I wasn’t sure what to expect diving into Hidden Daughters, especially since it’s book 15 in the Lottie Parker series and I hadn’t read the others. But honestly? It didn’t matter. I was hooked from the first chapter. Patricia Gibney does a fantastic job of grounding you in the characters and their world, even if you’re coming in fresh.

The story kicks off with Lottie and her partner Mark Boyd heading to Connemara for his sister Grace’s wedding. A peaceful getaway that doesn’t stay peaceful for too long. When a woman’s body is discovered in a nearby holiday cottage, Lottie can’t help but get involved, despite being on leave. Boyd is less than thrilled, especially when things start to spiral and her focus is split between two murder investigations, one in Connemara, and another back home in Ragmullin that shares eerily similar details.

As the cases begin to overlap, what unfolds is a dark and deeply unsettling story linked to a local convent and the grim legacy of the laundries.

I loved how the author slowly builds tension, with twists that genuinely surprised me, and flashbacks that added even more depth to the narrative. I loved how she balances the suspense with real emotional depth, never losing sight of the humanity behind the crimes.

This was such a well plotted read, layered, atmospheric, and deeply emotional. Even with multiple threads and timelines, the story never felt confusing. It just pulled me further in.

Hidden Daughters was my first Lottie Parker novel, but it absolutely won’t be my last. I’m already adding the rest of the series to my TBR. If you love police procedurals with emotional depth and a strong, flawed heroine, then you should definitely give this one a try.

Another fantastic read about Lottie Parker and Mark Boyd. Very harrowing in parts due to the subject matter of the premise. Well written with amazing characterisation. Kept me enthralled from the first to the last page. Loved the backstory and looking forward to the next offering.

Oh I've missed Patricia Gibney.

What a fantastic read. I literally flew through Hidden Daughters although I didn't want it to end.

I recommend that you read the books in order, that way you can grow with the characters..

I thought I knew who the murder was, I was so very wrong. This will keep you in the edge of your seat the whole way through.

Another fantastic read

Lottie and Boyd take a much-needed break from work to attend the wedding of Boyd’s sister, Grace, in Galway. What begins as a peaceful getaway quickly turns grim when a brutally murdered body is discovered nearby. Lottie, ever the dedicated detective, offers her assistance to the local detective, much to Boyd’s frustration. He’s upset that Lottie is, once again, putting work before their relationship. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that all the victims share a troubling connection to a local convent with a dark and sordid history. Despite her intentions to stay out of it, Lottie is drawn deeper into the case.
Back in Ragmullin, Detective Kirby is holding down the fort in Lottie's absence. He’s investigating a disturbing murder that bears chilling similarities to the Galway killings. Could there be a link between the two cases? As the pieces start to fall into place, a wider, more sinister pattern begins to emerge.

Book 15 in the Lottie Parker series does not disappoint. Every time I pick up one of these books, I'm instantly transported back to the familiar world of Ragmullin and its compelling cast of characters. This installment is another gripping and addictive read, weaving a chilling storyline that shines a light on the tragic history of Ireland’s mother and baby homes. The book powerfully brings to the surface the horrors endured by women and children in these institutions. At times, it was difficult to read due to the disturbing subject matter, but the emotional weight only added to its impact. It's a haunting, thought-provoking story that will stay with me for a long time. An excellent addition to an already outstanding series.

Thanks to bookouture and Patricia Gibney for this pre-approved ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book 15 in this exceptional series! When I first started thus book I stopped a couple times with a "ugh just another book" well I finally picked it back up and once I got into it?! I loved this book! What an enjoyable read! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, and so many crazy twists! And a bit of a who done it! I highly recommend reading this book! It was well worth reading!

Book 15 in the Detective Lottie Parker Series. I think most people are aware of the brutality of the Catholic Church in Ireland and their appalling treatment of young pregnant women, their new babies and indeed other children dumped in their ‘care’ by their families, known as the Magdalene Laundries. This book is based on one such Institution and the ramifications of the treatment and death of one particular child incarcerated within it.

