With her childhood almost behind her, what could possibly keep Scarlet from escaping her helicopter mom and finding her own path? Knock, knock. Who's there? Daddy dearest, a serial killer known for his proclivities and the indignities he inflicted on his victims. As Scarlet does her best to assist the FBI in closing more crimes commited by her sperm donor, the pace quickens and the story moves into uncharted territory. Nightmare territory.

This book wasn't bad. I was hoping I would enjoy it more, but it was okay for what it was. This is the perfect book for someone, just not for me.

At first, I was really enjoying this because thrillers go by really fast for me because I can't put the damn thing down. That was the case for me, but we follow a high school student who is so into boys and partying and smoking pot. She is annoyed with her mom because her mom is paranoid and won't let her do anything or go anywhere.

One day, Scarlet is on her way home from school with a friend and they chill at the house while smoking more pot and then an FBI agent knocks on the door and asks to speak with her. He tells her that she is the daughter of a man kown as the Gentleman killer. Her whole past comes out and her mom reveals everything.

Scarlet's dad is requesting to see her on his death bed because he is dying of pancreatic cancer and he will only reveal the names of the rest of his victims to her. This book is one massive party, serial killer meeting with dear old dad and hanging with friends while trying to stay away from paparazzi and crazed fans and angry and grievinf family/friends.

There was a point where I actually thought that the dad had been framed and that the FBI agent was the true killer, but the dad was just gross. He would play with Scarlet and her mind with every meeting. He would see himself in her with every snappy comeback or string of cusswords she threw at him. He was a really sick individual because he was into necrophilia and that was mentioned constantly. He named his daughter after his first victim which is more disturbing.

An engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed! Highly recommend and will purchase several physical and digital copies for library collections. Thank you!!

In this gripping contemporary drama, "Don't Get Close" introduces us to Scarlet, a high school senior grappling with the sudden revelation that her father is a psychopathic killer, a truth her mother has kept hidden for sixteen years. As Scarlet navigates the shocking reality of her parentage, Miksa deftly explores themes of identity, family, and the impact of trauma on individual lives. Scarlet's journey from a typical teenager to confronting her father's chilling legacy is both compelling and heart-wrenching. Miksa skillfully weaves together Scarlet's introspective observations with the tension of her interactions with her father, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally resonant. While some elements, such as the romantic subplot, may feel somewhat contrived, the novel's exploration of Scarlet's growth and self-discovery shines through. With its engaging premise and complex characters, "Don't Get Close" is a compelling read that will leave readers pondering the depths of human nature long after the final page.

I'm sorry that this novel fell under the radar but because it's really well written and a very interesting premise that is definitely appealing to both teen and adult readers. I think the execution could have been a little bit better but overall this was an interesting book

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

In "Daughter" by Kate McLaughlin, the author once again demonstrates her exceptional storytelling mastery, captivating readers with a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends suspense, emotion, and relatable characters. As a librarian who appreciates McLaughlin's literary style, I found "Daughter" to be a stellar addition to her body of work, showcasing her ability to tackle poignant themes relevant to young adult readers. The novel delves into the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and self-discovery, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with both teenage and adult audiences.

One of the strengths of McLaughlin's writing is her knack for crafting authentic and multidimensional characters. In "Daughter," the protagonist's journey of self-realization is both powerful and relatable, drawing readers into a world where they can empathize with the struggles and triumphs of the characters. The author skillfully explores the nuances of relationships, making the novel not only a thrilling read but also a poignant exploration of the human experience.

Beyond the engaging characters, McLaughlin's storytelling is enhanced by her masterful command of suspense and plot development. "Daughter" keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that the book is not easily put down. As a librarian who often recommends books to young adult readers, I am confident that "Daughter" will become a cherished addition to our library's collection, offering a captivating and thought-provoking experience for those seeking a well-crafted and emotionally resonant story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review. I thought this book was fantastic. It really shows a relatable main character, and what she does to right the wrongs of the past. Scarlett is really willing to do whatever it takes, even coming face to face with the man that is her biological father, to give some closure to families that really need it. Would definitely recommend. A chilling read!

Engaging and entertaining. A recommended purchase for YA and HS collections where mysteries and thrillers are popular.

I loved this book! I read it in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this book to all my family and friends! It had me from page 1!!!

DAUGHTER – by Kate McLaughlin – Young Adult Thriller

‘Scarlet’s life is pretty average. Overly protective mom. Great friends. Cute boy she’s interested in. And a father she’s never known – until she does.’

‘When the FBI show up at Scarlet’s door, she is shocked to learn her father is infamous serial killer Jeffrey Robert Lake.’

Scarlet—My Heart!

