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The Stolen Child
Eliza has the perfect life. Bethany wants it.
Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children.
Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead-end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza’s blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they’re destined to be best friends.
But Eliza doesn’t want another friend . . . especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her entire world if it was ever revealed.
Rejected and furious, Bethany starts stalking Eliza. And, as she watches her every move, Bethany discovers Eliza’s secret and threatens to expose it.
But Eliza will do whatever it takes to protect her perfect life. Even if it means getting rid of Bethany . . . forever.
Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children.
Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead-end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza’s blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they’re destined to be best friends.
But Eliza doesn’t want another friend . . . especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her entire world if it was ever revealed.
Rejected and furious, Bethany starts stalking Eliza. And, as she watches her every move, Bethany discovers Eliza’s secret and threatens to expose it.
But Eliza will do whatever it takes to protect her perfect life. Even if it means getting rid of Bethany . . . forever.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2022
305 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Emily Shiner
33 books946 followersEmily lives in the mountains of North Carolina and loves hiking with her dogs--only when she's not thinking up twisted tales, that is. She loves books that keep you up long after you should be in bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 11, 2022
Emily Shiner's latest intense darkly comic thriller, THE STOLEN CHILD, explores a blogger influencer's secret life when an obsessive unhinged stalker fan uncovers her dark secrets and threatens to expose her.
From the Prologue, we meet Eliza (blogger/influencer) and her husband, James (doctor). They are in Canada checking on Eliza's drug addict younger sister, Camilla.
Her sister has thrown her life away on drugs. They find her passed out but alive in a nasty house with no power or plumbing with a filthy mattress on the floor. They thought about calling the police, but she knows cops do not like druggies.
Eliza had not seen her sister in years, and her guilt had led her here to hunt her down. They were both in the foster care system before they aged out, and she told herself she would stop her from spiraling out of control. This is her last attempt.
She is passed out but appears to be breathing. Then all of a sudden, they see a little blonde-haired boy in a sagging diaper sucking his thumb with a dirty stuffed animal. She did not know about a child? Where did he come from, and what is he doing here? The boy says nothing. They must get him out of this environment.
Her husband wants to call the authorities. Eliza is against it due to her background. She cannot have this little boy in the system. This boy is filthy and needs a bath. She will not put another child in the foster system.
Eliza wants to take him home with them. James is against it. Eliza kidnaps him and leaves her sister without a word. Now she must hide him away and keep him safe. (this part makes no sense)
From here, they are back home in Tennessee. There is no mention of the relationship with the little boy or character development. We jump to Eliza and her life as a blogger and influencer, posting photos and worried and excited about getting sponsors. She loves to put her daughter Penelope in the limelight of her perfectly curated life.
However, they call the little boy Knox, and he does not get to leave the house. Very unrealistic. They keep him hidden away. We hear nothing from their relationship with him except they must keep him a secret. Eliza is also unhinged, obsessive, and crazy.
What she did NOT consider. One of her stalker fans.
Meet Bethany: She sees everything. She is obsessed with Eliza and wants to be her friend. She sees a photo in the background on Instagram with a sippy cup, and she knows that her idol has only a daughter. So why is she keeping a toddler a secret? The sleuthing begins. OBSESSION.
Of course, she stalks her everywhere she goes and even shows up at her house, and the door opens, she sees the little boy. BAM! Sorry, the secret is out. Bethany wants Eliza's perfect life.
The blackmail begins, but Bethany does not want money, she just wants to be friends. Good close friends. Meaning— they tell each other EVERYTHING!
From alternating POVs, we hear from Bethany and Eliza. Each chapter becomes more insane and unbelievable as the book progresses. Bethany is delusional, wanting to move in with the family, vacation together, shopping, and be their BFF.
On the other hand, Eliza plans how she will MURDER Bethany. She cannot have her secret exposed.
The book turns almost comical and unbelievable. Little does Eliza know that Bethany knows more than appears about her secret and has a file on her.
However, when Bethany takes off with Knox , the chase is on. (no spoilers) From here, the novel takes a rather creative, darkly funny, unexpected turn, which makes for a jaw-dropping twist and then another twist that leaves you flipping the pages when you realize this is THE END, leaving you with your thoughts.
I like the idea, but it is a short book; however, would have liked more character development for Knox, Camilla, and Eliza and less of the crazy banter between Bethany and Eliza.
Also, you need to suspend your disbelief to enjoy this one as over the top and has that Gone Girlish ending. However, you may enjoy the wild ride if you go into it more expecting a funny, darkly sinister humor versus a gripping psychological thriller. However, it is entertaining.
Otherwise, a creative idea if it was done something like Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series or Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. It could be an ongoing series which would have been fun, and then we could get more from each character.
James is a dull character with no backbone. Bethany is completely nuts, and Eliza is narcissistic and thinks of only herself. No likable characters here, but lots of laughs.
I enjoy NC authors, and the last book by Emily was great, so I look forward to reading more from her.
Thank you to #InkubatorBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pub Date: Sept 11, 2022
From the Prologue, we meet Eliza (blogger/influencer) and her husband, James (doctor). They are in Canada checking on Eliza's drug addict younger sister, Camilla.
Her sister has thrown her life away on drugs. They find her passed out but alive in a nasty house with no power or plumbing with a filthy mattress on the floor. They thought about calling the police, but she knows cops do not like druggies.
Eliza had not seen her sister in years, and her guilt had led her here to hunt her down. They were both in the foster care system before they aged out, and she told herself she would stop her from spiraling out of control. This is her last attempt.
She is passed out but appears to be breathing. Then all of a sudden, they see a little blonde-haired boy in a sagging diaper sucking his thumb with a dirty stuffed animal. She did not know about a child? Where did he come from, and what is he doing here? The boy says nothing. They must get him out of this environment.
Her husband wants to call the authorities. Eliza is against it due to her background. She cannot have this little boy in the system. This boy is filthy and needs a bath. She will not put another child in the foster system.
Eliza wants to take him home with them. James is against it. Eliza kidnaps him and leaves her sister without a word. Now she must hide him away and keep him safe. (this part makes no sense)
From here, they are back home in Tennessee. There is no mention of the relationship with the little boy or character development. We jump to Eliza and her life as a blogger and influencer, posting photos and worried and excited about getting sponsors. She loves to put her daughter Penelope in the limelight of her perfectly curated life.
However, they call the little boy Knox, and he does not get to leave the house. Very unrealistic. They keep him hidden away. We hear nothing from their relationship with him except they must keep him a secret. Eliza is also unhinged, obsessive, and crazy.
