Cover Image: The Girl She Wanted

The Girl She Wanted

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Firstly I just want to say thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. This book is about a criminal investigation at a hospital that occurs following two unexplained deaths in an A&E department. It is written from multiple points of views of different characters within the storyline and Slater drip feeds you little bits of information that help you build up a picture what has happened or so you think, and then just when you think you've figured it out and made your mind up about various characters she blows your mind in a way I didn't see coming at all. It is honestly jaw dropping! It is gripping, psychologically thrilling and such a page turner, honestly I sped through this and couldn't put it down. The only reason I dropped it down a star is because it is such a complex storyline with lots of characters that at some points I had to stop and remember what had already happened to understand what was going on, despite this though I highly recommend giving it a read. This book is due to be published on 22nd October so keep your eyes peeled for it.

Was this review helpful?

What a spectacularly gripping psychological thriller which is what we have come to expect from K.L. Slater!! Slater always writes a “smart” thriller with lots of twist and turns. This story will have you guessing whodunnit until the last chapter. I finished the book in a day. I was glued to it and just couldn’t put it down, even though it was midnight!! The characters are well developed and the story moves at a fast pace. I’m a sucker for a great ending and this one will leave you with your jaw dropping!!

If you liked Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train, then this book is for you!! I believe we will be seeing The Girl She Wanted on the bestseller’s list very soon!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and K.L. Slater for providing me an Advanced Reader Copy of The Girl She Wanted in exchange for my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

A great domestic drama about two sisters and the doubt that creeps in when one of them is accused of causing two deaths. Very suspenseful.

Was this review helpful?

The Girl She Wanted is the latest thriller from K. L. Slater. In my opinion the story starts a little slow. It took me a couple of chapters to relate to the characters in this book. Once I settled into the people and plot I enjoyed guessing at the mystery of who did it. Some twists, turns, and surprises make this a satisfying read. I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an early copy to review.

Was this review helpful?

The Girl She Wanted by K.L. Slater is another excellent psychological thriller by this author. Carrie, an A&E nurse, lives with her sister Alexa, Alexa’s husband Perry and their baby. Carrier is accused of a crime that occurred at the hospital and is suspended from her job until an investigation is conducted. Several twists occur that make Alexa wonder if the allegations could be true. Finding out the truth made this a great read.

Was this review helpful?

I love K.L. Slaters books! She always has me hooked and intrigued with her twisty turny storylines but this one had me so frustrated as I really didn’t know what to believe! The sisterly bond can be very difficult at times but Alexa and Carrie seemed to have a close and honest relationship-Alexa looks up to her big sister as she has supported her through her anxieties about motherhood and she obviously adores her baby niece Florence (and the feeling is mutual with Florence having a relaxed and loving relationship with her auntie!). So when Carrie is accused of a heinous and unimaginable crime at the hospital where she works, Alexa is devastated and determined to prove her beloved sister innocent…

This is such a clever novel that works perfectly because of the characters within it. Alexa came across as a needy and slightly unstable mother who needed more support than I would have expected for some reason. Carrie is the organised and capable big sister but why has she split from her husband, what has she been doing at the hospital and what secret does she hold over her sisters head? All these questions and many MANY more were buzzing around my head as I became gripped by each departments investigation into what had happened to patients at Carries place of work.

I love it when a book drags me within its pages and I become completely addicted to it! The Girl She Wanted played with my emotions as I went back and forth in my beliefs about who was guilty of what and why! I pride myself on being able to sift through the clues, spotting red herrings and pushing them aside to uncover the truth but I honestly had no idea where this twisty narrative was heading and there were plenty of unexpected shocks along the way!

A gripping storyline with some very disturbed characters! I loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Carrie, a senior Nurse, is suspended from her job after being suspected of a crime, lives with her younger sister, Alexa. Alexa does not believe the charges against her sister, while Alexa's husband, Perry, no longer trusts Carrie to watch their one-year-old daughter, Florence. This makes for a tense situation as he wants her out of their home and to no longer care for their child. Then Florence is injured while in Carrie's care and Alexa begins to have doubts.

This book is told through the POV of a couple of characters which helps to move the story along. I found this slow to start in the beginning, but as the story progressed, things picked up as I began to wonder, have doubts, and attempted to solve the cause of the crimes which took place in the hospital. Can Carrie be trusted? Is she Guilty? Is Alexa right to believer her sister? If Carrie isn’t guilty, then who is?

