The Girl Named Mud: A Gripping Suspense Novel

by Ditter Kellen

A heartbreaking story of a young girl’s fight for survival in a world full of betrayal, hate, and murder…

All her life, twelve-year-old Mud has been told the Devil would be coming for her. With only her schizophrenic mother to protect her, Mud must learn to survive in the swamps of Louisiana by any means necessary. Even if she must take a life to do it. But then her mother is murdered in front of her...
Suddenly alone in the world, Mud takes to the streets, stealing what’s required to stay alive. She knows that evil is coming, and she trusts no one. Until a chance meeting with Grace Holloway changes everything. Grace seems kind and generous, taking Mud in when no one else would. But Grace’s life is also filled with secrets—dark secrets that could very well destroy them both…

Genres: Suspense

387 pages, Hardcover

Published March 28, 2022

About the author

Ditter Kellen is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Mystery-Thriller-Suspense-Christian Thriller Novels. She loves spinning edgy, heart-pounding stories that will leave you guessing until the very end.

When she's not writing, Ditter spends her days creating hair and skincare products, using organic ingredients. Her products have been proven to work and are used by Ditter on a daily basis.

A devoted wife, mother and Christian, Ditter resides in Florida with her husband, son, and many unique farm animals. She adores French fries and her phone is permanently attached to her ear.

You can find Ditter's books and skincare products at Ditterkellen.com/shop. Or on her app, where shopping is made easier! https://rb.gy/v2786

Reviews

[Book Snob Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow....this book was a fantastic read. I could not put it down, literally finished it in one sitting, I mean I had to know what the heck was going on...like nowish. So, so good. If your a suspense lover, this is definitely for you. It was a series of twist and turns that will shock and keep you engrossed in the storyline. Just wow, seriously.

Right from the prologue, Mud and her mama live in the swamp when tragedy strikes throwing Mud into a new world, where the plot thickens and everyone is not as they seem. Make no mistake, this little girl is a tough as nails fighter, and fight she did. So many intriguing lives interconnected, to make one hell of a storyline. All the twist and turns will leave you on the edge of your seat saying..WTF. Don’t worry, our sweet and feisty little girl does get the ending that she so deserves. Fantastic book.

Thank you Ditter Kellen for letting me read it....fantastic book.

[A.L. Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I enjoyed it. Love this author.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I loved it from beginning to end. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down, I read it in one sitting. It is a well written story that brought the suspense for sure. The characters brought twists and turns that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and turning pages fast. I loved Mud. She was such a great character so full of attitude and I loved watching her grow throughout the story. Grace is also a great character. I felt bad for her in parts of the story. This is a must read story. I didn't regret picking up this book and I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story of a young girl’s fight for survival in a world full of betrayal, hate, and murder…
All her life, twelve-year-old Mud has been told the Devil would be coming for her. With only her schizophrenic mother to protect her, Mud must learn to survive in the swamps of Louisiana by any means necessary.
Even if she must take a life to do it.
But then her mother is murdered in front of her...
Suddenly alone in the world, Mud takes to the streets, stealing what’s required to stay alive. She knows that evil is coming, and she trusts no one. Until a chance meeting with Grace Holloway changes everything. Grace seems kind and generous, taking Mud in when no one else would. But Grace’s life is also filled with secrets—dark secrets that could very well destroy them both…

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Buttercup1201 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellen delivers another disturbing tale of abuse and mystery. This page turning story is about a young girl named Mud who lives in the swaps with her mother. After a violent incident, Mud is forced to take care of herself. Grace is the pastor’s wife who comes across Mud’s life. While Grace is trying to uncover the mystery of Mud’s life, she finds a bigger mystery that might put everyone in jeopardy.

There are several emotional, abusive scenes throughout the book. They are well written and heart wrenching. This does not take away from the storyline of mystery and suspense. I found it fascinating and couldn’t put the book down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookscamilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Named Mud by Ditter Kellen is a suspense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! It’s one of those books you just won’t forget. This is one of my favorite reads so far this year 👏🏻

It’s a well written and gripping thriller with a pace that fits the story perfectly. The plot line and twists builds up more and more mystery and suspense throughout the book. All this combined with the amazing descriptions of the town, swamp, etc. made it all play like a movie in my head.