What she did NOT consider. One of her stalker fans.
Meet Bethany: She sees everything. She is obsessed with Eliza and wants to be her friend. She sees a photo in the background on Instagram with a sippy cup, and she knows that her idol has only a daughter. So why is she keeping a toddler a secret? The sleuthing begins. OBSESSION.
Of course, she stalks her everywhere she goes and even shows up at her house, and the door opens, she sees the little boy. BAM! Sorry, the secret is out. Bethany wants Eliza's perfect life.
The blackmail begins, but Bethany does not want money, she just wants to be friends. Good close friends. Meaning— they tell each other EVERYTHING!
From alternating POVs, we hear from Bethany and Eliza. Each chapter becomes more insane and unbelievable as the book progresses. Bethany is delusional, wanting to move in with the family, vacation together, shopping, and be their BFF.
On the other hand, Eliza plans how she will MURDER Bethany. She cannot have her secret exposed.
The book turns almost comical and unbelievable. Little does Eliza know that Bethany knows more than appears about her secret and has a file on her.
However, when Bethany takes off with Knox , the chase is on. (no spoilers) From here, the novel takes a rather creative, darkly funny, unexpected turn, which makes for a jaw-dropping twist and then another twist that leaves you flipping the pages when you realize this is THE END, leaving you with your thoughts.
I like the idea, but it is a short book; however, would have liked more character development for Knox, Camilla, and Eliza and less of the crazy banter between Bethany and Eliza.
Also, you need to suspend your disbelief to enjoy this one as over the top and has that Gone Girlish ending. However, you may enjoy the wild ride if you go into it more expecting a funny, darkly sinister humor versus a gripping psychological thriller. However, it is entertaining.
Otherwise, a creative idea if it was done something like Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series or Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. It could be an ongoing series which would have been fun, and then we could get more from each character.
James is a dull character with no backbone. Bethany is completely nuts, and Eliza is narcissistic and thinks of only herself. No likable characters here, but lots of laughs.
I enjoy NC authors, and the last book by Emily was great, so I look forward to reading more from her.
Thank you to #InkubatorBooks and #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pub Date: Sept 11, 2022
September 2, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children. Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead-end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza's blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they are destined to become good friends. But Elsa doesn't want another friend.... especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her world if it was ever revealed.
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I was about a third of the way in, I was hooked, and the pace picked up. The story is told from Eliza and Bethany's perspectives. You do have to suspend your beliefs whilst reading this book. The characters are interesting but not all that likable. This book should make people more aware of what they put on social media and the consequences that can occur. This is a quick book to read. The ending is abrupt, so I took off half a star.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #EmilyShiner for my ARC of #TheStolenChild in exchange for an honest review.
Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children. Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead-end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza's blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they are destined to become good friends. But Elsa doesn't want another friend.... especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her world if it was ever revealed.
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I was about a third of the way in, I was hooked, and the pace picked up. The story is told from Eliza and Bethany's perspectives. You do have to suspend your beliefs whilst reading this book. The characters are interesting but not all that likable. This book should make people more aware of what they put on social media and the consequences that can occur. This is a quick book to read. The ending is abrupt, so I took off half a star.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #EmilyShiner for my ARC of #TheStolenChild in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2022
This is my first read by Emily Shiner and I wasn't disappointed. The concept is intriguing with an edgy twist with a prologue that begins the spiral that soon becomes out of control. The reader does have to suspend belief at some of the actions and decisions made by both main characters which really have to be seen to be believed. But who wants reality when reading? It's entertainment and an ability to engage readers that I'm looking for and the author does this well.
Social media has taken the world by storm with Instagram and TikTok among the favourites. Influencers who are sponsored by big name brands to advertise their product rake in profit just for snapping a few well-curated photos in just the right way and the likes (and the money) come rolling in. But take a moment and stop and think just how much information we share on our social media platforms about ourselves. Even our photos can tell someone a lot about us. Once you realise this, the entire concept feels a whole lot scarier.
The story centres mainly on Eliza, an Instagram influencer and blogger with a following that defies logic. But what is even bigger than her social media presence? A secret that she and her husband James have kept for the past 18 months that neither of them want made public. And that makes Eliza vulnerable.
Then along comes Bethany, a cocktail waitress in a dead-end job and a one bedroom apartment with no friends, no money and no prospects. She has followed Eliza avidly for ages, watched her daughter Penelope grow from a baby to a young girl. To Bethany, Eliza has it all. A perfect life, a beautiful home, a loving husband and a gorgeous daughter. It's everything Bethany wants and more. And she decides that she wants it. Obsessed with her, Bethany believes they are destined to be best friends. And she decides that she is going to befriend Eliza. Whether she likes it or not.
But after a couple of fluffed attempts at befriending Eliza, Bethany cannot understand why she doesn't want to be her friend. I mean, that's all she really wants. And no one can have too many friends, can they? But what Bethany doesn't realise is that Eliza doesn't really have any friends. And for good reason.
And then one day...something in one of Eliza's latest instagram post catches Bethany's eye. And suddenly, she knows Eliza's secret. And that is her way in to Eliza's life. And she has no intention of leaving...ever!
Where do I begin? Well, the two main characters Eliza and Bethany are both completely self-obsessed. Both of them are totally flawed to the max and don't see a problem with their behaviour at all! And don't get me started on their decision making! To be honest, they are both to blame for the mess they found themselves in. Usually, the reader sides with one character but quite honestly they were both infuriating. However, I did find myself leaning a little more favourably towards Eliza, though goodness knows why! The woman couldn't see beyond herself, she was that self absorbed!
But the tension...oh the tension! This book had that in spades! I couldn't put it down and read it in a day. Despite the self-obsession and the crazy psycho, THE STOLEN CHILD is one hell of a read that was a thrill ride from start to finish. While the pace was steady to begin with, as soon as Eliza's secret is out...there's so stopping this rollercoaster ride.
The story unfolds through Eliza and Bethany's alternating narratives as we see into both women's worlds and the secrets they are hiding. Some of it is cringe-worthy, not with how it is written but the internal dialogue of both women and the justifying of their actions. Bethany especially is somewhat disturbing...but excellent fun to read though.
While there is no real mystery in this tale, no villain you have to guess the identity of because they are in plain sight, there are still plenty of twists to be had. The ending was a bit of a surprise, as I didn't quite expect it to go in that direction and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. But it still works.
THE STOLEN CHILD is a dark thriller that is twisted and psychological that will have you turning the pages long into the night.