This book had an interesting twist/reveal at the end which I did not see coming. This was another solid book by K.L. Slater. I can't say it was my favorite by this author, but it was still enjoyable.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

When a patient suddenly dies while being treated in A and E, junior doctor Nathan Moseley is suspicious. He reports his worries to the hospital bosses and an investigation is immediately started. We meet Carrie, ward manager who is currently living with her sister Lexi, her husband and young baby. There are plenty of secrets being held by all the characters we’re introduced to as we follow the investigation into not 1 but 2 unexpected deaths.
I first had one suspect in mind, then quickly thought again as more became apparent, I was turned in a few directions as the secrets unfolded.
I’m a little confused by the title and couldn’t quite place it in connection to the story or the way it developed, however I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read

Was this review helpful?

Another smash hit from K.L. Slater! This story is multi-layered with lots going on. It's a whodunnit with plenty of twists and turns and you never know what is really going on until the end. There are lots of delicious leads and very well developed characters who keep you enthralled right to the very last page!

Was this review helpful?

I have read two books by the author and I knew I would be enjoying the ride with this psycholigical thriller. K L Slater continues to engage me through her gripping storie.

Alexa and Carrie are sisters, Florence is Alexa's daughter and Perry is Alexa's husband. Carrie and Alexa share a very strong bond which looks like a dependent bond of Alexa always looking upto her sister and wanting her guidance for every step she takes. Carrie is a very doting sister and a loving aunt who works a nurse and Ward manager at the A and E department at King's Memorial hospital. There have been two sudden unexplained deaths in the A and E ward and Carrie is under suspicion for these. To add to this, there seem to be a few family secrets, are these connected, Is Carrie really the culprit. This gripping story will not leave its hold on you till you reach the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story is such that at every stage I tend to change my judgement about the characters, it was like a gradual revelation into thee workings of human minds, relationships and family dynamics. All these elements are beautifully woven into the story and this did not let me put down the book till I could unravel the mysteries. The author brings in the grey shades in humans so subtly.

I would recommend this book to all those who love to read psychological thrillers that not only depict the weakness of one but also the shades of grey in every individual and the families they belong to.

Was this review helpful?

A completely gripping rollercoaster of a read about the darkness families hide behind closed doors. Fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train will be hooked on The Girl She Wanted.
This has been another absolutely fantastic read. I love this author anyway and this could quite possibly be my new favourite book.
This has completely gripped me and I've literally felt as though I have been on a rollercoaster while reading this book.
This is filled with characters that you can both love and hate. I have found myself suspicious throughout this one.
The plot of this book is completely unique to any of this author's previous books and unlike anything else I've read. This is a definite page Turner of a book.
I have read this author before and this book definitely hasn't disappointed. It's been a book which has kept me awake because I've been so desperate to finish this one.
This book has been impossible to put down. As a result I have devoured this book in just one sitting. This is a definite five star read for me.

Was this review helpful?

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Girl She Wanted’ by K L Slater in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Dr Nathan Mosley is on duty at the King’s Mill Hospital when an elderly gentleman dies. He has a feeling that something’s not quite right and informs those in authority of his concerns. DI Adam Partridge and DS Nell Tremaine are called in to investigate and A&E Ward Manager Carrie Parsons is suspended from duty as the evidence points towards her being involved. Carrie is temporarily living with her sister Alexa, husband Perry and their one-year-old daughter Florence and concerns are raised for the safety of Florence but Carrie has always protected Alexa and wouldn’t do anything to harm Florence.

‘The Girl She Wanted’ is an intricately-woven psychological thriller that’s very easy to read and impossible to put down. It has a gripping plot that grows more tense as the story progresses, interesting characters, intrigue, drama and twists and turns, the most surprising twist coming at the end and one that I wasn’t expecting. This is another superb thriller from K L Slater that has kept me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of a thrilling climax and has not disappointed me. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for K.L. Slater's exciting new thriller THE GIRL SHE WANTED.

I'm a huge fan of Kim's and devour every one of her books in record time but THE GIRL SHE WANTED is a little different from her usual vein. For a start, my biggest issue is the title. It has no bearing on the story whatsoever, in my opinion...except maybe in light of the epilogue but even then that wasn't the crux of the story. It is hugely misleading and gives the reader the wrong impression of what to expect. My second issue is that the twist isn't exactly jaw-dropping either...not in Kim's usual way at least. It was unexpected but not jaw-dropping. But that said, THE GIRL SHE WANTED is still an addictive read from beginning to end.

When 82 year old Angus Titchford falls and breaks his hip on Easter Sunday, he is transported to King's Mill Hospital where he is given a good prognosis for a full recovery. Less than a couple of hours later, Angus is dead having suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest. Dr Nathan Mosley, a junior doctor in A&E, is concerned that another unexplained death has occurred with no apparent cause or reason, the first being of six months old Samila Khalil back in December. It may be something and nothing but Dr Mosley feels obligated to report his suspicions to the Sherwood Forest Health Trust who then embark in an internal investigation.

