Cover Image: The Girl She Wanted

The Girl She Wanted

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Member Reviews

Following the breakdown of her relationship, Carrie moves in with her sister and her family. She is a doting aunt to little Florence.
One day, Carrie is suspended from her job as a nurse and accused of a terrible crime.
Alexa supports her sister; it never crosses her mind that the accusations are true. But Alexa's husband doesn't trust Carrie. Is little Florence safe living under the same roof as her aunt?


I'm a fan if K.L Slater so I was happy to be given the opportunity to read her new upcoming book.
As usual, I wasn't disappointed.
It was a good and entertaining read with a surprising twist that I didn't see coming.
The story was a bit slow to get going, but when it did, it had me gripped.
On a side note, the title is a bit misleading; it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and while it might not be my favourite of the author's novels, it is definitely a great read, and I recommend you check it out.

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What starts as a simple story ends with a cunning twist! Slater never goes wrong with her plot and the twists. The reader should be ready with her knack to blow the readers with the twists.
The story has a steady pace and, one can finish reading the book in one sitting.

The central theme of the book is about human tendencies and different shades of grey in their personality. But for an observer, they judge whether it’s right or wrong.

The finale of the book gives a shock to the reader. It’s a deserving end.
Again, KL Slater's books never disappoint you. If you haven’t read her book, it’s highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookuture for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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Take two sisters Alexa and Carrie throw them together in the same house along with Florence Alexa's daughter and her husband Perry and you have yet again an absolutely brilliant psychological thriller from the ever excellent Kim Slater.When two patients die in the A&E department where Carrie works the finger of suspicion falls on Carrie and she suspended from work,but Alexa stands by her sister when everyone else has Carrie down as a murderer but is her trust misplaced ? As Alexa finds out more lies her sister seems to be hiding she is forced to rethink her trust in Carrie and all the while trying to battle her own demons from her past.Kim Slater is rapidly becoming queen of the psychological thriller genre in my eyes as this latest book proves yet again just how good her standalone thrillers are with there short chapters that keep you gripped until the last chapters.Without a doubt this is another 5 star read from Kim Slater.

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A power packed domestic suspense drama peppered with plot twists you can see and some you can’t.

Carrie Parsons a forty something, A &E Hospital ward manager , scorned and abandoned by her husband seeks shelter and support in her younger sister Alex’s home.

Alex is her younger sister, mother to a one year old toddler, Florence. As the days turn to weeks and almost a year, Perry ( Alex’s husband) starts to grow impatient and is always nagging Alex to ask her sister to move out and give their own family some space.

Carrie and Alex have been each other’s rock and due to this unwavering support and selfless love, Alex cannot being herself to ask Carrie to move out as she suffers through some clandestine fear and depends on her elder sister for literally EVERYTHING.

Soon, Carrie gets accused of causing unlawful deaths of two of her patients, one of them being a 6 month old baby girl.
All the evidences are conclusive and AGAINST Carrie Parsons, but she says she is innocent and can never even think of committing such heinous crimes.

YOU WILL KEEP OSCILLATING LIKE A PENDULUM because you really don’t know if Carrie is capable or not but it’s in plain sight she is the last one seen with both the patients.
It was MIND BOGGLING.

There are some scenes which can cause anxiety to mothers out there, I am not but it caused me some level of anxiety to say the least.

BUT I KEPT WONDERING HOW WAS THE TITLE OF THE BOOK RELEVANT, it seems it was decided for a different book but the pages are from a different book all wrongly bound together, nonetheless it’s a good read.

Also the end is a HAPPY ENDING FOR EVERY CHARACTER, miraculously and some unceremoniously.

If you liked “NIGHT AWAY” by JESS RYDER you might like this one too.

