I love Shalini Boland's style of writing so I was really excited for her newest book, My Little Girl. I think one of the things Shalini does best is throw you off the scent of who the culprit behind the madness could be, however, in this one I was able to pick out the culprit almost from the very beginning. That was a bit of disappointment for me because I'm normally never able to figure it out before the twist is revealed to me, but since I had a pretty good idea after a few clues were left in the beginning, it did affect my perspective for the rest of the book. I think I would have enjoyed the mystery of it all more if I wasn't so certain from the beginning. With that said though, I did still really enjoy this and loved watching them chase the dead end suspects. I even questioned myself at times because of the way the evidence was being laid out. I absolutely loved the ending and felt justice was served all around. Those last few pages would set this up perfectly for a sequel but I think its perfect as a standalone novel. I really liked all of the characters. I even liked the scatty grandma who seemed to make one frustrating decision after another because I could tell she had a good heart. Overall, I thought this gave the perfect amount of backstory for the characters and I was so enveloped in the story despite the fact that I was pretty sure I had figured it out. I can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Shalini Boland certainly knows how to spin a yarn, what a fantastic work of psychological suspense with brilliant relatable characters and a super gran to add to the mix. I thoroughly devoured this book because the pages kept me gripped and holding my breath until the shocking conclusion. It deserves the whole five stars and I would give it more if I could. Even though it's slightly predictable and I did guess who the kidnapper was it's still a tense, drama packed, twist filled book and I would definitely recommend. Thank you Netgally and the amazing team at Bookouture for allowing me to read the ARC, I really appreciate it and I can't wait to see what Shalini Boland writes next. What a fantastic author she is!.

Jill takes her granddaughter Beatrice to the fair to discover that she has disappeared. What happened and who did it?

Mystery and thriller is usually my jam, but this book just was not for me. The pacing is extremely slow. I didn't feel like we were really on the brink of discovering anything, and I fell asleep at least 3 times while reading this book. That was how thrilling this book was! Mother May I is being released in April as well which also features a kidnapped child. However, the parents aren't just sitting around wringing their hands for most of the book.

The storytelling was really subpar, and I just didn't find this book entertaining in the least.

Shalini Boland does it again! 5 HUGE stars from this blogger! I was automatically intrigued by the book description and knew I would be sucked in to the story within the first few pages! How can you not love a story about a Granny who takes her granddaughter to the fair with her friend and then loses her? The series of events that follows had me at the edge of my seat yet cracking up. Granny (Jill) continues to put her foot in her mouth and get herself into a mess of trouble even though it seems that all she cares about is finding her precious granddaughter Bea. This book has quite the cast of characters and Shalini Boland does a masterful job at keeping you guessing until the end! I will ALWAYS pick up a Shalini book because I am never disappointed!

‘I’m sorry. Your daughter is missing…’

The words that every parent dreads hearing. Claire Nolan is getting ready for a night out with friends when she receives a call saying just that. Desperate to find out what happened, she races to the fairground where Beatrice was last seen, when she arrives she sees her mother in law Jill talking to the police, Claire can't understand why she is there when her husband Ollie was supposed to be taking Beatrice and her friend to the funfair and he is nowhere to be seen! Why did Ollie change his plans and leave her with his mum when he knew Claire didn't trust her to keep their daughter safe, who has taken Beatrice and why? Someone is lying and Claire starts to suspect those closest to her.

My Little Girl is a dual narrative told by Claire and Jill, with occasional chapters by the perpetrator. It's always a harrowing read when it involves missing children and this one was no exception, I was praying that this one would have a happy ending. I felt for Claire, it's every parents worst nightmare to hear your child is missing and she seemed to be dealing with it on her own, but I also felt for Jill who was obviously blaming herself for taking her eye off the ball, and losing sight of her granddaughter just for a few seconds. Ollie was a complete waste of space, but reasons for that become clear later in the story. As with all of Shalini's previous books that I've read, she expertly draws you into the story, building the plot up slowly, keeping you guessing throughout, before she hits you with the twist. I actually guessed who it was on this occasion, but that didn't detract anything from the story, in fact it ramped it up because I was eager to see what the reasons were behind the abduction, and I wasn't disappointed. Another fabulous book by Boland and I look forward to her next one.

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

Author : Shalini Boland
My Little Girl
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
Your daughter is missing. Did someone close to you take her?

Seven-year-old Beatrice has gone missing. Her mother Claire’s whole world has been turned upside down in just one moment and she can’t stop shaking. She’s desperate to find her precious daughter, but nothing about the day she disappeared makes sense…

The mother-in-law: Jill was meant to be looking after Beatrice. She says she didn’t take her eyes off the little girl but her version of events doesn’t add up… Claire has never got on with her, so why should she trust her now?

The husband: He should have been with their only child. Instead, he changed the plans without telling Claire. She didn’t think there were any secrets between them, but maybe she was wrong?