I would like to thank #EmilyShiner, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours#TheStolenChild in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Social media has taken the world by storm with Instagram and TikTok among the favourites. Influencers who are sponsored by big name brands to advertise their product rake in profit just for snapping a few well-curated photos in just the right way and the likes (and the money) come rolling in. But take a moment and stop and think just how much information we share on our social media platforms about ourselves. Even our photos can tell someone a lot about us. Once you realise this, the entire concept feels a whole lot scarier.
The story centres mainly on Eliza, an Instagram influencer and blogger with a following that defies logic. But what is even bigger than her social media presence? A secret that she and her husband James have kept for the past 18 months that neither of them want made public. And that makes Eliza vulnerable.
Then along comes Bethany, a cocktail waitress in a dead-end job and a one bedroom apartment with no friends, no money and no prospects. She has followed Eliza avidly for ages, watched her daughter Penelope grow from a baby to a young girl. To Bethany, Eliza has it all. A perfect life, a beautiful home, a loving husband and a gorgeous daughter. It's everything Bethany wants and more. And she decides that she wants it. Obsessed with her, Bethany believes they are destined to be best friends. And she decides that she is going to befriend Eliza. Whether she likes it or not.
But after a couple of fluffed attempts at befriending Eliza, Bethany cannot understand why she doesn't want to be her friend. I mean, that's all she really wants. And no one can have too many friends, can they? But what Bethany doesn't realise is that Eliza doesn't really have any friends. And for good reason.
And then one day...something in one of Eliza's latest instagram post catches Bethany's eye. And suddenly, she knows Eliza's secret. And that is her way in to Eliza's life. And she has no intention of leaving...ever!
Where do I begin? Well, the two main characters Eliza and Bethany are both completely self-obsessed. Both of them are totally flawed to the max and don't see a problem with their behaviour at all! And don't get me started on their decision making! To be honest, they are both to blame for the mess they found themselves in. Usually, the reader sides with one character but quite honestly they were both infuriating. However, I did find myself leaning a little more favourably towards Eliza, though goodness knows why! The woman couldn't see beyond herself, she was that self absorbed!
But the tension...oh the tension! This book had that in spades! I couldn't put it down and read it in a day. Despite the self-obsession and the crazy psycho, THE STOLEN CHILD is one hell of a read that was a thrill ride from start to finish. While the pace was steady to begin with, as soon as Eliza's secret is out...there's so stopping this rollercoaster ride.
The story unfolds through Eliza and Bethany's alternating narratives as we see into both women's worlds and the secrets they are hiding. Some of it is cringe-worthy, not with how it is written but the internal dialogue of both women and the justifying of their actions. Bethany especially is somewhat disturbing...but excellent fun to read though.
While there is no real mystery in this tale, no villain you have to guess the identity of because they are in plain sight, there are still plenty of twists to be had. The ending was a bit of a surprise, as I didn't quite expect it to go in that direction and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. But it still works.
THE STOLEN CHILD is a dark thriller that is twisted and psychological that will have you turning the pages long into the night.
I would like to thank #EmilyShiner, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours#TheStolenChild in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 26, 2022
This is my second read by this author and her writing style captures my attention.
Eliza has a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter, and a blog that is taking off and earning money. Life is good, except she’s estranged from her little sister who is a junkie living in Canada. When she makes a trip to check on her estranged sister, what she discovers is horrifying. Camilla’s living quarters are horrific. She’s passed out on a dirty mattress, barely breathing.
Then a toddler walks in. He’s in desperate need of a bath and diaper change. On an impulse, and against her husband’s wishes, Eliza takes the little boy and leaves her sister behind. With a clear head and no emotions, this isn’t the choice I’d make. But if I were in her shoes, I don’t know what I’d do.
Now they have a huge secret. Eliza chooses to keep Knox hidden in their house and doesn’t tell anyone about him. They tell Penelope he is her brother but she can’t tell anyone about him, either. There are so many things wrong with this scenario but I was still hooked!
And the train wreck gets worse. One of Eliza’s followers becomes obsessed and discovers her secret.
Thanks to Zooloos Book Tours, Inkubator Books, and Emily Shiner for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#thestolenchild #Inkubatorbooks #ZooLoosBookTours #emilyshiner #giftedbook #psychologicalthriller #booktour #tourhost #blogtour #bookreviewer #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks#cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations
Eliza has a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter, and a blog that is taking off and earning money. Life is good, except she’s estranged from her little sister who is a junkie living in Canada. When she makes a trip to check on her estranged sister, what she discovers is horrifying. Camilla’s living quarters are horrific. She’s passed out on a dirty mattress, barely breathing.
Then a toddler walks in. He’s in desperate need of a bath and diaper change. On an impulse, and against her husband’s wishes, Eliza takes the little boy and leaves her sister behind. With a clear head and no emotions, this isn’t the choice I’d make. But if I were in her shoes, I don’t know what I’d do.
Now they have a huge secret. Eliza chooses to keep Knox hidden in their house and doesn’t tell anyone about him. They tell Penelope he is her brother but she can’t tell anyone about him, either. There are so many things wrong with this scenario but I was still hooked!
And the train wreck gets worse. One of Eliza’s followers becomes obsessed and discovers her secret.
Thanks to Zooloos Book Tours, Inkubator Books, and Emily Shiner for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#thestolenchild #Inkubatorbooks #ZooLoosBookTours #emilyshiner #giftedbook #psychologicalthriller #booktour #tourhost #blogtour #bookreviewer #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks#cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations
September 3, 2022
This book is definitely a page turner! I feel very emotional, angry and tense while reading. It was fast paced and an overall quick read.
Both main characters are so insane and undeniable very dislike characters. But I also understand that a good book isn't always about having likeable characters. rather, it's about how the characters can exist in the plot while continuing to grow and change so that we, the readers, can experience it.
The pacing was excellent, steadily gaining momentum as the plot progressed. Unfortunately, I think it could have been longer since I want to learn more about the backstories of each character, and I thought the execution was lacking at the end.
The story has so many potential. Although the events are not entirely the case, they do draw you in and make you want to know what happens next, which is one of the key elements of thrillers in my opinion.
If you can handle it and are searching for a psychological thriller, this is still well worth reading.
Thank you NetGalley & Publisher for an ARC in exchange for honest review.
Both main characters are so insane and undeniable very dislike characters. But I also understand that a good book isn't always about having likeable characters. rather, it's about how the characters can exist in the plot while continuing to grow and change so that we, the readers, can experience it.
