True crime is a mother’s insight on missing daughter 10 years earlier. Very slow, repetitive and not very interesting in my opinion.

✨My Thoughts✨
Ten years later Grace is the mother left behind, she tries to fill her days fixing things and doing tasks from her list that she writes everyday, she feels useful crossing things off her list.

Out of of the blue she gets a call from a production company wanting her input about a new documentary about Katy’s disappearance and they’ll be reinvestigating the case etc, will this finally make the truth come out ?.

I almost have no words to describe how good this book, it took me on such a wild ride that I didn’t come up for air until I’d read the very last page.

It had so many twists and turns that i really didn’t expect and a HUGE twist near the end that absolutely floored me.

I highly recommend this book to all my bookworm friends, it will be in my top 3 books of the year that’s for sure.

Really enjoyed this book.. new author to me and I will keep reading her books. It's a nice spin on true crime books.

This was a ride of a book. A missing persons case 10 years old gets revived by a documentary film maker group. For a mother whose daughter was there one day and gone the next who is hoping the attention will bring her some closure. Told not only from varying viewpoints, the author also utilizes different methods for conveying information to the reader - from e-mails to chat forums to message boards - Does the new documentary bring home her daughter or does it just create more questions? Read it and find out. 4.5 rounded to 5

A clever bit of storytelling that is very much about todays’s obsession with true crime and social media culture. It tells the story of an unresolved disappearance through the lens of a true crime documentary in a way that is both compelling and chilling.

With thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

True crime was the first book I’ve read by Georgina Lees. Sucked me in from the very first page. In the age of podcasts and true crime documentaries this book was so good. Way better than watching Netflix! This read like a real life story. A mother’s grief of her daughter being missing for 10 years and how a documentary played out.

As someone who enjoys watching true crime documentaries, I found this book very enjoyable.

The story is told in the perspective of Grace, a grieving mother whose daughter went missing 10 years ago and is approached by a documentary team who want to focus on her daughter's missing persons case. As a result some of the chapters are written in the style of documentary episodes.

There was a fairly slow build up to begin with while we were being introduced to all the characters, however after the 50% mark it really accelerates and I couldn't put it down for that last stretch!

This was my first Georgina Lees book and I look forward to reading more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was the first true crime book ive ever read and im not really sure what i made of it if im honest. It wasn’t really what i expected it to be, but I did enjoy it.

10 years ago Katy went missing but her mother Grace has never given up hope in finding her daughter. When Grace is approached and asked to participate in a true crime documentary looking into her daughters disappearance Grace is reluctant by eventually she agrees hoping that this may uncover some new evidence, bring Katy back into the news and potentially providing the police with new evidence or leads.

As the book goes on secrets are revealed and Grace learns things about her daughter she never once thought could be true.

I enjoyed the most parts of this true crime. There were lots of twists and I absolutely loved Grace she is one determined mum and the rollercoaster of emotions she’s been on throughout her daughter’s disappearance are portrayed very well.

I did find it quite slow getting into this book but after the first 25% it seemed to just take off and I read it very quickly.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Wow this was a fast-paced thriller right from the start. Women whose daughter goes missing and has been missing for ten years. The story as told by the women/Mother interjected with conversations from the daughter. The Mothers quest to find out what happened to her daughter and if she is actually missing or dead. The power of social and media as well comes into play in this page turner.
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and the Author Georgina Lees for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

EXCERPT: I stand there for what feels like a lifetime trying to process what he said to me, until I turn slowly and walk home.
It wasn't painful; it was the truth, and no one has ever told me the truth before. They told me I was a good mum, that Katy loved me, that we had a special bond.
But this is the truth: I couldn't look after her, I couldn't keep her safe.

ABOUT 'TRUE CRIME': A missing girl. An angry mother. A true crime documentary. Ten years ago, Katy, a promising young journalist, left her desk and was never seen again. Someone knows what happened to her… The controlling boyfriend? The inappropriate professor? The clingy colleague? When Katy went missing, it wasn’t just her devastated mother, Grace, whose life was ruined. Now, a new documentary delving into the missing person case threatens to open old wounds. As Grace gets closer to the truth, she discovers just how far people are willing to go to keep the past hidden.

MY THOUGHTS: True Crime is not your typical missing girl story. The ending took me by surprise, and I loved it, though I felt the epilogue to be a bit redundant.

Personally, I can't think of anything worse than having a child going missing, even if said child is an adult. Georgina Lees has done an awesome job of depicting the mother's emotions; a sickening mix of anger, fear, sadness, despair and determination. It may have been ten years, but Grace has never given up hope.

We don't ever get a clear picture of the relationship between mother and daughter. According to Grace they were very close, friends as well as mother and daughter, but other people paint a different picture. I found it hard to get a read on Katy's friend Jo and I wasn't entirely comfortable with her 'thoughts' on Katy's disappearance. Two of the three suspects seemed a little 'off' to me, and I didn't trust them either.

I like a good mystery where I am on the back foot.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.2

#TrueCrimeNovel #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Georgina studied creative writing and film at university and has since pursued a career in video-games journalism, covering some of the most popular games in the world. Her psychological thrillers are inspired by her surroundings, from the congested London streets to the raw English countryside. She can be found playing games, writing stories, and reading anything from fantasy to crime fiction.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for providing a digital ARC of True Crime by Georgina Lees for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

There is something chilling about missing persons. How can people just disappear into thin air? We have to consider whether they chose to go away without telling anyone, were forced to or met with an an accident. But the most disturbing aspect is that we don't know what happened to them.