Briefly, DI Lottie Parker has taken a break to attend her partner Boyd’s sister’s wedding in Connemara. However back in Ragmullin the team are dealing with the scalded and burnt body of an unidentified victim. Then Lottie is caught up in a murder near where she is staying and it appears both killings are of a similar nature and it can’t just be coincidence can it? With a local detective trying to keep his sanity as Lottie, without authority, gets involved, more murders occur and there is clearly a serial killer at large.

Lottie isn’t an easy character, she is flawed from her past and her partner, Boyd is struggling with her refusal to back down on her work. A vivid and at times graphic book with scenes which may cause distress to some but what a brilliant book. As for the perpetrators, and those in Authority who helped cover their crimes, may they all rot in h3ll. A compelling police procedural, emotional and tense this is a fantastic read.

Detective Lottie Parker Book 15

I was horrified reading this book. Of course I'd heard of the Magdalene Laundries but this book highlights the horrors that happened in them.

The blurb doesn't really explain what happens. Lottie is on holiday with Boyd when a woman's body is discovered in a nearby cottage. Not able to keep her nose out she goes to the scene to find out what happened. The local detective makes the mistake of letting her see the scene. After that she is compelled to find out what happened. Who would murder a woman in such a torturous way?

I loved this book and I flew through it in 2 sittings. I can't wait to read the next one in this great series.

Book 15 in the fantastic crime series with Detective Lottie Parker. Another brilliant read that I read in one sitting!

This is another brilliant and addictive read in the Lottie Parker series, one of my favourites in the crime thriller genre. I found this to be an emotional and difficult read due to the subject matter but it gripped me despite that. Lottie is a complex character, and her relationship with Boyd is under pressure. You could certainly feel the tension building between the pair as they went to attend the wedding of Boyd's sister, Grace. I thoroughly recommend the whole series, I am sure readers won't be disappointed with the well written and tension filled books. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for my copy of Hidden Daughters by Patricia Gibney.
Detective Lottie Parker is on holiday with her partner Boyd when she hears about a murder.
We all know that Lottie will have to get involved, no matter the consequences.
A woman has been found scalded to death. Everything goes back to the old convent and what happened there.
A journalist is investigating what happened there and awakening old memories and old monsters.
The story weaves in and out between the two times and there are twists and turns on every page.
I couldn't put this book down. Riveting and sad read, I had to know the ending.
This is book 15 in the series. Already waiting for book 16.

This was my first book by Patricia Gibney & it did not disappoint! Extremely gripping from the very beginning with excellent twists & turns. Highly recommend

I really enjoyed this book with its setting in Galway. Lottie Parker’s back and on a rare holiday with her partner Boyd to attend his sister’s wedding. She gets pulled aside and asked to find her fiancé’s long-lost girlfriend and child, and Lottie agrees. And then a murder takes place nearby Lottie inserts herself into the investigation, to the consternation of the SIO (senior investigation officer). Her relationship with Boyd suffers, to the point where it seems irreparable. The murder investigation leads to the not-so-distant past history of Ireland, where incorrigible boys and pregnant unwed girls are sent to reform schools, and to religious institutions, where the girls were forced into slave labor in laundry facilities. Their babies were taken away for adoption. The descriptions of these places was difficult to read but was necessary for the book to proceed. I did not see the ending coming. More Lottie Parker please.

Wow book 15 in the series didn’t disappoint, this was a cracking read

Lottie and Boyd are on vacation for a week for Boyd’s sister Graces wedding. There is a local murder and as the body count starts to mount Lottie can’t help herself but get involved. Boyd isn’t impressed, will their relationship weather this storm?

Really enjoyed this book, it was a change from the normal Lottie Parker book because it’s mainly set away from the usual area. With Lottie being on leave it made room to introduce a new face which I really liked. Recommend this book but also the whole series which is excellent. Well worth a read once you get sucked into the story it’s hard to put the book down.

Publication Date 25 June 2025.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC in return for an honest review.

It took me a bit longer than normal to properly get into this book, picking it up and putting it back down after a few pages. Not sure if it was the different dynamic of Lottie away for the week in Galway (it’s Graces wedding) and Kirby in charge back in Ragmullin. I wasn’t overly fussed in that to be honest, Lottie trying to insinuate herself in the murder case that of course occurs in the very place she’s staying, that was a bit predictable.
I’m not overly fussed on Boyd’s sister Grace either, obviously she’s on the spectrum, but she’s an ignorant cow too and being subjected to more of her than normal was off putting.