The pacing was excellent, steadily gaining momentum as the plot progressed. Unfortunately, I think it could have been longer since I want to learn more about the backstories of each character, and I thought the execution was lacking at the end.
The story has so many potential. Although the events are not entirely the case, they do draw you in and make you want to know what happens next, which is one of the key elements of thrillers in my opinion.
If you can handle it and are searching for a psychological thriller, this is still well worth reading.
Thank you NetGalley & Publisher for an ARC in exchange for honest review.
August 28, 2022
This book was fast paced and an overall quick read, but I felt like it bordered in being ridiculous due to the horrible decisions that the characters continually made. The story centers on Eliza, a blogger with a big secret, and Bethany, a waitress who is desperate to become part of Eliza’s life. Once she discovers Eliza’s secret, she knows that this is her way in.
Both main characters are selfish and horrible people and neither one has likable qualities. Bethany likely needs some kind of psychiatric help, but the author doesn’t give us enough insight into her background to understand why she is like she is. The secret that Eliza is keeping makes no sense to me because there are so many ways she couldn’t handled things differently up into that point, and despite all her plotting, she has no reasonable plan for the future.
There is a lot of repetition throughout, with the women going back in forth on whether they are friends or not, then the end is abrupt, unrealistic, and leaves even more unanswered questions.
Overall, this was a quick read but I had to suspend my disbelief too much to truly enjoy it throughout, and the end was unsatisfying. I’d give it 2.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Both main characters are selfish and horrible people and neither one has likable qualities. Bethany likely needs some kind of psychiatric help, but the author doesn’t give us enough insight into her background to understand why she is like she is. The secret that Eliza is keeping makes no sense to me because there are so many ways she couldn’t handled things differently up into that point, and despite all her plotting, she has no reasonable plan for the future.
There is a lot of repetition throughout, with the women going back in forth on whether they are friends or not, then the end is abrupt, unrealistic, and leaves even more unanswered questions.
Overall, this was a quick read but I had to suspend my disbelief too much to truly enjoy it throughout, and the end was unsatisfying. I’d give it 2.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2022
Bumble Fluffs! 😳😯🤯
If you enjoyed The Influencer by Miranda Rijks, you're gonna adore this one with its plot vibes also! Every time I read a novel like this, it just stops and makes you think of what we put out on our social media and just how much we share. It's pretty crazy and scary. This thrilling ride was enticing, intriguing and I couldn't speed through fast enough with this novel. Man oh man did I feel for Eliza and the emotions of the characters are so strong! So satisfying.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Eliza is a media influencer who seems to have it all with her husband and her daughter. But Eliza has a deep secret that must be kept by any means. Bethany is an avid follower and fan of Eliza and wants what she has. And she knows being her friend will open the doors to that. As Bethany keeps trying to weave herself into Eliza's life and be her friend she ends up being rebuffed by her. But Bethany is determined and when she comes across the secret Eliza holds so dear, it'll work out perfectly for their friendship. But she doesn't realize Eliza is willing to do anything to keep her secret. At any cost.
I will say the ending was not only a shocker, but even a bit of a cliffhanger in a way and strangely, I was totally okay with that and it worked. I will say I did hope for a bit more of an ending or something more surprising to happen, but was let down some for it. That being said, the entire lead up was full of suspense, craziness and oh lordie don't get me started on the tension! I found this to be such a fun read and while not my absolute top favourite of Shiners, still damn good!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Release Date: September 11, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 3.5 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
If you enjoyed The Influencer by Miranda Rijks, you're gonna adore this one with its plot vibes also! Every time I read a novel like this, it just stops and makes you think of what we put out on our social media and just how much we share. It's pretty crazy and scary. This thrilling ride was enticing, intriguing and I couldn't speed through fast enough with this novel. Man oh man did I feel for Eliza and the emotions of the characters are so strong! So satisfying.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Eliza is a media influencer who seems to have it all with her husband and her daughter. But Eliza has a deep secret that must be kept by any means. Bethany is an avid follower and fan of Eliza and wants what she has. And she knows being her friend will open the doors to that. As Bethany keeps trying to weave herself into Eliza's life and be her friend she ends up being rebuffed by her. But Bethany is determined and when she comes across the secret Eliza holds so dear, it'll work out perfectly for their friendship. But she doesn't realize Eliza is willing to do anything to keep her secret. At any cost.
I will say the ending was not only a shocker, but even a bit of a cliffhanger in a way and strangely, I was totally okay with that and it worked. I will say I did hope for a bit more of an ending or something more surprising to happen, but was let down some for it. That being said, the entire lead up was full of suspense, craziness and oh lordie don't get me started on the tension! I found this to be such a fun read and while not my absolute top favourite of Shiners, still damn good!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Release Date: September 11, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 3.5 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
September 24, 2022
Eliza is a blogger who seems to have the perfect life. She is married, has a child and a beautiful home. However, Eliza is hiding a secret, a huge one that will ruin that perfect life if it ever got out.
Bethany has nothing. She lives in a horrible part of town and has a job that she hates. Her life revolves around Eliza’s blog, Bethany wants to be Eliza’s friend - her best friend.
Eliza doesn’t want Bethany as her friend. Eliza can’t have friends due to her secret. They are nothing alike and Eliza cannot risk the truth getting out there.
When Bethany starts stalking Eliza, it isn’t long until she discovers the secret. She will expose Eliza if she won’t be Bethany’s friend.
What a story! This is a real edge of your seat kind of book! I found it a bit slow to start off with but then it picked up with a bang!
I was so tense and felt sick at times, the thought of being stalked by someone is chilling. The author’s descriptive writing was fantastic. I felt for Eliza, even though what she had done was wrong.
The ending was superb, I never saw that coming. This is definitely one to read.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Inkubator Books for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Bethany has nothing. She lives in a horrible part of town and has a job that she hates. Her life revolves around Eliza’s blog, Bethany wants to be Eliza’s friend - her best friend.
Eliza doesn’t want Bethany as her friend. Eliza can’t have friends due to her secret. They are nothing alike and Eliza cannot risk the truth getting out there.
When Bethany starts stalking Eliza, it isn’t long until she discovers the secret. She will expose Eliza if she won’t be Bethany’s friend.
What a story! This is a real edge of your seat kind of book! I found it a bit slow to start off with but then it picked up with a bang!
I was so tense and felt sick at times, the thought of being stalked by someone is chilling. The author’s descriptive writing was fantastic. I felt for Eliza, even though what she had done was wrong.
