Member Reviews
Jane is back and she's just as devious as ever in Problem Child by Victoria Helen Stone. I love the fact that she's doing a little sleuthing in this book and there was a bit of a mystery to it!
While I didn't love this one quite as much as Jane Doe it was still super enjoyable, and I love the character that is Jane. I was reading my physical copy pretty slowly, so I decided to switch to the audio and I'm so glad I did. The narrator, Nicol Zanzarella, was fantastic and she sounded the way I would have expected Jane to. Also, the audiobook is fairly short, and it was fine on 2+ speed so I really flew through it.
I don't think a whole lot can be said about Problem Child without giving anything away, but if you liked or loved Jane Doe then you should enjoy book two as well! I really liked the ending and that it left an opening for the series to continue without ending on a major cliffhanger. And I highly recommend the audio to all you audiobook lovers out there!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Problem Child by Victoria Helen Stone is next after the riveting and suspenseful novel, Jane Doe. In Problem Child, Jane is back and has possibly met her match in an equally devious person who happens to be her niece.
I couldn’t wait to see Jane go head to head with someone as diabolical as herself.
Synopsis:
She’s cold, calculating, and can deceive with a smile. Jane Doe is back in the Amazon Charts bestselling series—and this time she’s met her match.
After a brutal childhood, Jane Doe has been permanently wired to look after herself and only herself. Now, looking next to normal, Jane has a lover and a job. But she hasn’t lost her edge. It sharpens when she hears from her estranged family.
Jane’s deeply troubled sixteen-year-old niece, Kayla, has vanished, and no one seems to care. Neither does Jane. Until she sees a picture of Kayla and recognizes herself in the young girl’s eyes. It’s the empty stare of a sociopath.
Jane knows what vengeful and desperate things Kayla is capable of. Only Jane can help her—by being drawn into Kayla’s dark world. And no one’s more aware than Jane just how dangerous that can be.
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I loved the first book in this series, Jane Doe. It is easily one of my most favorite books of all time. I enjoyed Problem Child as well, but I didn’t get the same obsession with it as I did with Jane Doe.
I am really curious to see what happens with the storyline after this especially with that ending. I think there are so many avenues it can go and I’m very interested in that aspect.
Thank you Lake Union Authors and Netgalley for a copy of Problem Child by Victoria Helen Stone for review!
Problem Child is the second Jane Doe book, a series I am excited to continue. I do think this one is better if you already know Jane but I don’t think it’s necessary to read Jane Doe first. That being said, I personally loved the first novel a lot more than this one so if you were going to read one, I would start with Jane Doe.
Problem Child felt a little repetitive for me. Jane Doe is a sociopath with a boyfriend and that fact seemed to be repeated too much for me throughout this novel. She keeps bringing it up and I found it tiresome.
But, Jane Doe is also a super fun character who gets things done and I loved her journey to find her niece. The wind turbine obsession was my favourite.
Overall, a fun book but not as fun as the first, still hoping there will be more!
I really enjoyed Victoria Helen Stone's Jane Doe and was so excited to read Problem Child. Jane is back and this time around, we learn about Jane’s background and her family. Jane is still a sociopath and missing her old habits.
She is trying to find her missing niece who is a lot like her. The book wasn’t as good as Jane Doe. I know there’s a third book coming, but sometimes I think it’s just best to not make a series out of a book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
***Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing!***
I really enjoyed this book and found it an easy read. It’s the second in a series but that didn’t hamper the story at all. I found that it wasn’t really necessary to explain how and why Jane got to this place, she did it for self-serving reasons because she’s a sociopath. She explained some of those reasons along the way and that was good enough for me. Her personality is what carried this book. I loved seeing her savage logic applied to situations that had me cringing as a normal human, but also cheering because it was well deserved even if I would shrink away from doing it.
The impetus for the book is a little bit thin. Jane’s niece, Kayla, is missing and no one seems to care. Jane doesn’t care either because she’s not capable but she’s interested because she thinks that Kayla might be a sociopath like her. For some reason that she doesn’t bother to explain, she decides to try and find her….she says it was for “fun.” That isn’t a great reason. Whose fun? Jane’s? Kayla’s? How exactly is this “fun?” It would have been more interesting if she wanted someone around who understood her, but she doesn’t even seem to care about that either.
Despite the poor reasoning behind why Jane is look for Kayla it was an interesting ride. I don’t like that this book is being marketed as a thriller because it was anything but thrilling. It was not really even a mystery. It was an interesting character study and a fun journey. Jane was an engaging character and seeing a little mini sociopath that irritated her so much was good too. My only complaint about Jane was that she got a little preachy on the “society lets men exploit women every day, but not me, I’ll exploit them first.” I got the message the first three times we had the speech, I didn’t need it again after that.