The first wife: Laurel has always been jealous of Claire’s family. Has her husband’s ex-wife taken her daughter?

Which one of them is lying? And who really knows where Beatrice is?

🎯MY REVIEW🎯

My Little Girl by Shalini Boland is a exciting, intriguing, pulse pounding psychological Thriller that kept me unable to put the book down. It was another one-sitting read for me! I absolutely couldn’t put this book down. So many twists and turns!
Having your child disappear is every parents worst nightmare. The characters where very interesting and realistic. The story alternates between the point of view of Claire the mother and Jill her mother-in-law. There is also a few chapters from the kidnapper. I Absolutely love Shalini Boland's
writing and this gem did not disappoint! This is a well written, story that I gladly recommend for others to read. I just want to say Thank you to author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this 5 star story . I truly appreciate it!

*******Disclosure*******
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
*************************

#netgalley
#ShaliniBoland
#MyLittleGirl
#bookaddict
#bookworm

I'm a huge fan and usually I love Shalini's books but unfortunately this one just didn't grab me.

I found it too long winded and predictable.

My Little Girl is a psychological thriller about a 7 year old girl who goes missing when in the care of her grandmother. The grandmother is known for her scatty behaviour and is not supposed to look after the child by herself.

The story unfolds across multiple points of view and a number of suspects are thrown into the mix which helps to maintain the suspense. Unfortunately the characters seemed a little one dimensional and a lot of the plot was too predictable.

This is my first book by this author. Although this didn't quite hit the spot for me I would be interested to read more of her work.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An edge of your seat drama that gets going straight away. Every parents worst nightmare happens when Claire gets a phone call before a girls night out to say her young daughter has gone missing from the fair. Claire thought her husband had her daughter but soon learns her mither in law had the child when she went missing. The book will have you second guessing every character introduced, wondering if they are responsible for taking the child. I really enjoyed this one, and found the ending really exciting

When Claire's little girl goes missing whilst in the care of her grandmother Jill, every mother's worst nightmare becomes a reality. Claire and her husband, Ollie, go through a multitude of emotions. These are described so well that I felt as if I was on their journey with them, suspecting everyone and anyone. The characters and situations were completely believable, meaning that I felt part of the developing situation, rather than simply a bystander. I did manage to guess who had abducted Claire's daughter but I wasn't completely sure until it was revealed. I did enjoy the ending of the book as there were no questions left unanswered, but I was also left with a cliff-hanger...

Jill has taken her adored granddaughter Beatrice and friend to the fair, and in two seconds everything changes. Jill loses sight of the girls and Beatrice is gone.
Her daughter in law Claire didn’t understand why the girls where with Jill, Her husband Oliver was supposed to be with them.
What happened, where is she, This book will have you on the edge of your seat.
Where is Beatrice. A roller coaster ride that you won’t want to put down.
#NetGalley #MyLittleGirl # ShalaniBoland

Every parents nightmare, getting the call that their child has gone missing.
When Jill looks away from her granddaughter for a few minutes at a unfair, that is the call she has to make to her son and daughter-in-law.
Told from the perspectives of Jill and her daughter-in-law Claire, the story follows them as they try to work what happened and Beatrice is.
A twisty and suspenseful plot that has lots of suspects to keep you guessing alright up until the reveal.

Shalini Boland never disappoints! My Little Girl is a tense and thrilling psychological family tale which starts off right out of the gate and doesn't let up until the stunning conclusion. There are many suspects who keep you guessing with an obsession to find out whodunnit!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Claire is getting ready to head out for the night with girlfriends and receives a call - Your daughter is missing.

Jill, Claire's mother-in-law, is watching little Beatrice and her friend, unbeknownst to Claire. Claire thought her husband was taking her daughter to the fair. Jill lost her granddaughter in the hall of mirrors. She looked away for a second to take a phone call, now no one can find Beatrice.

Shalini Boland weaves a tale and casts a shadow over everyone involved. Who took Beatrice? Is she still alive? Will Claire get her little girl back?

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘My Little Girl’ by Shalini Boland in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Jill has taken her seven-year-old granddaughter Beatrice and best friend Millie to the funfair. While they’re in the Hall of Mirrors Jill gets a phone call and in those few seconds she’s distracted Beatrice goes missing. As the police arrive and the funfair closes Claire and Jill start receiving text messages from an unknown number, and Oliver appears to have a secret that he’s hiding from them. Will Beatrice be found before it’s too late?

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘My Little Girl’ by Shalini Boland in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Jill has taken her seven-year-old granddaughter Beatrice and best friend Millie to the funfair. While they’re in the Hall of Mirrors Jill gets a phone call and in those few seconds she’s distracted Beatrice goes missing. As the police arrive and the funfair closes Claire and Jill start receiving text messages from an unknown number, and Oliver appears to have a secret that he’s hiding from them. Will Beatrice be found before it’s too late?