Judging by the hundreds (or possibly thousands) of books written on this subject, I'm not the only one fascinated by this. I have read many novels and non-fiction books on this topic and feel that the market is saturated by it. However, I have read Georgina Lees (The Girl Upstairs) and her writing is haunting and addictive, so I was excited to read this offering.

The story follows the mother of her missing adult daughter who disappeared ten years ago. Renewed interest comes about by true crime enthusiasts who discuss the case through social media forums and by film. The mother is reluctant to take part but does so, spurred on by the thought that new evidence and interest in her daughter's disappearance may help find what happened to her.

Despite the re-opening of painful past memories and people she would rather forget, the mother's main concern is that her daughter is the main focus of these new projects. The investigation becomes bigger than the victim and witnesses' motivations vary but they are not about finding out what happened to the missing woman. This reflects current issues where often the speculation about someone's disappearance becomes very distasteful and disturbing, and the central character - the missing person - becomes a bit part. This is handled well here.

The story is told mainly from one point of view and interspersed with chapters from scenes of the film, where more perspectives are expressed. Taut and tragic, a tale about exploitation and how far reaching crime is even after the passing of time. Challenging the whole idea of crime and suffering as a source of entertainment. Brilliant read, highly recommended.

It’s been 10 years since her daughter, Katy, disappeared. Grace Harper agreed to do a true crime documentary hoping to rejuvenate the case with new evidence and suspects. It’s a slow burn mystery with a whodunit vibe. Thank you to the publisher for a copy.

Thank you Harper Collins UK. Despite her ratings on Goodreads always being low, I think she is a fantastic, and talented author. Love her writing style and she keeps getting better.

This description had me immediately intrigued as an avid true crime documentary fan. This was a quick read with short chapters. The characters were well written and unique - I like how Lees showed grief through multiple eyes. Grace was frustrating at times - like, girl, call the police instead of putting yourself at risk! The ending was strong though and I will definitely read more of Lees' work.

"True Crime" is a gripping and thrilling novel that delves deep into the unresolved case of missing Katy, leaving the reader completely engrossed in the story. The author has skilfully crafted a plot full of suspense, excitement, and drama, making it hard to put down. The storyline is masterfully woven with numerous unexpected twists and turns, each more thrilling than the last. The conclusion is both satisfying and rewarding, leaving the reader completely fulfilled.

The characters are well-developed and intriguing, each with their own unique backstory and personality. The author's writing style is captivating and immersive, vividly depicting the events unfolding. The book is full of mysterious events, unexpected revelations, and heart-stopping moments, which keep the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the book.

Overall, "True Crime" is an excellent read that will leave you wanting more. The author's writing style is impressive, and their ability to create a compelling story is unparalleled.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, and I can't wait to read more from this talented author. A well-deserved five-star read!

I'm torn. At times this book was moving and fascinating. I felt let down by the direction and misdirection of it, though. I don't want to give away what made me feel that way. It was OK for most parts but I was let down in the end.

A really fresh take on a murder mystery. I love true crime so this book felt very familiar to me in that regard. It was fast paced with some amazing twists. The characters had depth and were really well brought to life and it did feel like sitting watching a podcast play out ep by ep. It combined suspense, mystery, murder, kidnapping and investigation in a really seamless way without it ever feeling too busy or confusing. I really enjoyed it

Really enjoyed this, felt like true crime inception!

The premise is brilliant because I love crime books and true crime podcasts, this gave a great other perspective.

The second book I've read from the is author and the second four star rating I've given her.
Whilst this story is a little slow to get going, the middle fairly races along and the plot builds really well. It is gripping and twisty with a any number of ways the plot could go. It is based on the disappearance of Grace's daughter, Katy, some ten years ago, apparently on her way home from work. A media company approaches Grace, who is still grieving as no body has been found and she has no closure, and asks her to contribute to a true crime documentary about Katy's disappearance. Grace is initially reluctant but then decides it might bring something about Katy to light.
From here the plot unfolds as several characters interviewed by the media company do not come across well.
Grace comes across as s strong and feisty character, although she is small in stature and doubts her own ability to do anything. She is definitely the sort of person you want on your side. The reader is drawn in to Grace's emotions which roller coaster between stable and unstable as fear and then hope wash over her.
To explain more would probably give the rest of the plot away, but suffice to say I'd guessed the ending before it happened, but was invested enough in the characters to continue reading and see how it played out.
A fast paced, turn page read.
With thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollinsPublishers for an early copy in return for an honest review.

I went into this book blind, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised with how well Lees captures the feel of a "true crime" documentary. I could actually visualize the scenes as they switched between characters.

True Crime tells the story of Katy, who went missing 10 years ago. Her mother is approached to take part in an TV documentary, chronicling the police investigation. It's pitched to her as a way to reopen the investigation and possibly bring forward new clues. It does, just not in the way that Grace envisioned it would. So Grace takes the investigation into her own hands...and that's where things get crazy.

This book was intricately woven in such a readable way that I flew through it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this unputdownable book!