This book did make me want to go back and read the first book, which I take as a good sign that I enjoyed it enough to want to see the character again.
I loved book one Jane Doe so I was excited to pick this up.
Despite having the arc I put it off for some reason.
I did go into this blind. Not wanting to know where Jane story is going to go. Which did make me more intrigued. With a character like Jane the story literally could go anywhere.
I found myself at the beginning mainly caring about Jane relationship with Luke. I just want happiness for him. I also feel like she does genuinely love him. Maybe she just is afraid to admit that to herself.
I did like that throughout the book she did come to learn things about her feelings towards Luke.
When it came to the main story I will admit I wasn’t too interested at first. But I did become invested in the story as a whole. Although I kind of expected a little more.
With Kayla I do what I know what happens next for her. Especially due to what she admitted to Jane at the end. Then Jane’s reaction.
All I know is Luke better stay safe.
CAWPILE put this at 4 stars. I’m not sure if that’s too high as I did enjoy book one more. But this did keep me interested in some side of the story throughout. I am left wanting more.
Thanks to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars for rating
This is book two in the Jane Doe series and book one was one hell of a ride! Jane is a sociopath and I loved the inner monologue as she was trying to live a normal life, well, as normal as it can be. The best part? Stone set us up for book three!
Jane is continuing to succeed at work and continuing her relationship, despite everyone still being oblivious to how she really is. One day she gets a call that will drag her back into her family she has avoided for years. When her niece Kayla goes missing, she really doesn’t care but then she finds out from her family that Kayla is cold, unfeeling, and a lot like Jane. In order to get the answers she wants, she is determined to help find her.
So when it comes to a series, some of the books tend to act as a filler to progress some of the back stories of the characters. Which makes sense, because it ends up setting things up for future installments, but it tends to make parts of those books drag. The first part of this book was great and kept the pacing like book one did. The ending was the same way, but the middle portion definitely slowed down.
Overall, Jane Doe is our favorite sociopathic narrator and I can’t wait to see where this series continues.
BEAF6132-B741-4C6F-B484-9EE481C59548Thank you to Amazon publishing and NetGalley for providing me a free digital copy of Problem Child.
Even though it's been a while since I read Jane Doe, I was able to slip right back into Jane's world within the first chapter of Problem Child! Her character is so dimensional and hard to forget. I loved getting back inside the twisted logic of Jane's mind.
Problem Child was a fun ride of a book, and a quick read, as Jane looks for her missing niece who has shown sociopathic tendencies, just like Jane herself. A lot of time is spend inside Jane's head this time around, examining the inner workings of a sociopath. And while I did enjoy this book, I also felt like maybe a sequel wasn't really needed. Jane Doe was such a surprise smash hit, that this novel felt a little forced at times. I'm not mad I read it, and I did enjoy getting lost in Jane's world again, but I didn't necessarily need it. So if you absolutely loved reading Jane Doe, then maybe pick this one up. If you don't feel like you need more, then you probably don't.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Problem Child, the sequel of the Jane Doe series, by Victoria Helen Stone.
Because of her upbringing, "Jane Doe" has a very difficult time feeling genuine feelings for others, she's a sociopath. And because of that, she has no problems bulldozing over anyone who gets in her way. But, despite what she might think, she does have a code. She has an unknowing soft spot for vulnerable women.
So when she is tasked to find her niece Kayla, she is down for the hunt. But finding her mean possibly meeting her match...
If you want some tasty, light, feminist revenge lit, here you go! None of it is very intense or nail biting, but it is readable and fun.
RATING: 2 STARS
2020; Lake Union Publishing
I loved Jane Doe, the first novel in this series, and hoped that there would be a follow-up book. I have never felt "be careful what you wish for" so much as I started Problem Child. It could totally be me, and my high expectations for this one, but I really had to push myself to finish it. I had this book for awhile, but kept putting it off to read, as I was afraid I wanted to read it too much. Sometimes it is better not knowing what comes after an ending. Her relationship with Luke left me more exasperated than understanding. I give kudos for Luke's patience. This novel is about Jane's niece (brother's child) going missing and no one caring. Jane only "cares" because Kayla reminds her of herself. We get to see more of Jane's background, but I just had a tough time moving forward in this book. It was not so much the writing, but the story just wasn't the "Jane" in my head. I would say to other fans of Jane Doe, to at least try it, as this could be one that works for you.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
The book is about Jane, who had to go searching for her missing niece, Kayla. She was not that care to Kayla, but people said they are so much alike. So there she was, searching her niece back to her hometown. The problem of Kayla, she was not that innocent. Jane got the information about her being a sex worker. And then she was missing, some people also searching for her. Her friend and family being questioned by a stranger. Seems like her niece was really a spiting image of her.
