The Family Lie by Jake Cross is like a runaway train of intrigue and suspense. If you enjoy a high speed thriller, this one is for you.

Anna Carter awakens to find her husband Nick, and five year old daughter Josie, missing from their home. Following a preliminary investigation, police are convinced that Nick is responsible for taking Josie. Anna is adamant that he is innocent. When Nick is discovered drugged and unable to explain his daughter's whereabouts, it is a race against the clock to find the 'little lady'.

Told in a continuous running narrative as the drama unfolds, this novel is a rollercoaster that does not let up from the very first page. I read this in a single sitting, primarily because there was no break in the action that would allow you to pause for even a second. The narrative pulls you in and carries you along at a breakneck speed, and I found this frantic pace to be highly effective, and well in sync with the subject of finding an abducted child before time runs out. This is a thrilling read that will keep you guessing, with lots of twists thrown in before you reach the dramatic conclusion.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

An excellent theiller that draws you in and doesn't let go. Highly recommended ! I especially enjoyed the description of the characters, all of which were fascinating in their own way.

Description
You whispered goodnight to your daughter. You didn’t know that would be your last goodbye.

You wake up in the middle of the night.

Your five-year-old daughter is gone.

Your husband is nowhere to be seen.

Your family thinks he took her.

The police believe he’s guilty.

But he wouldn’t do that, would he?

He’s a loving father. A loving husband. Isn’t he?

Man oh, man. There are a twist and turns. It kept me wondering. I thought I had it figured out a couple of times.
Nice read.
Thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher for the advance read.

A really interesting thriller. I was not able to put it down as I wanted to know the truth. A very enjoyable, well written and gripping read.

The Family Lie by Jake Cross is a brilliant story that will be of interest to readers of all genres.

Anna wakes up at 3:03 AM and sees that her husband, Nick, and her 5 -year-old daughter, Josie, are both missing. Also, her husband's van is gone - Anna tries to call Nick's cellphone but keeps getting a message to leave a voicemail. The police arrive and after some scrutiny, they begin to wonder if the husband had maliciously kidnapped his own daughter. Nick's passport is still there. Also, because Anna's father has a decent amount of money - could this all be a way for ransom to be paid to Nick??? After all, he IS in debt...

Eventually, Nick is found, drugged and beaten up. He goes to the police station and has seizures. He is then taken to the hospital,

Demands for ransom are a bit far apart and the orders change and become outright outlandish!!! The $50,000 ransom (paid by Anna's dad). Is ready to go with Anna. The kidnappers keep changing their minds on who/what/where they ask the "bagman" (in this case, Anna) to do. Nick has an awful temper and this does not help him in negotiations of any kind or with the police or anyone else, for that matter.
The ransom demands have Anna following directions to a tee. Eventually, hustling with the maze she is going through, the kidnappers tell her that they have changed their minds and want Nick to bring the money, instead. More wild chasing ensues...

A very twisty journey of suspense and mystery. Definitely a psychological thriller you would enjoy reading!

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGallery for a dazzling read with twists that you will not see coming!