Action packed from the very beginning and doesn't slow down. Cole and Lisa run and hide to protect their infant foster daughter on the night the real mother told him to take the baby and run! 13 years later Cole thinks they are in the clear and gets access to some money he had in an offshore account and the chain of events explode. The FBI is on the hunt as well as some other dangerous people; FBI wants them alive....the others do not.

There is no lack of suspense and twists at every turn. The characters are well written and very well developed and I found them very relatable. The best part about this book is how the action never stops and makes you want to turn the page. The only disappointing issue I had with the book is that while there were twists and action, the plot was predictable. But I still throughly enjoyed the book and would definitely read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Riveting thriller.
Absolutely had my rapt attention from. page one.
After losing a petition for custody of their infant foster baby daughter, Cole and Lisa Shipley disappear with her when her real mother shows up at their house, mortally wounded and tells them to leave immediately with her daughter, to protect her.
They do just that.
Fast forward 13 years and the Shipleys are living with a new identity and in a semblance of normal life.
Until Cole accesses their hidden bank account and all of a sudden they are back in the system and both the FBI and others are hot on their trail, as once more, they uproot their lives and take off.
The thrilling action never stops and you cannot put it down.
Great story.
Great characters.
Great read.

This book was SO GOOD and Chad Zunker is quickly becoming a new favorite author! This was a fast-paced and gripping thriller that was impossible to put down! The family’s quest for safety was a nonstop adventure that kept me on my toes.

I loved this heart pounding thrill ride this book took me on . It was so fast paced and heartbreaking and yet keeps you pulled into the story till the end
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review book

My students like adventure, attempts to escape stories and this one is a pretty straightforward one, with clear "good guys", some very bad people and law enforcement, misguided and thinking they are guilty vs victims in the situation. Fast moving and easy reading, like a tv show

This book was mostly a chase story. An innocent family on the run from the FBI. the police and a contract killer. They have been hiding for 13 yrs after they were suspected of killing a woman and kidnapping her baby. The writing was fun, but the storyline was mostly action which isn't my personal favorite. I have liked other of his books more 3..5

Cole and Lisa are forced to flee in the middle of the night to protect their foster baby. Living under false identities for years, their past catches up to them and they are expected to flee once again. This time however, they are determined to figure out the truth of that fateful night 13 years ago.

This book was an amazing quick read. It was action packed and super engaging trying to figure out what was going to happen next. It was not much of a thriller as it was fairly straightforward with no real twists but I was okay with that.

The story and writing were fairly simple, but that's partly why I enjoyed it so much. The author wasn't trying to pull something out of left field just for some shock value, which I appreciate. The story flowed really well and left my wanting to continue flipping the pages.

There were a few plot holes and parts where you had to suspend your belief, which is ultimately why it did not receive a full 5 stars, but the story was so fast paced, and the characters so easy to connect to, that it was easy to forget it didn't all make sense.

Will definitely be reading more books from this author.


Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Not Our Daughter" is a fast-paced, page-turning crime-thriller! The characters quickly draw you in, making you root for them and hold your breath as you hope things work out in their favor. While I didn't find the twists particularly shocking, it didn’t stop me from staying up late, eager to see what happened next.

I do wish the ending had been a bit more fleshed out—I would have loved more details on what became of the villains and how the final pieces came together. That said, the conclusion was satisfying, with all the loose ends neatly tied up.

If you're looking for a gripping, action-packed read, this is your book! Be sure to pick it up when it releases in February 2025.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

Lo disfruté. Este libro sería perfecto para una adaptación cinematográfica: es entretenido, tiene misterio y te mantiene atento a lo que va a pasar, hay algunas sorpresas, el ritmo es ameno y tiene un buen final.

A pesar de que la trama es bastante predecible, el autor supo cómo mantener la atención del lector (al menos la mía) y en ningún momento se volvió aburrido.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Not Our Daughter hooked me immediately and kept me engaged until the end. This was a quick read for me, about 2.5 hours, and I wish it had been longer. The entirety of the story takes place over a few days. Some parts of this book reminded me of other works, but it's not anything that I was upset about. I enjoyed that the FBI agent was having issues with his teenage daughter and it allowed him to have a little more empathy for Cole and Lisa.

The length of this was perfect - When I come across a new author for me and see it's under 10 hours, I will give it a try. I am glad I did. This was an edge-of-my-seat story. From the first chapter, I was hooked. Trying to figure out why the Shipleys were being targetted as well as how they would evade capture!
I read this in a few days - and gave up my Saturday morning chores so i could finsih it!

Thank you for the advanced copy, and Chad Zunker is now on my "read more of this author" list.

The initial premise of this book captured my attention, and I anticipated an engaging and enjoyable read. However, as I progressed through the narrative, I found that my interest waned due to predictable plot developments and a sense of monotony. While the central theme of protecting their adopted daughter and being on the run held promise, the execution lacked depth and failed to sustain my engagement. Despite this, I am willing to explore other works by this author in the future, hoping to find a more compelling and satisfying reading experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery from the very beginning and found the father's motivations very compelling.