The ending was superb, I never saw that coming. This is definitely one to read.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Inkubator Books for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2022
Ugh . . . Eliza is the most annoying woman. I absolutely loathed every chapter of her. She and her 'doctor' husband (glad o have no chance of being one of his patients) are complete morons. Bethany was so over the top that she annoyed me too. Just a bunch of irritating personalities all mixed into one story. Which was really frustrating because I was intrigued by the story line, wondering what would come of Knox. And that was quite satisfying with some fantastically unexpected twists. A pretty decent thriller.
August 30, 2022
This book was slow going for me at first but then by 30% into it I didn’t want to put it down! I had to keep reading to see how it all played out! I was shocked by the ending, I wasn’t expecting that!
Emily Shiner is one of my favorite authors. I have read some of her books and loved them all, this one included!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Emily Shiner is one of my favorite authors. I have read some of her books and loved them all, this one included!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 29, 2023
Eliza is a blogger and has a big secret. Bethany thinks Eliza is amazing and wants to be her friend. What will happen when all the secrets are revealed? I'm a big fan of Emily Shiner books and this one is a showstopper! An original plot with unbelievable twists until the big twist at the end.
August 20, 2022
This was not a convincing plot. If you are okay with that, it is a decent story, but for me it was just not credible.
December 30, 2022
This was a messed up book about how social media, stalking, and friendship can just go far. I think I need a shower and to re-evaluate some of my friendships!!
Bethany is Cuckoo, completely. Eliza, well I wasn’t a fan but I appreciate what she needed to do for her family….apart from the end!!!! I mean AAAHHHHHHHHH!!! If you have read it, let me know!
Gosh, this book is a dirty little addiction for sure. Despite being reminded constantly of the secret I still HAD to know how it would play and I didn’t expect this that is for sure.
Emily has such a way with words and her writing sucks you in from the start. You do care for her characters regardless of how you feel about them – crazy I know but it’s true. I know that no matter when I read one of Emily’s books it’s going to be a wild ride and a thrilling adventure.
Right, I need a shower to wash out Bethany from my brain!!
Bethany is Cuckoo, completely. Eliza, well I wasn’t a fan but I appreciate what she needed to do for her family….apart from the end!!!! I mean AAAHHHHHHHHH!!! If you have read it, let me know!
Gosh, this book is a dirty little addiction for sure. Despite being reminded constantly of the secret I still HAD to know how it would play and I didn’t expect this that is for sure.
Emily has such a way with words and her writing sucks you in from the start. You do care for her characters regardless of how you feel about them – crazy I know but it’s true. I know that no matter when I read one of Emily’s books it’s going to be a wild ride and a thrilling adventure.
Right, I need a shower to wash out Bethany from my brain!!
October 13, 2022
almost stopped reading twice, not very good
This is not a grab the edge of your seat kind of book. I almost stopped reading it twice but figured I may as well finish it. Not impressed with this one.
This is not a grab the edge of your seat kind of book. I almost stopped reading it twice but figured I may as well finish it. Not impressed with this one.
September 29, 2022
Cliffhanger
What an ending! I need this to be a series. I get my own happy ever after with this. Enjoyed this book.
What an ending! I need this to be a series. I get my own happy ever after with this. Enjoyed this book.
October 10, 2022
Thank you to #Netgalley and Inkubator for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What in the world did I just read!?!? I read the synopsis on Netgalley and couldn’t request it fast enough. It sounded very intriguing and had SO much potential!
A few things I didn’t like :
1) We get it! Bethany wants to be her friend. Doesn’t need to be repeated every…single…chapter.
2) You’re telling me that Eliza just pops outta the blue to see her estranged,drug addicted sister and she just so happens to be high and passed out and there just so happens to be a baby, and you take him. And this woman doesn’t even suspect her sister!? Like, how was family not interviewed or anything!? Lol. Idk.
3) THAT ENDING!! What was that??? So much potential. I had so many theories! Like, what if Bethany was really the sister and just had plastic surgery to change her face and then destroy her sister and get her son back! (I know, totally far fetched and out there, but still better than THIS ending! Lol). Or better yet, Eliza kept saying that James was always so much calmer than her and less worried they were gonna take Knox. So I was like, OMG!! He had an affair with Camilla and that’s why he’s not worried! Knox is his son!! Lol! But no, we get a stupid Let me reach for something after being told repeatedly to step out of the car, so obviously I’m gonna get shot ending with a Oh I’m gonna run to Mexico, they won’t find me. Like….what!?!? How the writer and the editor thought this was a good ending, I’ll never know. I gave it 2 stars because the first 10 or so chapters weren’t that bad. But this is a very generous 2 stars.
What in the world did I just read!?!? I read the synopsis on Netgalley and couldn’t request it fast enough. It sounded very intriguing and had SO much potential!
A few things I didn’t like :
1) We get it! Bethany wants to be her friend. Doesn’t need to be repeated every…single…chapter.
2) You’re telling me that Eliza just pops outta the blue to see her estranged,drug addicted sister and she just so happens to be high and passed out and there just so happens to be a baby, and you take him. And this woman doesn’t even suspect her sister!? Like, how was family not interviewed or anything!? Lol. Idk.
3) THAT ENDING!! What was that??? So much potential. I had so many theories! Like, what if Bethany was really the sister and just had plastic surgery to change her face and then destroy her sister and get her son back! (I know, totally far fetched and out there, but still better than THIS ending! Lol). Or better yet, Eliza kept saying that James was always so much calmer than her and less worried they were gonna take Knox. So I was like, OMG!! He had an affair with Camilla and that’s why he’s not worried! Knox is his son!! Lol! But no, we get a stupid Let me reach for something after being told repeatedly to step out of the car, so obviously I’m gonna get shot ending with a Oh I’m gonna run to Mexico, they won’t find me. Like….what!?!? How the writer and the editor thought this was a good ending, I’ll never know. I gave it 2 stars because the first 10 or so chapters weren’t that bad. But this is a very generous 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
I loved the description for this book and was eager to read it.
Eliza’s sister is a drug addict and when she and her husband James go to visit her they find her child. Rather than contacting the police and going through to the foster system they take him home and hide him from the world. While Eliza loves to show her daughter off in her influencer blog, Knox is hidden, or so she thinks.
Bethany seems obsessed with Eliza and sets up opportunities to meet her influencer idol. Things quickly become very sinister and then the blackmail starts.
This was a challenge to read, the first portion sets you up for a great thriller and then it descends in to silliness, with the same conversations about the blackmail (Eliza refusing and Bethany threatening) happen every other page until the neck breaking speed of the end of the novel.