The story switches between Grace’s and Mud’s POV which I enjoyed very much. Mud is an amazing character and the development of her character is truly incredible. Grace is such a love able character who is so sweet, caring and strong!

[Susan Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing Story of Survival and Redemption

How does someone get to the name of Mud? A question I kept asking myself.

This story immerses you in a roller coaster ride of Abuse, Addiction, betrayal, murder and redemption.

Mud, raised by her mentally ill mother in the Swamps, Walks in on the Murder of her mom and finds herself in the care of Grace. Hoping for a place to fit in Mud and Grace are pulled into a whirlwind of lies and intrigue.

Will Mud get her happily ever after? Can Grace Protect her?

You HAVE to read this and find out. It will grip you from the beginning.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable truths...

As I read about a tiny little girl named Mud, every emotion from shock, anger, disbelief and righteous indignation, to surprise, tears of happiness and yes indeed great ending, ran it's course through me! Read in two days, the author's writing style flows so smooth that it's hard to put down! Wonderful book, highly recommend...be sure to bring a box of tissues!

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Named Mud is a gripping suspense novel.

This is a well-written story with sensitive issues such as mental illness, abuse, and addiction. The storyline flows well throughout the book and also brings murder, mystery, heartache, and danger.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Named Mud by Ditter Kellen is a great story that I have read. I have very much enjoyed reading this story and I can not wait to read more from this author. I recommend this story to everyone who likes reading about suspense and thrillers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathe Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Named Mud is another amazing story from author Ditter Kellen that grabs you from the very beginning and takes you on a wild ride until the very end. I absolutely could not put this book down! So much emotion and nail biting suspense. Highly recommend

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The little girl her mama called Mud lived from the vegetables in their garden, the fish they caught, prepared and cooked, and the rabbits and other game they trapped, skinned, prepared and cooked.

Mama said the people in the village followed the Devil and would try to hurt Mud.

When the unthinkable happens and Mud fights to protect herself and her Mama, things only get more difficult- until a member of the tribe finds her deathly ill, seeking willow bark for her fever.

A great many lives will be changed in the course of her story. More pain and death along the way.

Mud would find friends, angels and care from some folks: One woman, Grace, and several Choctaw like the teacher Jaya, tribal policeman and elder Red Bear, her rescuer Talako and his wife Opa.

Their journeys were not easy, but filled with love and care by those who had them to share - and healing as they struggled together to work past those who had been filled with and shared so much pain and darkness

Moving and powerful

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Davina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly wasn't expecting too much from this short book but OMG!!! I couldn't put it down. Loved every minute of it from being introduced to Mud and how she survived out in the woods by herself after her mother was killed. Finds grace and grows into and intelligent young woman. Start to finish it is quit the ride.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was very disturbing and heart breaking, I'm emotionally drained and I loved it.
You'll feel sorry for her mother rather than angry, mental illness affects everyone around them. When I understood why her name was Mud it made sense.
As a mother I just wanted to be like her saviour Grace. This author brought this tale of despair to life, I couldn't put it down. Fantastic story and wonderful characters, it was brilliant.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steady-paced page turner that is quite intense and deals with some disturbing topics that could be triggers for some readers so please read the blurb before starting to read this book. It’s very well written and this author as always has done an excellent job telling this dark thriller. It’s not for the faint of heart and is quite dark in places. It’s an intriguing story that is well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janice Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time to read from this author and I was not disappointed!!!!

Excellent book! I fell in love with Grace and Mud immediately. The descriptions of the swamp and the town put me in the story. Very fast paced without meaningless boring nonsense just to fill a page. I loved that Grace was strong and smart!!!!
I just bought this author's book "I am Elle." Looking forward to it!

[Anuschka-Marie' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. Gripping read. Humans making use of another's weakness is very sad. Child's ability to overcome the most difficult circumstances. This writer is an incredible story teller.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Was not disappointed. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Ditter Kellen. If you enjoyed reading the Elle trilogy you will !I've this one as well

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a fabulous writer and I love her stories. This is a compelling story that will capture you immediately and not let go! This author pulled me into the story and I felt the struggles and fears of the characters. This is truly an amazing story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story kept me on my toes while reading it. Mud is a well written story with a great character. fast paced and on the edge reading. It was a fast read but well worth reading.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. This book had my emotions pulled into the story. It’s very well written and hard to put down. A definite must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The GIRL Named Mud

This book was FANTASTIC from page 1 till the very end.. Mud's mom tried the best that she with raising her with what she had been taught.. All I can say is WOW!!!

