Daughter Exterminators. They are skilled at killing pests, but Anthony Donovan just might be even more skilled at murder than his daughter thinks.
When Linda goes solo on a call on the anniversary of her mother's death, she finds a wealthy elderly woman dead... partially eaten by rats. 😳 Something is definitely shady about the whole situation and when Anthony goes on the run, Linda is stuck with a reality more gruesome than a few pesky vermin.
Super dark, and intensely disturbing, I really enjoyed this clever and twisted serial killer story. Dunn expertly weaves past and present and it was a superbly unique, graphic, and creepy read, that will had me captivated at every shocking twist!
February 1, 2023
T. M. Dunn is an extraordinarily gifted author who creates a dark and compelling story with Her Father's Daughter. This book is not for the faint of heart. Think dark, twisty, family intrigue...and, serial killer. Dunn creates two timelines; one with Linda, the daughter, who is a fascinating character. The second, is Anthony, Linda's father, where I found myself holding my breath as I was taken into the mind of a serial killer. I loved the complexity of the story...and the exquisite writing of Dunn. Super highly recommend!!!
February 1, 2023
Thank you T.M. Dunn, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read this book. A very original prospective on a serial killing psychopaths life! It had me hooked from the beginning. I will definitely be looking out from more books from T.M. Dunn.
March 2, 2023
initial thoughts:
put me through so much distress just for it to end like that...
review:
i have a lot of mixed feelings/thoughts about this book and i don't really know how to write them down articulately.
for example, in this book we got two perspectives, linda's and her dad's, who had been accused of committing a crime. i liked linda's pov, it was interesting and the pacing was decent. her dad's pov on the other hand, was fascinating, but also highly disturbing, where at certain points in the book my skin was crawling so much i almost dnfed it.
yet another reason i wanted to dnf the book was the pacing. it happened mostly in the dad's pov, but some parts of the book (mostly in the first half) felt verrrrry slow. it was a short book but felt very long. the only reason i kept going was because i was interested enough in the mystery aspect.
i will say, the author's writing style was pretty good. there were some scenes where i felt so disgusted and disturbed without being too overly explicit/gory. in addition, there were some lines that truly tugged on my heartstrings.
that being said, this book was very character driven, and yet the characters lacked substance to me. i really cared for some of these characters, but at the same time i never truly felt connected to them. some of the less interesting/less significant experiences the characters have would be described in a painfully descriptive and dragged out manner, and yet some moments i felt were important to the mcs' characterization would get very little amount of time.
my experience reading this book was a bit like tug of war. most of the time my dislike for the book would be winning, but there were a few times when i felt very invested in the story. ultimately, my dislike won. it came to a point where my rating and overall feeling of the book depended on the ending, and it was a big let down.
my main disappointment wasn't due to the mystery aspect (though that, too, had it's problems). there were several things regarding the mystery that i had guessed correctly, which wasn't a problem for me. my issue was how abruptly everything wrapped up. as i've said before, most of the pacing in the book was very slow, so for everything to be concluded in just a few pages felt very hasty.
in addition, the actual ending was very underwhelming. i can't say much without spoiling it, but to me the ending felt like a cop-out. there was almost zero payout, emotionally speaking, and certain things just did not make sense. for example, one relationship was build up throughout the story just for it to be dismissed with a throwaway line a few pages before the end.
by the final page, i was left wondering what the goal of the book was. maybe i'm the one being dense here, but i just did not understand what point the author was trying to make/convey through this story.
thank you to crooked lane books and netgalley for providing this arc!
put me through so much distress just for it to end like that...
review:
i have a lot of mixed feelings/thoughts about this book and i don't really know how to write them down articulately.
for example, in this book we got two perspectives, linda's and her dad's, who had been accused of committing a crime. i liked linda's pov, it was interesting and the pacing was decent. her dad's pov on the other hand, was fascinating, but also highly disturbing, where at certain points in the book my skin was crawling so much i almost dnfed it.
