Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook. Very interesting triller definitely not expected the ending. The small town the ending the characters are fantastic. I love my thriller this one was not on my spot on ones.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to Where Lost Girls Go. A detective's child is kidnapped right in front of her eyes. She tries to stop it but is unable. Years later, while on vacation, she comes across a girl who is running from something and needs help. She joins the local law enforcement to find out what happened to this girl along with trying to discover what happened to her missing daughter. Are these 2 girls connected? I thought the narration was extremely slow at regular speed and had to speed it up quite a bit. Otherwise, I think the narrator did a decent job. The story ends with a cliffhanger which makes sense since it is a series. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Jericho and Casey. Overall, I thought the story was okay.

This is the first in the Detective Casey White series. I really enjoyed this one but did think it could have been a lot shorter as it felt very drawn out at times. There are 2 active cases running alongside each other that the detectives are investigating. I enjoyed both cases and how they played out. I really liked the main characters and could see myself becoming very fond of them. The narration was both engaging and easy to listen to. Looking forward to the next instalment.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen and review #WhereLostGirlsGo

Where Lost Girls Go by BR Spangler – this is the first book in a series about Detective Casey White. The book was originally released in 2020 and I listened to the audio which released recently.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio and to Patricia Rodriguez for the narration.

Detective Casey White goes on a supposed holiday but actually to follow another lead on a cold case from 14 years ago. The cold case being her toddler daughter, Hannah, who was stolen from her front garden.

On arriving at North Carolina’s Outer Banks, she finds a young teenage girl stumbling around the forests in an old-fashioned white nightie. She is holding onto her swollen stomach crying about her baby. She manages to get the girl in her car and takes her to the hospital but the girl later dies. Casey is always on the lookout for her missing daughter and any missing child case she looks to see whether it could possibly be her daughter. She carries around age progression sketches of her daughter.

Casey teams up with Jericho Flynn of the Marine Patrol and the local police to help solve this missing child case – the victim was taken, with her twin sister, 9 years previously. The sister’s body was found a week after their disappearance but the second twin was never found, until now.
Then another body of a young girl is found on a yacht which was left floating out in the ocean. Is there a serial killer on the loose?

I enjoyed this twisty book which kept me listening to find out whether Casey would find Hannah.

This thriller had so much potential, but the pacing made it a bit of a struggle. I would have rated it higher, but it took **44 chapters** before things really got interesting. The beginning felt bogged down with more and more cases piling up, yet there was little progress and no clear suspects for a long time.

That said, Detective Casey White is a compelling character, and once the story finally picked up, the twists kept me engaged. The emotional depth of Casey’s past made her investigation even more personal.

If you love slow-burn mysteries and don’t mind a long build-up, this one might be for you. But if you prefer fast-paced thrillers, you may find yourself impatiently waiting for things to take off!

An enticing murder-mystery novel impossible to put down. While it was not entirely difficult to dissect who the culprit was if read attentively, the book is constantly adding to the puzzling nature of the case. Beautiful narration by the voice actor, who consistently alters voices and accents for different individuals.

A story that kept my attention the entire time, twists, turns and high tension this was fantastic!
It took me a minute or two to get used to the narrator but once I had I thought she was great, for a moment thought I thought she was A.I!
I thought all the different lines of enquiry ran really well together, I was constantly trying to figure things out (nothing seemed to smack me in the face and be too obvious) all in all I very much enjoyed!

Casey's daughter was kidnapped. As a detective, she has spent her life trying to find her. Now, more than a decade later, she was forced onto vacation by her boss. So she travels to North Carolina to follow up a potential lead. Before she even gets to her destination, a girl walks out of the woods as she is driving by- pregnant and bleeding. Suddenly, she is helping the local police investigate. Could this be related to her daughter?

The poor editing ruined this for me.

First, don't set a book in a real life place if you know nothing about it. The Outer Banks is not a city. It isn't even just a small county. It is basically the entire coast of North Carolina (or more specifically, the barrier islands that run down the coast.) Also, North Carolina doesn't use front license plates- it was mentioned that Casey couldn't see the license plate before her car accident.

Then, the terrible investigation techniques and stuff. No one goes to press to announce a victim's name without 1. Verifying it by DNA, dental records, etc... 2. Telling the victim's family first. There were all kinds of questionable techniques that someone who has watched a half dozen episodes of Dateline would know are not standard procedure. And no one is just on the spot taken on as an investigator and given access to an active crime scene. So many examples, I will quit listing them. This review would be nearly as long as the book if I keep going.

Lastly, not exactly completely editing, but Jericho's arm. He couldn't drive at one point, the next he is doing rescue missions. Um, ok. Seems unlikely.

The overall plot was okay. Had potential. But the technical details completely lost it for me.

