You can count on Bookouture to turn a days’ off quiet morning into a giant bubble of emotions.

If our time with the daughter that gives this story its title is short, her presence is everywhere, like a shadow looking over you, a presence both comforting and heartbreaking.

I could not resist little Beth and the cute face my mind came up with while reading about her. I imagined her curious eyes, her kind smile, her innocent smile. Our time with her dwarfed the little niggles her mother Jess was facing, as from the start, we get a feeling things are not as perfect as they look, but Beth outshone this… Hence my tears.

Because I did cry. I keep saying I’m not a fan of kids, but in a few pages, Lucy Dawson gave me a little heart to love and protect, and I felt I failed as I read the fate she had to meet for the story to lead me where I was supposed to go.

Scarcely had I been so moved by the disappearance of a character, nor had been so aware of their presence throughout the story and the protagonists’ lives. Because Beth lives on, in the cruel and bittersweet way departed beloved children are. The beautiful narration makes sure you never leave your little girl behind.

I had no issues following her mother Jess through hell. I cannot say I understood every decision she made but I could see where it came from and why it seemed the right thing to do for her. The author makes sure you get a clear picture of what is happening so you can form an opinion, go with the flow, and most importantly, connect with the events and the characters in the strongest way.

Aren’t we all just one step away from madness?

Starting again without forgetting. Oh my, the writing perfectly inserted fleeting moments of the past into Jess’ present, bringing it all back to the surface, and it worked every time. Thanks to this story, I can imagine a little better what life without you child might look like, and just how much strength you need to keep going.

Especially when someone is after you!

The amazing mix of grief and suspense had me completely overwhelmed with feelings. I wanted Jess to be happy, I wanted to understand, I wanted Beth to rest in peace, I wanted everyone to find peace… But can we really get it until everything is out in the open? Secrets are toxic, they say, as much as guilt. Well, The Daughter plays with both, creating an explosive cocktail bound to make the reader grip the book tighter and feel their heart stop, from pain or shock. Or both!

The way flaws are explored in The Daughter gives the reader the freedom to decide who is wrong, what could have been done, who should be punished. There is no right answer, which is my favorite element here. Yes, Jess made mistakes, just like others did, but should we be held responsible forever?

Two male characters left me cold, I can’t reveal who without taking away a bit of what happens next. Let’s just say the mistake and the new one irked me. The former because he just couldn’t let go, and the latter because his behavior felt over the top and weird. I like weird, but not that weird!

The Daughter is a gripping and moving suspense story with a touch of healing we all need. It will leave you exhausted in the best way possible!