For ten years, Carrie Parsons has worked at King's Mill Hospital as a senior nurse and ward manager. After her husband left her in massive debt, she moved in with her younger sister Alexa, a temporary solution till she got back on her feet. Eight months later and her presence is grating on Alexa's husband Perry, who is wondering when Carrie is going to get her own place. But Alexa, who fears leaving the house alone due to a past trauma, finds Carrie's presence a huge support and she is wonderful with their one year old daughter Florence who adores her aunty "CaCa".

After six days on shift, Carrie's enjoying a much-needed day off at the park with Alexa and Florence when she receives a phone call. Her superiors have asked her in for an important announcement and it must be today. She leaves an anxious Alexa with Florence at the park, who assures her sister she'll be fine and makes her way back to the hospital. Upon arriving, she fins her staff are gathered with several senior looking officials from the Sherwood Forest Health Trust who announce that an investigation is underway into the deaths of two patients who had otherwise non-life-threatening diagnoses and a good prognosis...and yet they both died anyway. The Trust were looking into whether the deaths were a cause for concern and revealed that the police would also be involved.

Not wanting to stress her already anxious sister and setting her back, Carrie said nothing of the deaths or the pending investigation when she returned home. Instead she claimed tiredness and went to bed. The following morning, she hurried out of the house before Alexa could question her on her way to her police interview. Carrie knew she had done nothing wrong and had nothing to hide but the police had statements from her co-workers that painted a suspicious picture of her.

The following morning, after Perry left for his three week stint on the rig off Scotland and reminding Alexa to ask Carrie about moving out, the police arrived banging on the door with an arrest warrant for Carrie. Alexa is stunned. Arrested? For murder? Of two patients? But why has Carrie not said anything? But the evidence is clear - CCTV of Carrie on the ward when she says she wasn't, medication mix-ups, changes to work schedules. But it's all circumstantial. And yet her colleagues have also spoken against her, citing her as cold and uncaring.

Despite all the evidence being thrown at them, Alexa firmly believes that her sister is innocent. Though she dreads having to tell Perry who will see this as an opportunity to force her to move out once and for all. But she will not turn her back on her sister when she needs her most...after all, she never turned her back on her when she needed her, did she?

But then when Florence is injured while left in Carrie's care and Alexa is forced to question everything she thought she knew. Is Carrie guilty? Did she hurt Florence? No! She wouldn't...would she? Alexa doesn't know any more and it becomes clear when they take Florence to A&E that tensions are rife. And then social services are notified of Florence's "accident" and suddenly the realisation that she could lose Florence becomes real to Alexa and she must choose - her daughter or her sister?

There is so much undercurrent to this story that is left unsaid until just the right moment that leaves you questioning exactly what is going on. Why is Alexa so fearful? What happened to her? And why is Carrie so cold and almost obnoxious? There was a reveal in this story that picked up immediately just through a few subtle references like eye contact...long before it was revealed near the end. So that was no surprise there.

The big surprise was the twist that, while not completely jaw-dropping, did have the affect of "where the hell did that come from"? For me, it did seem a little out of left field as there didn't even appear to be any subtle references, though I was slightly suspicious at times throughout. But there had been no pieces to put together which is why it seemed so random. No subtle clues dropped like breadcrumbs throughout the story. No chance for the reader to hone in and work it out. So I kind of felt a little robbed in that respect as I like to have a few clues peppered throughout the story and then to try and piece it together as I'm reading. But looking back, I can see nothing.

Still...THE GIRL SHE WANTED is a fast paced addictive read that will have you turning the pages until the very end. Told from mainly Alexa's narrative, we do have a third person perspective of various others throughout such as the police, Carrie and a few others. The epilogue did seem a little random, although it was part of the story it wasn't the main part nor the crux either. So I was a little confused as to why it ended with it.

THE GIRL SHE WANTED is something of a different thriller for K.L. Slater, not in her usual domestic vein, although there is an element of that too. This book extends a little further than the confines of a domestic thriller whilst still being a domestic thriller of sorts, if that makes any sense. I don't find as claustrophobic as others but it is chilling.

As usual, Kim continues to surprise fans with her level of ingenuity for keeping readers engaged and entertained. I am never bored with any of her thrillers and always eagerly look forward to the next. This one is no different...despite it being a little different.

I would like to thank #KimSlater, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlSheWanted in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve read previous novels by this author and was super excited to be approved for an advanced copy of her newest one. It did not disappoint. The chapters were told in a way that made the story flow really well together. It wasn’t the typical change of POV, it was almost like watching a movie unfold. I couldn’t put it down and read in less than a day, it had a little bit of everything: mystery, domestic drama, investigation. You name it, it had it.

Thanks so much to netgalley and bookutoure for my copy.

Was this review helpful?