Thankyou NetGalley and the publishers for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

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Love this book. K.L. Slater offers a group of complex characters that just barely sit on the edge of likable and tease the readers with their integrity. The plot is complex and while it seems to be moving in multiple directions, Slater has her next move all worked out. By the time the story concludes, readers will ask; What. The. Hell? Highly recommended. 5 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the ARC of #TheGirlSheWanted by #KLSlater, which was read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#readmorebooks #bookoutureanonymous #bookit #booksharks #booksparks #bookstagram #booktweets #bookblogs #readreviewrepeat #goodreadschallenge2020 #kindlegoals #whatsonyourshelf

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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to #Bookoture and #NetGalley for the ARC.
This book kept me guessing until the very end.
I never figured out who the real suspect was until the author revealed it at the end of the book.
Interesting story line excetpt I kinda got ready for the big reveal about 3/4's of the way through the book.

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Thank you NetGalley, KL Slater and Bookouture for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first KL Slater book and won't be my last. The novel tries to answer the life long question of how well do you know your family and can you trust them?

Though the story is about Carrie Parsons, who has been accused of murdering two patients, on her shift at a local hospital, the story is told from the perspective of Alexa, Carrie's sister. Alexa is a 37 year old wife and mother who suffers from severe PTSD, Carrie lives with Alexa, her 1yo daughter Florence and her husband Perry. Her marriage has broken up and she moved in with them 8 months ago, when she had nowhere else to go. Now she has been accused of murder and Carrie is standing by her, while Perry wants her gone, afraid something will happen to Florence.

There is so much happening in this story that sometimes it can be hard to follow. Many Many characters that had me looking back to see who was who. And with every new character, a new twist to the story! It was brilliant! KL Slater has her characters doing things you never thought they would do and it keeps you glued to each page.

This novel has a surprising ending. I did not see it coming at all. An Amazing read! 5 Stars!

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Alexa has always looked up to her older sister Carrie. 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’s husband doesn’t trust Carrie and so Alexa shuts him out. But, when Florence is hurt while in Carrie’s care, she begins to wonder whom to believe.

Such a well written psychological thriller with lot of surprises and twists. Right from the start it keeps making you wonder who is telling the truth and who is not.

In terms of the main characters, they are well written but are not too likable. Alexa is indecisive and rather than being strong and trying to find out the facts, she constantly refuses to accept the circumstances in front of her. Carrie keeps lying and makes it very difficult to have a positive feeling about her.

The plot moves a bit slow initially but slowly picks up pace as the secrets come tumbling out. The mystery about Alexa and Carrie’s past as well as the current accusations are maintained right till the end with an unexpected twist at the end, so it keeps you hooked on.

The only doubt in my mind is the title. In spite of finishing and enjoying the book, I am still wondering how is it relevant? I guess I need to re-read it!

Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

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The Girl She Wanted
by K.L. Slater
Bookouture
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 22 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 22 Oct 2020

Another great Mystery/Thriller by K.L.Slater. I have read all of her books and I believe this one is the best of all of them. Well written, and kept me thinking. Everyone could have been guilty. I will recommend this to our patrons. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the NetGalley of this book. It gives me plenty of time to read it and then know what my readers will want.

5 stars

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When Alexa's sister, Carrie, is accused of killing patients in the A&E department where she works, Alexa seems to be the only person that believes her sister is innocent. Does she know her sister best or is she blinkered to the truth? Putting her marriage at risk and with social services looking at whether her daughter is safe, Alexa has to find out the truth one way or the other. As usual this is quality writing from K.L. Slater. The characters leap from the page and the finger of suspicion falls on them all. The plot is well executed and the twists are shocking without being far-fetched. Highly recommend this book and this author. Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to preview this book.