There was no way you could believe the ending, no credible parts at all and I thought there would at least be a concise ending. This novel could really be great, it just isn’t yet.
Eliza’s sister is a drug addict and when she and her husband James go to visit her they find her child. Rather than contacting the police and going through to the foster system they take him home and hide him from the world. While Eliza loves to show her daughter off in her influencer blog, Knox is hidden, or so she thinks.
Bethany seems obsessed with Eliza and sets up opportunities to meet her influencer idol. Things quickly become very sinister and then the blackmail starts.
This was a challenge to read, the first portion sets you up for a great thriller and then it descends in to silliness, with the same conversations about the blackmail (Eliza refusing and Bethany threatening) happen every other page until the neck breaking speed of the end of the novel.
There was no way you could believe the ending, no credible parts at all and I thought there would at least be a concise ending. This novel could really be great, it just isn’t yet.
August 25, 2022
Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children.
Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza’s blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they’re destined to be best friends.
But Eliza doesn’t want another friend especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her entire world if it was ever revealed.
Rejected and furious, Bethany starts stalking Eliza. And as she watches her every move, Bethany discovers Eliza’s secret and threatens to expose it.
But Eliza will do anything it takes to protect her perfect life. Even if it means getting rid of Bethany forever.
Totally recommend really gripping I couldn’t put it down really enjoyable read
Thank You NetGalley and Inkubator Books
I just reviewed The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner. #TheStolenChild #NetGalley
Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza’s blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they’re destined to be best friends.
But Eliza doesn’t want another friend especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her entire world if it was ever revealed.
Rejected and furious, Bethany starts stalking Eliza. And as she watches her every move, Bethany discovers Eliza’s secret and threatens to expose it.
But Eliza will do anything it takes to protect her perfect life. Even if it means getting rid of Bethany forever.
Totally recommend really gripping I couldn’t put it down really enjoyable read
Thank You NetGalley and Inkubator Books
I just reviewed The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner. #TheStolenChild #NetGalley
August 25, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and the author Emily Shiner for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Where to begin? I read the description of this novel and it sounded like a pretty good read. The book flows very well and the story builds and builds to the ending.
The two main character of this book, Bethany and Eliza, are the worst! Usually when reading a book that is set up like this you tend to pull for one character or the other but I found them both to be infuriating.
Although the story continued to build up to the ending, I found the ending to be lackluster in comparison to the rest of the book.
I think I would have rated higher had the ending been more gripping than it was.
Where to begin? I read the description of this novel and it sounded like a pretty good read. The book flows very well and the story builds and builds to the ending.
The two main character of this book, Bethany and Eliza, are the worst! Usually when reading a book that is set up like this you tend to pull for one character or the other but I found them both to be infuriating.
Although the story continued to build up to the ending, I found the ending to be lackluster in comparison to the rest of the book.
I think I would have rated higher had the ending been more gripping than it was.
August 21, 2022
Eliza's life is perfect, a successful blog, lovely home, husband and children. Then Bethany shows up, obsessed with Eliza's blog and life, and deternined to be friends with her. When she finds out the shocking secret Eliza is hiding, Bethany uses it against her to worm her way into her life. What she doesn't realise is that Eliza will do anything to protect her family.
A tense and exciting thriller that keeps you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
A tense and exciting thriller that keeps you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
September 12, 2022
Eliza has it all. Everything she has is perfect...until Bethany enters her life. Bethany has been following Eliza's blog and wants to be her 'best friend'. But Eliza is hiding a secret, and when Bethany finds it out it is time to pay the piper. I very good story about being careful what you put out there for all to see. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 22, 2022
I loved this book! I love reading about influencers and the dark side to it and The Stolen Child did not disappoint! A quick, suspenseful read. I loved the ending, had to sit there and think about what I just read for a minute after finishing the last page!!
September 23, 2022
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The author wrote the two main characters very well. The dynamic between Eliza and Bethany was the story’s highlight and had me glued to the pages. The surprising part is that I enjoyed Bethany the most. Even though she is completely delusional about befriending Eliza, I found her entertaining, and at times, I was almost rooting for her to succeed in her plans. Eliza, to be honest, got on my nerves, especially with how she treated James. Even though she is the protagonist, I didn’t particularly appreciate how she mocked James for warning her about setting her priorities and focusing on Knox over her social media profile. I felt she didn’t start prioritizing Knox until Bethany threatened her family.
Yet, the scenes between both the characters kept the story intense. The author builds the suspense and plot so well that you wonder just how far Bethany would go and what Eliza and James would do to stop her. The story, in general, also makes you think about how some people would have ardent followers on social media, where they feel they know you personally for sharing so much information, to the point where they can invade your life. Some of my favorite moments in the story were when Bethany initially tries to befriend Eliza by accidentally running into it or when Bethany spends time with the kids.
However, the ending was not really to my taste. The story ends abruptly and not in the direction I would have liked the author to take. Also, I wished Camilla was more prominent, as adding her to Eliza’s stress would have been interesting. But, overall, “The Stolen Child” is a gripping thriller that I enjoyed reading.
September 26, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I don’t want to spoil the book so I’m not going to go into detail about the story. All you need to know that this is a very well written, truly gripping, psychological thriller! It has more twists, turns and shocks than the scariest rollercoaster ride! It is deliciously dark and many of the characters are not the sort of people you’d want anything to do with in real life. And the end! A real nail biting shocker! The first of this author’s books I’ve had the pleasure of reading and certainly won’t be the last!
Thank you so, so much to the author and to Zooloo's Book Tours ❤️
Author Bio
Emily Shiner always dreamed of becoming an author but first served her time as a banker and a teacher. After a lifetime of devouring stacks of thrillers, she decided to try her hand at writing them herself. Now she gets to live out her dream of writing novels and sharing her stories with people around the world. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains and loves hiking with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs.
Follow her at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoremilys...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoremily...
Buy Link - https://geni.us/9mpLh
Book Blurb
She has hundreds of adoring fans. Only one wants to be her best friend.
Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children.
Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead-end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza’s blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they’re destined to be best friends.
But Eliza doesn’t want another friend . . . especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her entire world if it was ever revealed.
Rejected and furious, Bethany starts stalking Eliza. And, as she watches her every move, Bethany discovers Eliza’s secret and threatens to expose it.
But Eliza will do whatever it takes to protect her perfect life. Even if it means getting rid of Bethany . . . forever.