I love this author , this book excited my expectations
Where do I start amazing characters amazing twist, I want more from this author. I already added this book to our book club list.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness! How on earth does she do it? This is another absolutely stunning novel by K. L. Slater that I devoured in just 2 days. I really struggled to put the book down as I was so gripped by the storyline. Carrie is accused of a terrible crime at the hospital where she works as Head of A & E. The only person who really believes she is innocent is her sister, Alexa. Carrie moved in with her and her husband Perry and toddler, Florence, some eight months earlier after Carrie’s marriage fell apart. Carrie’s secretive and strange behaviour puzzles her sister who nevertheless cannot believe her capable of the crime she is supposed to have committed but is her sisterly loyalty blinding her to the truth? Alexa has problems of her own suffering from a nervous problem and is hiding a secret from her own past. The chapters are a perfect length for me – not overly long and so I hurtled through the book always wanting to read ‘just one more chapter’. I was honestly torn as to what and who to believe as various truths began to be revealed. I can honestly say that I did not predict the outcome and when it was finally revealed very near the end, I thought it was a brilliant conclusion! The book was even more relevant to me as I live in the town where the story is set and the hospital referred to is my local one, just a couple of miles away, so I could picture it all so clearly in my mind. I have yet to read a book by this author that fails to received a five star plus rating from me so once again here come my very best, golden, glittery stars – all five of them - for a brilliant, engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable treat of a book. My thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

K. L. Slater is one of my favourite authors, she has a way of leaving me shocked when the culprit is revealed and it is always someone I didn’t suspect.
The Girl She Wanted was brilliant, Carrie is the head of the A&E department and when two deaths are flagged as suspicious she is the one who is in trouble and as the book goes on it seems everyone is against her.
She is currently staying with her younger sister Alexa, Perry and baby Florence and as the investigation starts heating up it seems that Alexa’s family may be torn apart if they can’t get Carrie to leave their home when social services get involved for child protection. Alexa is warned not to leave Carrie unsupervised with Florence.
An incident happens while Carrie is watching Florence and even Alexa is starting to suspect her of the deaths and so she does some digging of her own. Only to find what could be incriminating evidence against her.
Oh, this was one hell of a ride of a book. Not only did we have the main storyline of the deaths in the hospital, but also secrets, lies, mental health issues, betrayal and many different emotions. I did shed a tear at the end.
As always K. L. Slater wrote a compelling, edge of your seat book that is true to life and can and probably has happened. Another fantastic psychological thriller by a fantastic author.

Was this review helpful?

K.L. Slater is known for her psychological thrillers and this thirteenth book will leave you guessing until (almost) the end as well.
"Carrie lives in Alexa’s family home, and adores her one-year-old niece Florence. Alexa doesn’t know how they would cope without her. So when Carrie is suspended from her job as a senior nurse, accused of the most terrible crime, Alexa reels in disbelief. Alexa knows how caring Carrie is, and as she watches Florence gurgling and cooing whenever Carrie is around, she knows her little girl is in safe hands.
"Alexa’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie. He wants her out of the house, unable to ignore what people are saying about her. But when he suggests that Carrie could be a danger to their daughter, Alexa shuts him out. Nobody will ever come between her and her sister."
It's difficult when you trust someone but everyone else seems convinced they are bad - a murderer. And then there is the problem of what happened before; the most difficult time in Alexa's life, when Carrie was there for her and helped her, the way she still is today.
Right from the start, Slater is alluding to a past event, but it takes a long time to come to light, and while the story of the crime accusations in itself is well-told, the underlying backstory is hinted at and hinted at, but we have to wait a long time for it to come into play and I got quite impatient, which also made me enjoy the family story within the thriller a lot less.
Overall, great thriller but a far-fetched twisted family element.

Was this review helpful?

KL Slater has hit the jackpot again with her latest offering, The Girl She Wanted.

Carrie is a nurse, working at the local hospital and recently divorced. She is currently living with her sister Alexa, Alexa’s husband Perry and daughter Florence. Perry works away a lot of the time at the oil rigs and is constantly telling Alexa that it is time for Carrie to move out. Alexa lives on her nerves and can hardly leave the house and having Carrie there seems to help her so she puts off asking her to leave. Alexa’s world is turned upside down when the Police knock on her door and want to ask Carrie questions about two mysterious deaths that have taken place at the hospital where Carrie is head-nurse. Alexa wonders why Carrie hadn’t discussed any of this with her, she obviously knew about it, why all the secrecy and what is going on? Although she trusts that Carrie had nothing to do with it, things take a turn for the worse when Florence becomes involved.

I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next one!

Was this review helpful?

I was a little disappointed in this book. I adore this author and have not read a book that I felt was under 4 stars until now. While the characters were well written, I didn’t find them overly likeable. I also found this one to be a slow burn till the last 1/4 of the book, a little too slow for my liking. Overall the storyline was good and the book was well written. I would have just preferred more action and a faster paced read.

Was this review helpful?