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THE GIRL SHE WANTED is the thirteenth psychological thriller by bestselling author K.L. Slater.
Dr Nathan Mosley reports his findings, and the police are called to investigate foul play when 84-year-old Angus Titchford and Samina Khalil a six months old baby die of unnatural causes after being admitted to King's Mill hospitals A & E department in Nottinghamshire.
For ten years, Carrie Parsons has worked at the hospital a senior nurse and A&E Ward Manager. Hence it comes as a massive shock to everybody when she's suspected of committing an unimaginable crime while on duty. DI Adam Partridge and DS Nell Tremaine, arrest Carrie on suspicion of causing the unnatural deaths of two people. Carrie is suspended.
Colleagues start turning against Carrie; they say she made several trips to the drugs room and forgot to get medicines for two patients and then mixed up the pills, she also made changes to work schedules and CCTV footage that shows her on the ward when she said that she'd already left. Of course, none of these accusations helps Carrie's case. Is she a guilty party?
Confident of Carrie's innocence is her younger sister Alexa. Alexa has always relied on Carrie; they are close sisters who live together in Alexa's and Perry's home after Carrie's marriage collapses. Carrie helps to look after Florence, her niece, as Alexa has emotional issues. It soon becomes apparent that Perry is no fan of his sister-in-law when Florence gets hurt in Carrie's care he tries to convince his wife that it was Carrie's fault, but Alexa shuts him out. Nothing will ever come between her and her sister.
This well-written plot is full of turmoil, suspicion, deception, and secrecy, making the story tense and addictive with many twists and turns weaving throughout. The characters are well-formed and convincing.
This book is Kim doing what she does best, producing I am sure another Best Selling Psychological Thriller.
I would highly recommend a place on everyone's bookshelf.
I want to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and K.L Slater for a pre-publication copy to review.

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Another great read from this author. Alexa and Carrie are sisters. Carrie a nurse is under suspicion for two deaths at the hospital where she works. This read really gripped me and was definitely not what I was expecting. I read this book in one sitting I HAD TO KNOW THE TRUTH!!!! Secrets, lies and revenge. Almost five stars.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

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I have read all of K L Slater’s previous novels and have thoroughly enjoyed them. ‘The Girl She Wanted’ is no exception and I would put it as one of the best so far.
The story revolves around Alexa, married to Perry who frequently works away and her sister Carrie, who is living with the couple along with their daughter Florence as her marriage has broken up.
Carrie is the nurse in charge at a busy A&E department in the local hospital and recently two deaths have occurred even though the patients seemed to be recovering. An investigation is instigated by a junior doctor and Carrie finds herself in the middle of it all.
Clever characters, all with something to hide, along with excellent, fast-paced plotting. There were many twists, turns and sub-plots and a brilliant ending.

Another great read and highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and KL Slater for the ARC in return for my honest review.

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I’ve been a fan of this author since I read Blink so was really excited to receive this new offering.
I didn’t read the blurb about the storyline and just delved into the book blind.

When an elderly gentleman and a young baby die after admittance to the A & E department at King’s Mill Hospital after seemingly good prognosis’s the police are called to investigate foul play.

Newly divorced Carrie Parsons was the Ward Manager on both patients’ admittance and was involved in their care. Her conduct falls under suspicion by the Police and is arrested.

Carrie’s home life has deteriorated since her marriage break up and marital debts have caused her to move in with her sister, Alexa and her husband and baby. Carrie’s presence in the house is causing tension between Alexa and her husband and her arrest further cements this.

Alexa is a woman that seems plagued by anxiety issues and is torn between the two important people in her life.

I love how this author always exposes the horrible side of human nature but also explores how resilient we can be in the face of adversity. This is a great storyline and one I would highly recommend others to read.

Many thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Creepy page turner as this author does best that had me guessing until the end. Who is the bad guy? Literally did not know until the end. A woman and her baby’s world are rocked when her sister is accused of murder as a hospital nurse and is then under investigation. What does she do - have her stop watching her daughter? This book takes so many twists and turns it’s hard to keep up at some points but you’ll be glad you did at the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "The Girl She Wanted" in exchange for an honest review.

K.L. Slater's books are always brilliant and I'm eager to sit and binge-read. This book was no different, having read it in less than a day. I have to say it is my favourite of Ms. Slater's books. This book seeks to answer the question "what if someone you loved were accused of something horrific and you were the only one to believe in their innocence."

The story begins on Sunday 12, April with the character of Angus Titchford, an 82-year old widower who lost his wife 4 years ago. He lives on his own and is in excellent health. A freak accident sends him to King's Mill Hospital in Nottinghamshire with a broken hip. This begins a chain of events that will impact and practically ruin several families.

The story is told from the perspective of Alexa Ford a 37 year old wife and mother who suffers from severe anxiety, The Police Station, The District Child Protection Team, The North Sea, off Aberdeen, Dr. Nathan Mosley and Six Weeks After the events. The main part of the story is a back and forth between Alexa and the Police Station.