The Stolen Child – the gripping psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Secret Wife and Her Perfect Life.
I don’t want to spoil the book so I’m not going to go into detail about the story. All you need to know that this is a very well written, truly gripping, psychological thriller! It has more twists, turns and shocks than the scariest rollercoaster ride! It is deliciously dark and many of the characters are not the sort of people you’d want anything to do with in real life. And the end! A real nail biting shocker! The first of this author’s books I’ve had the pleasure of reading and certainly won’t be the last!
Thank you so, so much to the author and to Zooloo's Book Tours ❤️
Author Bio
Emily Shiner always dreamed of becoming an author but first served her time as a banker and a teacher. After a lifetime of devouring stacks of thrillers, she decided to try her hand at writing them herself. Now she gets to live out her dream of writing novels and sharing her stories with people around the world. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains and loves hiking with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs.
Follow her at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoremilys...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoremily...
Buy Link - https://geni.us/9mpLh
Book Blurb
She has hundreds of adoring fans. Only one wants to be her best friend.
Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children.
Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead-end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza’s blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they’re destined to be best friends.
But Eliza doesn’t want another friend . . . especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her entire world if it was ever revealed.
Rejected and furious, Bethany starts stalking Eliza. And, as she watches her every move, Bethany discovers Eliza’s secret and threatens to expose it.
But Eliza will do whatever it takes to protect her perfect life. Even if it means getting rid of Bethany . . . forever.
The Stolen Child – the gripping psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Secret Wife and Her Perfect Life.
September 27, 2022
This book starts off with Eliza and her husband trying to find where her drug addicted sister is and stumbling upon a nephew that she never knew she had. Not able to leave a child alone in an environment like that, they take him and decide to raise him as their own. Everything is going perfect in their lives, her husband has a great job, Eliza has a successful blog and they aren't hurting for anything until Bethany comes in and threatens to ruin it all.
Bethany has been reading Eliza's blog for a long time and has become obsessed with her and more importantly obsessed with becoming her friend- the only problem is Eliza doesn't want any friends, especially one like Bethany. As hard as Eliza tries to push Bethany away it is all for not when Bethany finds out the secret Eliza has tried to hide for so long. This book makes you wonder just how far a mother would go to protect her children.. no matter what.
I love, love LOVED this book. The idea of someone who is blasted into spotlight trying to keep this huge secret is an idea I haven't really read but it really hooks you in. In our day and age of social media only showing what you want it to and then what actually happens BTS is a good premise to write off of. Imagine this really happening and you're the only one who knows the big secret a social media influencer is trying to hide. And then adding in how obsessive Bethany is and how determined she is to make Eliza her friend at any cost really keeps this book going for me. Being a mother myself I really related to Eliza's feelings of wanting to keep her secret, and her kids safe at any cost and I was cheering on Eliza from the very beginning.
If you're looking for a story that isn't so played out these days, this is the book for you! The writing, premise and everything that happens in this book made it such a page turner I finished it in one go, you will not regret reading this book, or any book written by Emily Shiner. Keep a look out for this author, she has an amazing talent and it's only a matter of time before she becomes a big hit.
Bethany has been reading Eliza's blog for a long time and has become obsessed with her and more importantly obsessed with becoming her friend- the only problem is Eliza doesn't want any friends, especially one like Bethany. As hard as Eliza tries to push Bethany away it is all for not when Bethany finds out the secret Eliza has tried to hide for so long. This book makes you wonder just how far a mother would go to protect her children.. no matter what.
I love, love LOVED this book. The idea of someone who is blasted into spotlight trying to keep this huge secret is an idea I haven't really read but it really hooks you in. In our day and age of social media only showing what you want it to and then what actually happens BTS is a good premise to write off of. Imagine this really happening and you're the only one who knows the big secret a social media influencer is trying to hide. And then adding in how obsessive Bethany is and how determined she is to make Eliza her friend at any cost really keeps this book going for me. Being a mother myself I really related to Eliza's feelings of wanting to keep her secret, and her kids safe at any cost and I was cheering on Eliza from the very beginning.
If you're looking for a story that isn't so played out these days, this is the book for you! The writing, premise and everything that happens in this book made it such a page turner I finished it in one go, you will not regret reading this book, or any book written by Emily Shiner. Keep a look out for this author, she has an amazing talent and it's only a matter of time before she becomes a big hit.
December 23, 2022
Eliza is a blogger on the brink of a huge career. But she has a secret, and super fan Bethany threatens to reveal it to the world...
The Stolen Child is a psychological thriller set in America in the present day.
We are shown alternative viewpoints in the first person of both Eliza and Bethany. Eliza has tried to do the right thing so we immediately ally with her. Bethany seems to have mental health problems which lead to an obsession. Her reasoning makes sense but she goes beyond the norm.
I was fascinated by the premise of the book. So much of our lives is on social media so we seem to know others through what they post. We know from the prologue what Eliza's secret is and due to the honourability of it we side with her. However, the fact that she keeps it hidden shows that she knows how it would be viewed. Bethany has a skewed viewpoint and her desperation is very sad and deluded, yet becomes increasingly dangerous.
I enjoyed the alternating viewpoints for giving us such specific insight into the main characters. Eliza's moral dilemma and Bethany's behaviour are interesting as they unfold and the tension grows as the plot develops. The danger and power balance between the pair continually shifts over the course of the book.
The Stolen Child is an entertaining psychological thriller.
The Stolen Child is a psychological thriller set in America in the present day.
We are shown alternative viewpoints in the first person of both Eliza and Bethany. Eliza has tried to do the right thing so we immediately ally with her. Bethany seems to have mental health problems which lead to an obsession. Her reasoning makes sense but she goes beyond the norm.
I was fascinated by the premise of the book. So much of our lives is on social media so we seem to know others through what they post. We know from the prologue what Eliza's secret is and due to the honourability of it we side with her. However, the fact that she keeps it hidden shows that she knows how it would be viewed. Bethany has a skewed viewpoint and her desperation is very sad and deluded, yet becomes increasingly dangerous.
I enjoyed the alternating viewpoints for giving us such specific insight into the main characters. Eliza's moral dilemma and Bethany's behaviour are interesting as they unfold and the tension grows as the plot develops. The danger and power balance between the pair continually shifts over the course of the book.
The Stolen Child is an entertaining psychological thriller.
September 21, 2022
Everyone knows I’m a huge fan of @authoremilyshiner - I’ve been on nearly all books tours with her and I love her books, they’re short, dramatic and full of twists.