[Peter Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Girl named Mud didn't grip me from the start; there was a bit too much of not much happening. However, the book took an interesting turn and became more about the mother than the daughter, Mud. After that things moved on apace and then the tale became more engrossing. Good characters and a good story.

This the third book by Ditter that I have read and I have enjoyed them all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!

I love Ditter's stories. She makes it so you don't want to put the book down.

I felt so bad for Mud, I wanted to hold her and give her all the love and understanding I could. She had such a tough life.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really a gripper

I certainly enjoy D.K.'s style of writing, and Mud was good but this was a far cry from my favorite of her works. I seem to be reading the books in reverse order. "I am Elle" is my favorite and it will take something spectacular to surpass that one.

[buzy_reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raised in the woods, outside the village, Mud and her mama lived on the tribal land in the swamps of Louisiana. Her mama taught Mud that the villagers were the Devil’s people.

Overall:
It’s not the type of gripping thriller I normally read, yet it’s holding my interest all the same. I’m used to fast pace thrillers with unique twists and turns. This ones more of slow burn with all the thrills happening after the sixty percent mark.

I wasn’t super excited reading about the ways Mud’s character survived in the swamps. It seemed obvious based on certain scenes that her education was limited. Not to mention being raised in the Wild didn’t afford Mud the luxury of an education. Therefore, the scenes showcasing Mud’s skills were a little to extensive.

By the sixty percent mark an entirely different story was unfolding consuming me with the need to finish each and every word. I loved the book at this point going forward. The revelations were so good.

It was nice gaining understanding on the difference between suspense/thriller and psychological/thriller. I am Elle is a psychological thriller where The Girl Named Mud is a suspense/thriller. I much prefer the psychological thriller with its unexpected twists and turns. This was good, but not the same caliber as I am Elle.

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GIRL NAMED MUD by Ditter Kellen is a Gripping Suspense Noel. It is a unique and rather disturbing story. There are lots of twist and turns that will take you by surprise. It reminds me of WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, but a totally different story with a much happier ending.

Growing up in the swaps of Louisiana, the girl named Mud had been hidden away in a rundown shack with no one but her mama. Her mother had many issues but took care of her daughter the best that she could. Her being schizophrenic, only to have been around the worst of men who had treated her awful. It's no wonder that she'd told Mud that all men were the Devil, and to stay away from Village people who live not too far away. That the people are all evil and do the Devil's work. So, Mud had been isolated from the outside world. Her Mama told her one day to go and check the traps. She was worried that the Devil was coming for them. She did as she was told, but when she returned the Devil was there and attacking her Mama. Life as she had known it was about to change.

[Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

'The Girl Named Mud' gave me strong 'Where the Crawdads Sing' vibes: a girl who is raised out in the swamps, ostracized from polite society; who ends up making a living on her own until someone with true humanity steps in to help.
Mud, named by her mother after a particular verse in the Bible, lives alone and survives in the wild after the death of her mother. A couple of years after her loss, circumstances land her in the neighboring village, where she catches the attention of a preacher's wife (Grace). Mud faces many obstacles, such as who to trust, learning to read and write and speak correctly, as well as figuring out her future. Many surprises reveal themselves along the way as we read from both Grace and Mud's altering points of view.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Named Mud

The flow of this book was just like watching a movie! Mud lived the best life her mother could give her. Her mom was plagued with a mental illness that her daughter new nothing about. Mud just new that she loved and trusted her mama.
When the girls world is thrown into fear and loneliness she finds out just how big the world is and the truth will bring all of the darkness to light.

[Beckie Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short book

Awwww...great ending. I've had this book on my "to read list" and I'm glad I finally got to read it and it didn't disappoint. I look fwd 2 reading more books from this author. (Bye-bye Jasper-deserved what u got)