I dove into this after the rave reviews. This book had me hooked from the first two chapters. Then, things got kind of boring for lack of a better word, or maybe predictable with all of the FBI storyline. I love a good thriller, but I just don't enjoy too much FBI info and drama. I really liked the authors' writing style. I'd pick more up by Zunker in the future. This one didn't blow me away, but I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.

Review of Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker
Publication Date: February 11, 2024
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Hold onto your seats—Not Our Daughter is a heart-pounding thriller that takes you on a whirlwind journey across the western US, with tension so thick you’ll forget to breathe. It’s officially one of my top five reads this year, and I devoured it in just four hours!

Chad Zunker delivers a masterclass in suspense. From the emotional opening to the shocking finale, I was hooked. My heart raced, and I felt like I lived every twist.

The story begins with foster parents Cole and Lisa Shipley plunged into a nightmare when a terrified woman dies on their doorstep, leaving behind a cryptic warning and a baby. Years later, with Cole framed for murder, the family’s carefully hidden past unravels. They find themselves on a relentless run across states, pursued by an FBI agent and the secrets they’ve kept for too long.

The characters—especially the Shipley family—are beautifully developed, their love and fear palpable. The teenage girl’s struggle to adjust to her new, terrifying reality adds emotional depth and heightens the stakes. Zunker plunges readers into a world of pursuit, betrayal, and redemption, making every heartbeat and whispered fear feel real.

This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read. Every word is perfectly chosen, each twist hits hard, and the pacing never lets up. I didn’t just read this book—I experienced it.

All praise to Chad Zunker for crafting such an extraordinary story. If you love thrillers or mysteries that keep you on edge, you need this on your shelf.

Highly recommended—this one will blow your mind.

Not Our Daughter was my first book by Chad Zunker, and it didn’t disappoint at all! I was sucked in from the start and you will be too. Cole and Lisa are determined to save their family and they’re taking you with them for the ride of a lifetime. Twists and turns you don’t see coming will keep you on the edge of your seat. Can’t wait to read more from Chad! This one will be released in February 2025! And thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC! Loved it!

Thirteen years ago, while fostering an infant with hopes of adoption, Cole and Lisa’s lives are turned upside down when the child’s mother dies on their doorstep. Her last words, “He’s coming here…for her! Save her,” propel them into a life of fear and uncertainty. In a panic, they flee with the baby, fearing for their safety and feeling guilty as they hide from authorities..

The novel explores themes of parental love, guilt, survival, and the quest for truth amidst chaos. It delves into how far parents will go to protect their children and the psychological toll of living in constant fear.

“Not Our Daughter” is not just a story about fleeing from danger; it is also about facing one’s past and uncovering hidden truths that can either save or destroy them.

Not Our Daughter is a gripping and intense thriller. The story follows Cole and Lisa Shipley, who find themselves entangled in a web of danger and deception after a tragic event forces them to flee with a baby in their arms. The author skillfully weaves a complex narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and surprisingly, I found myself rooting for them as they faced numerous challenges and threats. The tension builds steadily throughout the book. The relentless pursuit by the FBI agent added an extra layer of suspense.

Overall, Not Our Daughter is an exciting read. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written novel that will keep them guessing until the final page.

#NotOurDaughter #NetGalley @AmazonPub

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Chad Zunker’s “Not Our Daughter: A Thriller” is a pulse-pounding journey that masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and relentless action. Known for his gripping narratives, Zunker delivers yet another compelling story that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.

The novel kicks off with a heart-stopping scene: thirteen years ago, Cole and Lisa Shipley, hopeful adoptive parents, find themselves in a nightmare when the biological mother of their foster child dies on their doorstep, uttering a chilling warning: “He’s coming here…for her! Save her.” This sets off a chain of events that forces the Shipleys to flee, living under assumed identities in a small Colorado town. The story picks up in the present day, where a tip exposes their location, and Cole is framed for another murder. The family is thrust into a desperate cross-country chase, with both a killer and the FBI on their trail..

At its core, “Not Our Daughter” explores themes of family, identity, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. Zunker delves into the psychological toll of living a life on the run and the moral complexities of justice and guilt. The novel also touches on the idea of redemption and the power of truth, even when it seems buried under layers of fear and deception.

Zunker’s writing is sharp and evocative, perfectly capturing the tension and urgency of the Shipleys’ plight. His ability to craft vivid, high-stakes scenarios keeps the reader engaged and invested in the characters’ fates. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading. Zunker’s knack for creating multi-dimensional characters adds depth to the narrative, making the Shipleys’ struggle feel both real and poignant.

“Not Our Daughter: A Thriller” is a standout in the genre, offering a thrilling ride that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful. Zunker’s skillful storytelling and the novel’s intricate plot twists make it a must-read for fans of high-octane thrillers. This book is not just about the chase; it’s about the enduring bonds of family and the unyielding quest for truth and justice.

Chad Zunker has once again proven his prowess in crafting a thriller that is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. “Not Our Daughter” is a testament to his ability to weave complex narratives that resonate on multiple levels. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping, emotionally charged read.

This book had my attention in the beginning and I was ready for a wonderful read! I feel like I lost interest and it was predictable. I liked the premise of the plot- keeping their adopted daughter safe and being on the run. However, it became a little mundane and I found myself losing interest. I will give other books by this author a try though!