This books was no different. I was interested from the synopsis and the book didn’t fail.
I love Eliza - she was a very strong minded woman who was a mummy blogger and she was keeping the biggest secret of her life. As much as I see WHY she done what she did… it’s also very wrong and not something she should have tampered with, it should’ve been left to the authorities/professionals.
James, her husband, has always told Eliza that what they done was wrong but he’s always tried to support his wife’s decision as much as it makes him on edge.
Bethany was a total bitch, she took it upon herself to befriend Eliza and find out her secret then hold it against her to make sure Eliza became her friend.
It was all very dramatic but excellently written as always. The book ended rather abruptly for me, I’d like to have known a bit more before the ending but I can only imagine what happen to Eliza!
Thanks to @zooloosbooktour for having me on tour with you and to @authoremilyshiner for allowing me a copy of your book!
This books was no different. I was interested from the synopsis and the book didn’t fail.
I love Eliza - she was a very strong minded woman who was a mummy blogger and she was keeping the biggest secret of her life. As much as I see WHY she done what she did… it’s also very wrong and not something she should have tampered with, it should’ve been left to the authorities/professionals.
James, her husband, has always told Eliza that what they done was wrong but he’s always tried to support his wife’s decision as much as it makes him on edge.
Bethany was a total bitch, she took it upon herself to befriend Eliza and find out her secret then hold it against her to make sure Eliza became her friend.
It was all very dramatic but excellently written as always. The book ended rather abruptly for me, I’d like to have known a bit more before the ending but I can only imagine what happen to Eliza!
Thanks to @zooloosbooktour for having me on tour with you and to @authoremilyshiner for allowing me a copy of your book!
April 28, 2023
Not exactly terrifying but still psychological
The story is definitely weird but not in a bad way. It is interesting that there are people who get paid to post blogs, basically about nothing, on social media. I'm not saying I haven't used social media but I don't look at any blogs or anything.
Eliza is the main character and her job is basically to post blogs about a lot of nothing. Her husband is a doctor. At the beginning of the book they are at Eliza's sister's house and her sister is drugged up and passed out and they find out that her sister has a very young son who has been neglected and is filthy and wearing a dirty diaper. They can't wake up her sister so they take the boy home with them and clean him up.
Eliza doesn't want him to end up in foster care so they keep him and take care of him, telling their daughter that he is her little brother.
Eliza's blogs are popular and one day a stranger approaches her and starts stalking her. She continues being stalked for over a year, meanwhile they still have the boy.
The stalker finds out about who the boy is and starts threatening Eliza and ends up kidnapping the boy.
There is so many twists throughout the story it's hard to explain. It's worth the read but the ending sucks, though I didn't see it coming.
The story is definitely weird but not in a bad way. It is interesting that there are people who get paid to post blogs, basically about nothing, on social media. I'm not saying I haven't used social media but I don't look at any blogs or anything.
Eliza is the main character and her job is basically to post blogs about a lot of nothing. Her husband is a doctor. At the beginning of the book they are at Eliza's sister's house and her sister is drugged up and passed out and they find out that her sister has a very young son who has been neglected and is filthy and wearing a dirty diaper. They can't wake up her sister so they take the boy home with them and clean him up.
Eliza doesn't want him to end up in foster care so they keep him and take care of him, telling their daughter that he is her little brother.
Eliza's blogs are popular and one day a stranger approaches her and starts stalking her. She continues being stalked for over a year, meanwhile they still have the boy.
The stalker finds out about who the boy is and starts threatening Eliza and ends up kidnapping the boy.
There is so many twists throughout the story it's hard to explain. It's worth the read but the ending sucks, though I didn't see it coming.
September 19, 2022
Suspend Belief
This was a fast paced read, that I completed in a few hours. The one thing I'd have to point out about this book was the number of explanations that could be used for why they had the child. Maybe in a drug-induced haze, her sister asked her to look after him and doesn't remember.
The excuse about having him cooped up inside could be explained by saying he was her nephew visiting, and he called her mommy because she looked like her sister. To me, a lot of it was far fetched.
However, I think the end made up for it. The characters were all horrible people and it was hard to distinguish the protagonists from the antagonists because they were equally as horrible. I have to say, though, I didn't see that ending coming and it helped bump up my review.
This was interesting to say the least. I liked how it spoke about the dangers of social media influence culture and how obsession can become deadly.
If you like thrillers and can suspend beliefs for a book, give this one a try.
This was a fast paced read, that I completed in a few hours. The one thing I'd have to point out about this book was the number of explanations that could be used for why they had the child. Maybe in a drug-induced haze, her sister asked her to look after him and doesn't remember.
The excuse about having him cooped up inside could be explained by saying he was her nephew visiting, and he called her mommy because she looked like her sister. To me, a lot of it was far fetched.
However, I think the end made up for it. The characters were all horrible people and it was hard to distinguish the protagonists from the antagonists because they were equally as horrible. I have to say, though, I didn't see that ending coming and it helped bump up my review.
This was interesting to say the least. I liked how it spoke about the dangers of social media influence culture and how obsession can become deadly.
If you like thrillers and can suspend beliefs for a book, give this one a try.
September 24, 2022
The cover is what drew me to this book, so creepy and intriguing, and when I read the synopsis I was drawn in even more! I knew this was going to be a good one.
We meet Eliza who is a blogger and a very successful one at that, she appears to be living the perfect life, I emphasise the word appears here!, but she is hiding a secret that will ruin absolutely everything if it gets out.
Bethany on the other hand has nothing. She lives in a dreadful part of town and is doing a job she hates. Her only excitement in life is Eliza’s blog, and she wants a piece of that, she wants to be Eliza’s best mate.
However, Eliza doesn’t want Bethany as her mate or anyone for that matter because she can’t have friends due to her secret.
I loved the pace of the story, it was fast and it was furious! Very well written and definitely one that every psychological thriller fan should be picking up!
A big 5 stars!
We meet Eliza who is a blogger and a very successful one at that, she appears to be living the perfect life, I emphasise the word appears here!, but she is hiding a secret that will ruin absolutely everything if it gets out.
Bethany on the other hand has nothing. She lives in a dreadful part of town and is doing a job she hates. Her only excitement in life is Eliza’s blog, and she wants a piece of that, she wants to be Eliza’s best mate.
However, Eliza doesn’t want Bethany as her mate or anyone for that matter because she can’t have friends due to her secret.
I loved the pace of the story, it was fast and it was furious! Very well written and definitely one that every psychological thriller fan should be picking up!
A big 5 stars!
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