I'd normally say I wouldn't pick up book 2, but I am curious as to how the lingering unresolved plot line plays out. Curious enough to keep reading? Only if I find the audiobook for free somewhere. (My library currently does not have it.)

Patricia Rodriguez narrates the audiobook.

I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Where Lost Girls Go (Detective Casey White Book 1)
By B.R. Spangler, narrated by Patricia Rodriguez

I read a lot of books about a woman detective doing her detecting in a rural small town and I've learned to expect that more often than not these women are going to end up being human punching bags who are able to get up, keep going, and maybe even canoodle in the evening, despite probably needing to be in the hospital. I'm not saying that happens here but I will say that Detective Casey White is doing her best to be in the running for an action figure to be made of her. She definitely needed me to suspend my disbelief for several of her actions.

Fourteen years ago Casey's daughter was kidnapped and that event overshadows every part of her life. She's even almost killed someone because of her mind going bonkers when she thought she saw something that would lead to finding her daughter. She's not at all hesitant to say she's going to kill someone, she will just run headlong into a crime scene with no care of destroying it when she has the mind going bonkers events, I'm surprised she's been able to keep her job.

But she does keep her job and she even has a small town force wanting her as their detective when a body is found in the woods. This area has a history of girls being kidnapped, bodies being found, it seems Casey has found her people, sort of. The people in this small town don't seem to care that her mind goes bonkers from time to time. This is a pretty easy going and understanding group, it seems.

What helps with the story and fits very well with the personality of Casey and all the other characters, is the enthusiastic narration by Patricia Rodriquez. Everyone seems to have had one energy drink too many but then the situations going on are extremely disturbing and the need to resolve issues is very urgent. The law enforcement folks in this small town seem to be majorly clumsy and inexperienced, everyone seems to fall down during crucial times, so Casey's going off the rails probably doesn't stand out among this group.

There are ten more books already published so at some point I'll pick up the second book and see if everyone settles down a bit. Not everything is resolved completely in this book so there is a reason to want to keep going with the story. 3.5 raised to 4 stars

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

I loved this story. I thought it was nicely written and provided just enough to keep you hooked!

It is open-ended with a clear sequel that I will most likely pickup and read when I can, but not *so* open that you have to read the next if you didn’t like it.

The story focuses on a detective who has been following the “open” investigation on her daughter who is kidnapped. When she makes a mistake in the field, she’s sent on a mandatory vacation; where she stumbles across a young girl, in the woods, covered in blood and worried about her baby. Shortly after, more young women dead and alive are found. The detective follows the case through her stay & even finds a trail leading her to believe her daughter is alive & in the area.

If you like detective told stories, I would say give it a go!

Well, this is the first time I've listened to this author and definitely won't be the last. With detective series books I find myself either really enjoying them or the opposite so this genre can often be a hit or miss for me as much as I enjoy working out a plot line some just don't have much substance. The same cannot be said for Where Lost Girls Go!

This was a relatively full book in the sense that the story had many varying details that kept me as a listener intrigued. Again like many books although they are fiction often the authors writing comes from some form of experience and or at least a lot of research and from this perspective some areas are really disturbing and may trigger some readers.

Casey has a personal case that she takes with her everywhere after her daughter Hannah is kidnapped in front of her eyes. A car and set of eyes in her rear view mirror she will never forget. Casey has always been searching for her daughter, not only the detective in her but more predominantly the mother in her calls her to never give up!

When she finds herself in westbanks there is a case that she agrees to work on just for a few days while there due to staff shortage however at this time Casey has no idea how far this will go, how long she will be there and what truths she will find.

Absolutely gripping Detective storyline with so many twists and turns. Deeply troubling murders of girls that are found around similar areas Casey tends to follow her gut instinct, and it never fails her. She knows from the beginning that somehow this is all interlinked to her own personal life. Difficult decisions have to be made, uncomfortable situations faced, physical injuries, all of which Casey handles for the most part impeccably. I really felt I could connect with her character and follow this plot without any difficulty.

Yes, at times, I felt it was predictable. Hence, not quite making the 5 stars for me, but I would most definitely look forward to the next in the series.

It was well narrated, all characters I found myself either really warming to or loathing and to say instinct is correct well I'm sure many of you will feel the same.

This was published in 2020, so maybe it is a re-release or new to audio, but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to this, so thank you to Netgalley & Bookouture Audio. 🙏🏼🎧❤️⭐️

A gripping thriller that touches on some of the hardest topics (child abduction, human trafficking) with a hint of romance. Casey become a character you can’t help but root for, and Hannah’s story is still unsolved which leaves you wanting so much more.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Narrated by Rebecca Roberts, B.R. Spangler's gripping thriller, "Where the Lost Girls Go," takes listeners on a rollercoaster of suspense and chilling twists. The audiobook's immersive quality breathes life into the story, making it an ideal choice for mystery aficionados.