I think I have this soft spot for an imperfect weird woman become a main character. And this Jane, our main character in this book is not that, at all. She claims herself a sociopath. It's not just weird, it's a whole new level of weird.
As far as I'm concern, I'm not a fan of self diagnosis patient. I think all medics think so. So when the author introduced Jane to me and said that she is sociopath, I'm a little bemused by it. How could you diagnosed yourself, be so sure and label yourself sociopath is not really believable.
Oh boy, how true the diagnosis is.
Jane is quite a character! She is indeed that badass, tactical, smart, canny individual. I love this. She makes me giggling through the book. Her brain is really wild, so entertaining. She goes visiting her past alone is quite cool. And she always works to get what she wants. I am enjoying some of her love life too and I think she and Luke are cute as a button.
The mystery itself is not really complicated, there is some plot hole and coincidence playing that brings us to ending but all is good. The main attraction in this book is Jane and Kayla. It gets pretty interesting when they two meet each other and share their similarities. The book consists lots of sex and vulgar images as well, some part of it because Kayla earns money from that and some part of it well, because of Jane. I guess the book shows us how sometimes woman is seen like a sex symbol.
Being a sequel, this one is easy to dive in. I never read the first one, but I enjoy this thoroughly. And right now, I want to read the first book so bad (and of course the third one!)
Thank you netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for accepting my request.
Jane is finally settling in with her life and a new boyfriend, Luke. She is stirring things up at the office and avoiding emotional connections at home. Out of the blue one of her brother’s baby mommas calls to inform her Kayla, her niece, is missing. Jane finds out the girl is very much like herself, a little sociopath. On a mission to find her relative Jane gets her jollies when she can and can’t avoid messing with people. The first book, Jane Doe, was very dynamic and exciting with an edge. This doesn’t quite get there but still intriguing in the world of Jane. I find Jane interesting, she does the things we think about and lacks a filter when she speaks. Hoping there will be a third, maybe just Kayla. I received a copy through Netgalley.
I freaking LOVED Jane Doe when I read it and was so excited to get my hands on the sequel, Problem Child. It was so much fun to be back in Jane’s mind. This series is for you if you like darker thrillers & don’t mind language. Problem Child almost lived up to the first book for me, I really enjoyed it and the ending made me smiiiile! I’ll read every book the author wants to write in this series about my favorite sociopath!
Oh my god I forgot how much I missed Jane! She is so witty and actually had me laughing out loud several times. This book is the second in a series that follows Jane, and while I don't think it's absolutely necessary to read the first book before this one, I highly recommend you do. This story is not as interesting as the first one, and the search to find her niece dragged on a bit too long. Also there was this weird obsession with wind turbines that I didn't really get... but I think it all worked out in the end. This is definitely the deceiving and manipulative Jane I've come to know and love. The ending had a major twist and was so perfectly set up for book #3 that I will be impatiently waiting for its release.
Hmmm....... Not sure what to say about this novel. It took me a while to get into it. It tells the story of woman with no feelings -a sociopath going to the rescue of her missing, neglected niece, who she's been told us just like her. Jane likes this fact and does all she can go find Kayla. Meanwhile, she pulls a fast one on one of her colleagues and gets him sacked. Look out for the twist at the end!
I had been hearing about this title and author for quite some time and knew I had to take the plunge and read this book. I am not in the least bit disappointed that I made that decision. This author writes clearly and with emphasis. The plot was extremely well paced and I was already engrossed by page 5, which to me is extremely indicative of how the rest of the book will pan out. This was an exciting, well-written, and compulsive read. I'm so happy I read it! I would recommend this to both my customers and friends. Such a great read!
I did not realize this was a sequel. I would rather read the first book then get to this one.
It started out so good but I put it aside until I can read the first book.
I love a good thriller and expect this one to be on my loved it list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for this copy.
Since I didn’t finish it I’ll give it a 5 stars. I will return to post my longer review later.
I’ve had Jane Doe on my shelf for a year and its moving up my priority list because I love Jane! I didn’t love Problem Child, the overall story line was a little ehh...but I loved Jane
Here it is - the sequel to Jane Doe is back and as confident and manipulative as ever. In this, we learn more about Jane's past and we meet her horrible family. And wind turbines.
Just like in the first book, Jane is captivating - and I love the way we see inside her mind and experience her thought process. Well done by Author Stone. She thinks she is in control of everything, and the few times she is not, she quickly recovers, The book is most interesting when her competence shines, but she does make a few mistakes.
Love this character, and can't wait to see what happens next in her life.