I love Scarlet’s personality and how she handles and deals with the truth about her father whilst trying to navigate her now turbulent life as a teenager. Scarlet, too, must face redefining her relationship with her secretive Mother—Recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), for providing me with an eBook of DAUGHTER at the request of an honest review.

This was such a great read. I love the psychology behind it and the interactions with her father. I didn't really understand the very sudden shift with the mother but other than that it was a good read that I couldn't wait to read more

Daughter by Kate McLaughlin is an electrifying young adult thriller that plunges readers into a world of darkness, danger, and the unrelenting pursuit of truth. The story centers around Scarlet, a seemingly ordinary girl whose life is shattered when the FBI reveals her father's true identity as the notorious serial killer, Jeffrey Robert Lake. Scarlet's world is upended as she learns the horrifying truth about her father's crimes, only to be confronted with a chilling ultimatum: her father will reveal the names and locations of his remaining victims, but only to her—the daughter he hasn't seen since infancy.

Kate McLaughlin masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension and unease, plunging readers into a cat-and-mouse game where every moment is rife with danger. As Scarlet and her mother face the media frenzy and the blame directed towards Scarlet for her father's actions, their fight for survival becomes an intense battle against both external threats and the demons within.

The exploration of Scarlet's struggle to define herself apart from her father's monstrous legacy adds a compelling layer to the narrative. McLaughlin skillfully depicts the psychological turmoil Scarlet endures as she confronts her darkest fears and battles against the world's perception of her. The author's ability to convey Scarlet's internal conflict and her determination to rise above her circumstances heightens the emotional stakes of the story.

While the exploration of identity and survival is a standout aspect of the book, some readers may find certain plot elements predictable within the thriller genre. However, the author's ability to maintain a high level of tension and deliver unexpected surprises compensates for any minor predictability, keeping readers engrossed in the story.

Daughter is a really great book. I loved how it was written and how it was able to keep me interested throughout the book. I can't wait to read more by Kate McLaughlin!

Daughter by Patricia McLaughlin was a fast-paced book that hooked me right from the start. I love Criminal Mind type books and this one doesn't disappoint. Scarlet is your typical 17-year-old living with her mom who keeps the reins tight. Scarlet doesn't understand why her mom is so controlling and strict until the FBI shows up. This is when Scarlet learns she is the daughter of a serial killer. Throughout the book you really get to see into to the mind of a serial killer and the aftereffects endured by the murderer's family.

A wonderfully written story. You get to know these characters and feel for them when things go wrong or rejoice with when things go right.

This is a story of a young lady who has to face the demons of her past that she never knew existed. She also has to come to terms and reconcile what she believes to be true and reality as it really is.

A definite recommend from me.

This was darker than I expected. I really enjoyed the premise of the book. Im a sucker for anything regarding serial killers. Daughter isnt your typical true crime book. I found it very unique that we get the story from the daughter of the killer.
In real life it’s so easy to forget about the families of the people that commit awful crimes.

The author did a great job with all the characters. I’ll tell you right now, the killer Jeffrey was absolutely despicable. The wat she wrote him terrified me.

Overall I recommend this if you like books with dark topics.

From the first page, I was hooked. I loved the premise of this book, and Scarlett as a main character. She has spunk and the belief of invincibility of a typical teenager which is just the combination needed to confront her serial killer father. The interactions between Scarlett and her father were tense and dramatic. Her relationship with her mom, after learning all the secrets she kept, is tenuous at best. Scarlett’s relationship with the FBI agent and his family is lovely, and they are just what Scarlett needs to offset the struggle in her own family. Agent Logan is like the father Scarlett never had.

The only disappointment to me was that every character self-medicated. It was used as a solution to all problems. Whether it was weed, anxiety pills, or alcohol, it was the go-to to get through every situation. While it would be understandable for one character to do this, all of them make it an unfortunate plot point.

The struggle to decide if mistakes made in the past will define her future, Scarlett is resilient and fierce. How she decides to take control of the narrative is exactly what I would expect from her character. I just wish we got to see the end result.

I definitely cannot wait to read more from this author and, in fact, already have her next book.

I have loved everything I've read by Kate McLaughlin. Including Daughter..

This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering if Scarlet would get all the information that she needs before her father dies.

Scarlet is living a normal -- albeit somewhat sheltered -- life with her mother, when suddenly she's thrown into a scandal and a lot of information about who she really is. It's all information that her mother has kept from her and now she needs to navigate this new life of hers.

There's something that Scarlet that made me feel indifferent toward her but I can't really put my finger on it. Her friends were questionable, too. And her "father," oof. I know he's old and powerless, ready to die, but he was far from sinister. Disgusting if anything.

I guess I was expecting a little more mystery and suspense than what was presented, but I still enjoyed the book. There is some hard topics mentioned (necrophilia being one) so it can be difficult for some to read.