Alexa's sister Carrie Parsons is a 42 year old nurse working at the King's Mill Hospital's A & E department. She has been living with Alexa and her husband Perry for the past 8 months since her marriage broke up. She often cares for her niece Florence. When Dr. Nathan Mosley turns whistleblower over the death of Angus Titchford and the death of Samina Khalil a 6 months old baby girl a few months earlier. He claims that there is something going on in the A & E department that is causing these unexplained deaths. Carrie is soon arrested and brought into the station on suspicion of causing the unnatural deaths of Angus and Samina. Leading the investigation are Detective Inspector Adam Partridge and his partner Detective Sergeant Nell Tremaine.

Colleagues are turning against Carrie, they say that she made several trips to the drugs room, forgot to get medications for 2 patients and then mixed them up, made changes to the work schedule, there is CCTV footage that shows her on the ward when she said that she'd left. Perry orders Alexa not to allow Florence to be alone with Carrie. The only person that is in Carrie's corner is Alexa.

Then an email from a concerned member of the public brings the District Child Protection Team in the person of Amanda Botha to the Ford home. Since Carrie lives with them and she has been arrested they are duty bound to investigate.

An accident brings new things to light along with anger and accusations. Former friends of Carrie are acting strangely. Her ex-husband is making accusations against her. All this makes for difficulties on the North Sea oil rig for Perry and he ends up coming home and may not return to his job - one where he just received a wonderful promotion. But Perry has secrets of his own that he's covering up and hiding from Alexa. Carrie knows Alexa's secrets regarding Daisy Mae and she knows what Perry is hiding.

The story comes to a conclusion with the capture of a psychopath, a bully, someone who has let an obsession fester over the years. They plead 'not guilty due to diminished responsibility". While lives are ruined, some are repaired for the better and some learn that they are stronger than they thought possibly.

An absolutely brilliant read. Worth more than the available 5 stars! Looking forward to the next offering from Ms. Slater.

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“The Girl she Wanted” was a good story that had many twists to it. Although I figured out the who early on I couldn’t figure out the why. Well written and fast paced this was a good book but it didn’t leave me saying “wow”at the end.

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A really good twisty thriller with an ending that totally surprised me. This is a compelling edge of the seat read that I read in one sitting. There are a few twists and shocks and a lot packed into this story. Everything is not as straight forward as it appears to be.

Thank Netgalley for my copy.

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A well crafted and heartbreaking psychological thriller.

Carrie has been a well respected senior nurse at King's Mill Hospital for ten years now. So it comes a huge shock to everybody when she's suspected of committing a horrific, unthinkable crime while on duty. Among those who are absolutely certain of Carrie's innocence is her younger sister Alexa. After all, how could Carrie possibly do something like that when she has done so much good for her sister? She helped raise Alexa when their mother died, helped her get through the toughest trauma of her life and is currently living with Alexa and helping take care of her one year old daughter. No, Alexa definitely can't reconcile the sister she knows with the horrible crime she has been accused of. Then things start to shift. Alexa starts noticing things she never did before. She starts questioning how well she really does know her sister. Is Carrie the devoted sister and nurse she acts like? Or is that a well placed cover for the secrets she's been keeping all these years?

I could not put this book down! The characters were so well done that I found myself attached to them (even the minor characters). Alexa, particularly, showed so much character growth as the story progressed that I couldn't help but root for her. The plot was fast paced and kept me questioning everything throughout. When I thought I knew what was happening, here would come another curve ball. And there are a lot of curve balls in this one! By the end, I was in complete shock at where the story went, heartbroken, and in awe of yet another fantastic story by Ms. Slater.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Carrie always has looked out for her sister Alexa . Carrie works at the hospital ward manager . a junior Dr is called to a man who has had a heart attack but something not adding up as second time someone has died he goes to his bosses and Carrie is under suspicion . Alexa has a young child . and Carrie lives with her and her husband he does not like the bond the two sisters have . but how things start to unfold each questions the other and so mistrust . this author is just brilliant

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