The Girl on the News

My heart pounds as I take in the headline: ‘Missing girl believed kidnapped’. Underneath is a photo of my beautiful daughter Mia, her gap-toothed grin unmistakable. But Mia is safe beside me, snuggled up on the sofa. Why would someone pretend my child has been taken?

I thought my husband Mark and I had built a perfect new life with our precious daughter Mia. She is everything to us. I thought we were finally safe from my past. But I know Mia’s picture on the news means someone has uncovered who I really am…

They must know about the terrible accusations I faced. Those other missing little girls. I was only a child myself but no-one believed I was innocent. Not even my own family. It still haunts me, every day.

Then my worst nightmares come true. Mia is taken, snatched from the playground, and my world collapses.

My sweet daughter is in danger. Because whoever took those children years ago must still be out there. Why are they trying to destroy my life again? And if they knew where to find me, how to take my daughter – does that mean they are someone close to home?

I can’t trust anyone. But it’s not like last time. I’m not a child any longer. And I will do anything to get Mia back, before it’s too late…

An utterly shocking and page-turning psychological thriller perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, The Housemaid and All Her Fault.

Whatreaders are saying about Elisabeth Carpenter:

‘OMG! What a belter of a premise! One perfectly executed and twists and turns I really didn’t see coming… A fast-paced conundrum of a read with a cracking ending. I can’t recommend this highly enough. Wow – just wow!’ @nickisbookblog ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderfully… crazy twists and turns.I was glued to my phone for two days. Read it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow! How many twists can a single book contain? I ended up binging the last three quarters in one sitting, as it was absolutely addictive! 5*. HIGHLY recommend!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow. Can I say that again? Wow!… The twists. The revelation at the end… I don’t want to give any spoilers, but this book had me feeling all sorts of emotions. I have to award 5/5 stars.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I enjoyed this a lot! The stakes are SO high and I really got invested in the characters. Highly recommend for thriller fans!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely loved this audio book and was hooked from the first chapter. It was annoying to have to stop listening in order to sleep!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A captivating read you won’t be able to put down (take it from me, I binged the whole thing in one sitting)… I loved how Carpenter kept me guessing!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I love a book where the layers gradually peel away and then it all makes sense – this story definitely ticked the box there… I was gripped!… I couldn’t wait to find out the truth. And when I did… OMG! I would NOT have called that one??’ Sharon Valler

‘Omg! This book had me obsessed until I got to the last page… the twists… were awesome! Absolutely amazing and not what you’re expecting.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘An exhilarating and totally satisfying read. I read it breakneck fast, such a brutally good page-turner. An absolutely gripping thriller that will keep you reading late into the night.’ Goodreads reviewer