‘My Little Girl’ is a gripping thriller that’s had me hooked from page one especially as the story is set in my home town of Christchurch and I know every place mentioned, Wimborne, Hurn, Mudeford Quay, Bridge Street, Regent Centre, every road and roundabout, and if I didn’t already live there I’d want to visit. The story is well-written with a believable plot, drama, intrigue, suspicious characters and twists and turns, leading to an action-packed conclusion that I wasn’t expecting. This is a very enjoyable novel that’s a pleasure to read and I can’t wait for the next one.

My LIttle Girl is another winner by Shalini Boland. Most of the story unfolds over one week and Boland packs a lot of tension and suspense into those seven days. The story alternates between the point of view of Claire Nolan and her mother-in-law Jill, with a few short passages from the kidnapper’s point-of-few. Claire doesn’t trust her absent-minded mother-in-law to care for seven-year-old Beatrice on her own. However, when Claire decides to go on a rare girl’s night outing, her husband allows his mother to take Bea and a friend to a local fair. While in the Hall of Mirrors, Jill gets distracted by a phone call and in that brief time, her granddaughter Bea disappears. Now it’s a race against time to get Bea back safely.

This fast-paced thriller is full of suspense without being too dark. I’m glad I started reading this on a day I had a lot of free time, because I didn’t want to put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. There are a few characters who act suspiciously, but I correctly guessed who was behind Bea’s disappearance. That didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book at all, because there was plenty going on to keep my interest. There is a capable law enforcement team on the case, but the focus is Claire, her husband Oliver, Jill, and their dynamic and how Bea’s disappearance affects them. Most things seem to be resolved by the end of the book, but a surprising development in the epilogue could result in future trouble for the Nolan family. In my opinion, this final twist is unwelcome, but that is my only complaint about this fantastic thriller. I’ve read two other books by Boland and this is my favorite of the three. I have a few other books by her on my shelf that I need to move up in my “to be read” list. Fans of the author’s other books or those who enjoy books by Shari Lapena will want to experience the latest by Boland. I would rate the book 4.5 stars.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Bookouture. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

A taut, compelling thriller that kept me turning the pages. Always enjoy Shalini’s work. Recommended! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC

The worst nightmare a mother could face is when her own child disappears mysteriously into thin air. That's what happened to Claire Nolan when her mother-in-law, Jill offered to look after Beatrice and her friend Millie. Claire's husband, Ollie was supposed to look after the girls but Jill, ended up looking after them. Jill tries hard to become a good grandmother but Claire thinks Jill could be absent minded and may not look after Beatrice properly. And so that's what happened when Jill was answering the phone and the next moment, Beatrice went missing.

This is the second book I have read from Shalini Boland, the first one being the Wife. This book was really gripping and well written that I was hooked into the book from the beginning. The story was told from the perspectives of Claire and Jill, their complicated relationship with each other and the fact that Jill is more favorable towards Laurel, Ollie's ex-wife more than to Claire, creates a tense atmosphere between the two women. So we would know how these characters feel about each other. Though initially I didn't like both the women, soon I get to have soft spot for both as I know what it is like to feel when your child goes missing. Too many suspects, particularly Laurel, who seems to be jealous of the way Claire is living happily with Ollie. There were so many twists and turns and the ending was really good that I couldn't even put the book down!! Read this book in one go!! I mean I couldn't wait until the end to know who on earth had really abducted Beatrice.

In short, this novel is quiet unputdownable, chilling, gripping filled with twists and turns that will take your breath away! Quiet a roller coaster ride I had with this book! Worth five stars!

Wow! Shalini ‘The Master Storyteller’ Boland does its again with another excellent tale.
This is a brilliant, gripping read. Little Beatrice goes missing from the fair. Why was she with her, sometimes scatty, grandmother Jill, when she was supposed to be with her Dad Oliver? Way is Oliver’s first wife Laurel still such good friends with Jill and not so much with Claire, Beatrice’s Mum?. Who can anyone trust and will little Beatrice ever be found?
So well written you can feel the frustration, desperation and fear pulsate off the pages, as the days go by and she’s still missing.
An epic read

Imagine receiving a call to say your child has gone missing, it would be any parents worst nightmare. When Claire receives a call telling her that her daughter Bea has gone missing from a fun fair her whole world falls apart. Bea and her friend have gone to the fair with Jill, who is Claire’s mother in law where is Bea and who has taken her.

This book started off really well for me but unfortunately it seemed to fizzle out midway through and although I hate to admit I was getting slightly bored with it. There were certain little niggles I had with what was going on. I won’t mention them here for fear of giving away a spoiler or two.
I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters apart from Jill who I felt a bit sorry for at times. Thankfully things picked up towards the latter half of the book and I enjoyed it a lot more. Not one of the best books by this author but it certainly won’t stop me reading more from her. I’ve read and loved all her previous books but sadly this one just didn’t cut it totally for me.