The protagonist, Detective Casey White, is a seasoned investigator with a haunted past. When a young girl's body is discovered washed ashore in a quaint coastal town, Casey is thrust into a perplexing case that unravels layers of dark secrets. As more girls go missing, the town’s idyllic facade crumbles, revealing a sinister underbelly. Casey must confront her own demons while racing against time to find the lost girls before they disappear forever.

Rebecca Roberts' narration is captivating. Her ability to embody the characters and convey the emotional depth of the story enhances the listening experience. Roberts masterfully differentiates between characters, ensuring listeners can easily follow the complex plot. Her pacing is spot-on, maintaining tension and keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

Spangler's writing is rich and evocative, painting vivid scenes that draw listeners into the story's eerie atmosphere. The dialogue and authenticity is crisp and realistic, adding to the characters' interactions. Spangler's knack for creating suspense at the end of each chapter compels listeners to keep 🎧 listening.

"Where the Lost Girls Go" delves into themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring impact of past traumas. Detective Casey White is a multi-dimensional protagonist, her resilience and vulnerability making her a character listeners root for. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the narrative.

"Where the Lost Girls Go" is a meticulously crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of dark, psychological mysteries.

The audiobook format, coupled with Roberts' exceptional narration, makes this novel a standout listening experience. Spangler's ability to weave suspense and emotion ensures this story lingers long after the final chapter. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an engaging and spine-tingling listen.

Note: I subtracted one star as Casey repeatedly acted contrary to how a trained police detective would act.

Fine. A bit messy and totally forgettable but entertaining enough. Drives me crazy when the whole plot of a book depends on some very big coincidences..

This is a Police Mystery/Suspense, and this is the first book in the Detective Casey White series. I listened to the audiobook for this book, and I loved the audiobook. The narrator was easy to understand and I enjoyed listening to it. This book had me for the first page, and the suspense and drama had me not wanting to put this book down. I really loved this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

The start of this book was a little rough, not sure if it was the storyline or the narration. The book did pickup as it went. I felt like there was just alot happening.

When Detective Casey White discovers the body of a beautiful teenage girl in a white nightgown near the shoreline in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, a familiar fear floods through her. Could this be Hannah, her sweet, blue-eyed daughter snatched from home fourteen years ago? But it only takes one look to confirm that the girl with dark bruising around her throat is another family’s tragedy.

Putting her own grief aside, Casey digs into unsolved missing child cases in the area. The victim is Cheryl Parry, one of two little girls taken during a family beach vacation nine years ago. Her sister’s body was found strangled a week later, but someone has been keeping Cheryl alive—until now.

Fearful there may be other innocent lives in danger, Casey and her team work around the clock to trace the material from Cheryl’s nightgown, but hit a dead end and don’t know where to turn. Then, another teenager’s body is found in a nearby pine forest, dressed all in white. It’s suddenly clear that a twisted killer has been hiding in the Outer Banks for years, and he will strike again.

Casey painstakingly combs the forest soil for clues to the killer’s next move, but nothing prepares her for what she finds: a buried charm bracelet exactly matching one that her little Hannah always wore—right down to the broken star charm by the clasp…

not for me, not my favorite. It was an interesting story and premise. the book felt weird and some of the things that happened did not make sense. Maybe that was why I had some trouble listening to it. I am not sure. Kind of disappointed by this book, but maybe at another time I will pick it up and try again

Thank you to: Bookouture Audio & NetGalley for this ARC audiobook by B.R. Spangler
*Release date is set for: May 15, 2025

2 ⭐️⭐️ - The book is a detective/mystery/thriller story & because of that, I was excited for this book but that is where the excitement ended for me.

This book dealt with some tough subjects (kidnapping, sex trafficking, torture, abuse which was violent & cruel). However, the book as a whole did not make sense, was so far fetched and eye-rollable.

There was too much excessive & non relevant conversations in this book and had far too many filler pages that just didnt belong & felt misplaced & confusing. Too much time was spent on things that should not be in the book to begin with.

The ending of this book was not complete & unfinished. I am not sure if it's to try and entice you to buy the next book in the series but it was just bad. I read a lot of series and I want all my books to have a beginning, middle & ending. The characters can bleed over to the next books and a good cliff hanger is fine but this was just not that.

I honestly would have DNF'd it, but I was asked to provide my honest review, so I continued to listen so that I could do just that. Sadly, this was not my favorite book and I am sorry to say, I would not recommend it.

Once again, thank you to: Bookouture Audio & NetGalley for this ARC audiobook.

#BookoutureAudio #NetGalley #WhereLostGirlsGo

It was a pretty good book! It could have been better! It was so much stuff actually going on! But it was actually good how it all came together at the end! Only thing Casey could have been a little better she was a little annoying throughout the book! The whole i got this by myself thing was overwhelming!