Oh my goodness! This book has SO many twists that I did not see coming! The first chapter grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down! Definitely a must read for 2024!

The Lost Girl by Mark Gillespie should come with a few trigger warnings. It was a psychological thriller, as listed, but I had a very hard time reading after the first half. The book was way too dark and ugly for me. I don’t have my head buried in the sand, but with the trafficking that is going on and all the violence in the world, I don’t care to spend my time reading about young girls forced into sexual assault after being stolen from their families.
I am reviewing the E ARC given to me by NetGalley and the publishing group with no pressure to write a review.

"The Lost Girl" is an intense psychological thriller that grips you from the first page. The mysterious return of Darcy Drummond, missing for thirteen years, sets the stage for a riveting tale of secrets and suspense. The author skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and as journalist Margo Martin digs deeper, a shocking revelation unfolds, unraveling a long-kept secret that will plunge the Drummond family into a nightmare. This gripping story explores the complexities of Darcy's disappearance, offering twists and turns that will leave you breathless. A must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling and suspenseful journey into the depths of a long-buried mystery.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, juxtaposing the happiness of finding someone missing for so long with the questions and mystery that her discovery brings, tense and suspenseful read.

This was an enjoyable thriller, following the story of a young girl who returns to her family 13 years after disappearing. What should be a happy reunion is tinged with unanswered questions about where sue has been, what happened to her, and how she got out.

The premise is interesting, as other reviewers have stated, it has some parallels to Madeline McCann, which I initially was nervous about, worried they were exploiting that tragedy for a good story, but after the beginning it didn't feel too similar.

I thought this book was very well written, good description and suspense, and telling different chapters from different perspectives worked well.

Some elements were a bit unbelievable. Trying to avoid spoilers here, but some of the things that were revealed later in the story, it feels like anyone who made even a cursory effort into investigating Darcy's disappearance could have uncovered. Feels like police investigation is just barely a thing in this novel.
If you can suspend disbelief for some of the more far-fetched elements, you'll really enjoy this story.

An enthralling psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter. The story centers around Darcy Drummond, the daughter who was kidnapped at Bournemouth Beach, only to resurface 13 years later at a police station with two dead bodies in tow – her former captors. The narrative is a rollercoaster of suspense, and Gillespie masterfully weaves a tale where the twists and turns are impossible to anticipate.

The author skillfully builds tension by creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. As the protagonist's family falls under suspicion in the eyes of both gossip and news headlines, there's a lingering sense that something is not quite right. Gillespie cleverly keeps readers guessing, and just when you think you've figured it out, the plot takes an unexpected turn.

Part 3 of the novel takes a dark and intense dive, escalating the suspense to new heights. The pacing is relentless, and the twists come one after the other, leaving readers eagerly flipping pages to unravel the mystery. The author's ability to maintain this level of suspense is commendable, making "The Lost Girl" a true page-turner.

What sets this thriller apart is its unexpected ending. Gillespie delivers a conclusion that defies expectations, leaving readers stunned and satisfied. The intricate web of the plot is expertly crafted, and the resolution ties up loose ends in a way that is both surprising and satisfying.

The novel's setting in Edinburgh and Glasgow, added a delightful personal touch. Gillespie's vivid descriptions allowed me to visualize the locations, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience, making the story even more engaging.

In conclusion, Mark Gillespie's "The Lost Girl" is a gripping psychological thriller that captivates from start to finish. With its unpredictable plot twists, dark turns, and a surprising ending, it's a must-read for fans of the genre. Gillespie's storytelling prowess and the inclusion of familiar settings make this a memorable and enjoyable read. I eagerly anticipate more thrilling tales from this talented author in the future.

Kidnapped from a crowded beach at the age of four, the last thing anyone expects is for 17 year old Darcy Drummond to show up at a police station so long after the media blitz that followed her disappearance had failed to yield results, and years of searching went unrewarded.

But resolving the mystery is likely to pull on other threads in Darcy's family tapestry, and risks unravelling more lives than hers alone. So when a family friend who is also a journalist, Margot Martin, is given an unexpected lead on the case she has no idea what is about to unfold...

This story has inevitable echoes of the search for Madeline McCann, but the essence and outcome of the story are very different. Not for the faint hearted, the writer has nevertheless come up with a gripping, tragic story well worth reading. Recommended to readers interested in this trope and those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers.

Thanks to Netgalley , the author and the publisher for the E ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book. The story behind the disappearance and the twist of who did it and why.

The ending , however, was just far fetched and quite frankly was a little too dark and disturbing for me.

A fantastic thriller with incredible darkness and a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. Reminiscent of the Madeleine McCann case, this book takes you through the return of a lost child from a range of different perspectives. The inclusion of the journalist provides an excellent analytical point of view. I thought this was clever and engaging - highly recommended for fans of the likes of Stephen Edger.

The book was fast paced and suspenseful but I found the theme of kidnapping and sex trafficking to much for me. There are three POV also that readers may find confusing. Though I think that the book was written well it wasn't an enjoyable read for me.

Thirteen years ago, four year old Darcy Drummond was taken on a crowded public beach. No one saw a thing. She was never found.
A seventeen year old girl walks into a police station and tells them that she is Darcy Drummond.

She knows the secret of her kidnapping, and a journalist will uncover all the secrets.

I really enjoyed this book, it kept me engrossed and I read it in one sitting.
I like the style of writing, written from several POV's, and very little dialogue - which is unusual in a book. No keeping up with "he said, she said, they replied..." it was a different style, which I definitely enjoyed.

The story is good, heartbreaking, very emotional.
There are some unbelievable parts, but I ignored those, I needed to find out the big secret and it certainly was explosive!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Wow! That was a wild ride! What a book! That was some great revenge!! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, child kidnapping and abuse, fantastic revenge, a bit of a who done it and some really crazy twists and turns! The storyline was crazy but very interesting! It definitely kept me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book, it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Pretty good book. Darcy was kidnapped as little girl and her parents are contacted when they find her. Darcy said the parents that raised and kidnaped her planned to kill her; that is how she got away. Meanwhile, Margo, a reporter and friend of the family, gets a call and starts to dig into what really happened and who really took Darcy. I don't want to give a lot away, but there were some twists and suspense I did not see coming. Good ending because those got what they deserved, but also sad.