yet another reason i wanted to dnf the book was the pacing. it happened mostly in the dad's pov, but some parts of the book (mostly in the first half) felt verrrrry slow. it was a short book but felt very long. the only reason i kept going was because i was interested enough in the mystery aspect.
i will say, the author's writing style was pretty good. there were some scenes where i felt so disgusted and disturbed without being too overly explicit/gory. in addition, there were some lines that truly tugged on my heartstrings.
that being said, this book was very character driven, and yet the characters lacked substance to me. i really cared for some of these characters, but at the same time i never truly felt connected to them. some of the less interesting/less significant experiences the characters have would be described in a painfully descriptive and dragged out manner, and yet some moments i felt were important to the mcs' characterization would get very little amount of time.
my experience reading this book was a bit like tug of war. most of the time my dislike for the book would be winning, but there were a few times when i felt very invested in the story. ultimately, my dislike won. it came to a point where my rating and overall feeling of the book depended on the ending, and it was a big let down.
my main disappointment wasn't due to the mystery aspect (though that, too, had it's problems). there were several things regarding the mystery that i had guessed correctly, which wasn't a problem for me. my issue was how abruptly everything wrapped up. as i've said before, most of the pacing in the book was very slow, so for everything to be concluded in just a few pages felt very hasty.
in addition, the actual ending was very underwhelming. i can't say much without spoiling it, but to me the ending felt like a cop-out. there was almost zero payout, emotionally speaking, and certain things just did not make sense. for example, one relationship was build up throughout the story just for it to be dismissed with a throwaway line a few pages before the end.
by the final page, i was left wondering what the goal of the book was. maybe i'm the one being dense here, but i just did not understand what point the author was trying to make/convey through this story.
thank you to crooked lane books and netgalley for providing this arc!
July 12, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed how this book is set up to listen to with the two main characters being a father and daughter, voiced by separate narrators. They are both clear and concise, and I never had to question who was speaking. The story itself is about a father that has hidden much of his life from his daughter until it can’t be avoided any longer. The concept of nature vs. nurture always intrigues me and this book takes it to the extreme! If you like thrillers and mysteries, check this out!
I really enjoyed how this book is set up to listen to with the two main characters being a father and daughter, voiced by separate narrators. They are both clear and concise, and I never had to question who was speaking. The story itself is about a father that has hidden much of his life from his daughter until it can’t be avoided any longer. The concept of nature vs. nurture always intrigues me and this book takes it to the extreme! If you like thrillers and mysteries, check this out!
March 1, 2024
Unique and Interesting
Just finished "Her Father's Daughter" by T. M. Dunn. The psychological depth and well paced tension make for a thriller full of suspense and intrigue.
Character development is a particular strength of the novel. The serial killer Father is complex, disturbing and deeply flawed yet simultaneously compelling and loving. The exploration of his relationship with his daughter adds depth to the storyline. The unraveling of their family's history and secrets is disturbing and adds the thrill to the chase.
The use of Father's notebooks to reveal key backstory elements is a unique literary device that adds to the narrative but in some ways pauses the mounting tension throughout the storyline. .
A unique and interesting read. If you like psychological suspense, check out "Her Father's Daughter."
Just finished "Her Father's Daughter" by T. M. Dunn. The psychological depth and well paced tension make for a thriller full of suspense and intrigue.
Character development is a particular strength of the novel. The serial killer Father is complex, disturbing and deeply flawed yet simultaneously compelling and loving. The exploration of his relationship with his daughter adds depth to the storyline. The unraveling of their family's history and secrets is disturbing and adds the thrill to the chase.
The use of Father's notebooks to reveal key backstory elements is a unique literary device that adds to the narrative but in some ways pauses the mounting tension throughout the storyline. .
A unique and interesting read. If you like psychological suspense, check out "Her Father's Daughter."
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