But as I got more into the plot I enjoyed it as always. A whole heap of people are involved in a past history at a convent for unwanted girls, some pregnant and a home for wayward, troublesome boys. Someone from the past is murdering people connected to these places and everyone seems to be connected in some way.

I’ve said in the past that Lottie and Boyd’s relationship has spoiled the plot at times and I believe they should either get married or separate for good. Lottie is hard work most of the time, but she has stood by Boyd and he has put her through a lot, not all intentional, but he’s hard work too. I feel that she needs to cut romantic ties with him and move on, he’s a waste of space and I’ve really grew to dislike him.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in return for an honest review and I look forward to the next book in the series and the dramas that will befall Detective Lottie Parker.

4.5 Stars

Book 15 of the Detective Lottie Parker series and still going strong!

A great combination of mystery and character development.

Lottie and Boyd are taking some time out ahead of his sister's wedding, however, spotting flashing police lights, Lottie can't help but be drawn in to find out what is going on and after a whiff of the crime, she can't let it go, she inserts herself into the Investigaton.

We meet Boyd's sister Grace's fiancé Bryan who, ahead of his wedding asks Lottie to help find out some information from his past. Information that ties him to the case that she has inserted herself into. The dynamics of this group is an interesting one to follow and tensions run high, accusations are made, and priorities are not aligned.

Kirby has the opportunity to step up and lead the team while Lottie is on leave and there are some great moments to make you smile as he finally finds some happiness.

There are characters is this book that had me feeling totally frustrated, growling at them aloud for their behaviour. Love or hate them, it was a dynamic read that pulled me in and kept me engaged to the end.

Lottie Parker is back with a bang! Off duty as she is on holiday she still cannot help herself and gets involved in a serial killer murdering women connected to a convent.

A brilliant read which I loved and stayed up to finish as it was gripping. Already looking forward to the next one.

5 stars

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this arc.

Lottie and Boyd have taken a break to Connemara to attend Boyd’s sisters Grace’s wedding. Whist Kirby is left to lead a new investigation in Ragmullin. When Boyd's brother law to be be asks Lottie to find out something from his past. She ends up getting involved in a case as a consultant to the local Police. which Boyd is not happy about. As the delve further into the case not only they discover that Boyd’s future brother law is involved but the murder of the woman and the other bodies turn up but have got to do with the local convent and the laundries that were run so many years ago.
Hidden Daughters by Patricia Gibney is book 15th in the Lottie Parker series and another fabulous read. It is another well plotted storyline, great characters and also emotional one emphasising what happened years ago with the convent laundries. Yet again, I couldn’t put this down. I can’t wait to hear more from this author and the future of Lottie and Boyd. 5 stars from me.

another great addition to the series. its like we know these people now! and i love how i can identify Patricia and her writing style by now too. its almost a comfort.
this book gives us of course our Detective Lottie. shes on a break(yeh right)| with her partner to attend his sisters wedding. but of course things dont go as planned as Boyd isnt happy when Lottie gets involved in a case. but there are more things going on here. more things closer to home. and the more Lottie finds out the harder it becomes to not see the links in victims to one very dark place. sadly we all know these places existed and im sure still do under some radar. so it felt even more hard hitting to read about a very very dark occurrence that could've gone on in one of them.
its not an easy case. and not everyone is very happy with her involvement. but we know Lottie by now. she's going to be involved people, suck it up.
and we are once again going to be needing to worry about Lottie!

I loved this installment. Alot of twists and turns. I enjoyed the storyline. Already looking forward to next Lottie mystery
Thankyou for opportunity to read this

Another great book in this series. This time Lottie is away for Grace's wedding when she stumbles across a murder scene and becomes involved in the investigation. Grace's husband to be also asks Lottie to investigate something which turns out to be connected to his past in an institution. There are ups and downs between Lottie and Boyd as the case develops, with Lottie getting more involved. Back home, Kirby is investigating a case in her absence which appears to be connected. Is this book the end of Lottie and Boyd or can they overcome the difficulties? Fingers crossed as they are a great team. Triggers in this book include child abuse and the Magdalene Laundries.
Already looking forward to the next one.