The latest instalment, number 15, in the DI Lottie Parker series. As with other books in this series, this one is ok as a standalone, though there are quite a few references that need a bit of background, more so than in the other books.

This offering’s plot is bound up in the Magdalene Laundries, a well covered and much written about period in Irish history that is shameful and unforgivable.

Parker and Boyd are attending Boyd’s sister’s wedding in Connemara, Galway. Arriving a few days early they are going to make the best of a break away from their busy lives to enjoy themselves. That is until Parker gets caught up in some local murders that have a possible connection to a murder that has just occurred on her home turf of Ragmullin. Despite the lack of enthusiasm from the local Garda of her being involved, Parker is more than intrigued enough to ignore all the warnings, including those from Boyd.

A dark plot line that is handled very well.

After a dip with book 14, I really enjoyed this latest book.

I’m not so keen on the love interest between Parker and Boyd, as I’m not sure he deserves her!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture.

I can not believe that this is the fifteenth book in the Lottie Parker series. What heartache that woman has been through throughout the series.

After reading a couple books by Helen Phifer I stumbles upon this author who was labeled as suggestion because I like the books by Helen and she really didn’t disappoint. I went through those books in no time and have been on the lookout for new ones ever since.

Hidden Daughters by Patricia Gibney will be released on the 25th of June.

Lottie and Boyd are on leave to attend the wedding of Boyd’s sister Grace all the way up near Glasgow, leaving Kirby in charge of the team back in Ragmullin. Budget reports and the like don’t take to much attention because what is a Lottie Parker book without murder, right?


A woman on her morning jog spots a body in the river and calls it in; A woman in her fifties with bad blistery burns lays in the river, dead. The team start their enquiries and soon make the discovery of who the woman is, but the who, where and why are lacking.

Meanwhile in Connemara Lottie and Boyd are taking a walk and just taking in the surroundings which are astounding. The serene quiet soon becomes loud when police sirens sound in the near vicinity; Lottie going in full DI mode and wants to check it out but Boyd doesn’t want to hear it, they’re on vacation, they should just unwind.

With murders happening in Connemara Lottie just can’t take that step back and weasels her way into the investigation. Investigating either with the inspector in charge in Connemara or on her own, causing friction between her and Boyd. With a little side quest from Bryan (soon to be brother-in-law) of finding out what happened to his ex-girlfriend from his teen years who was pregnant by him. Which causes even more friction between Lottie and Grace; Grace wanting Lottie to just leave them alone and tells her to leave her home.

The murders started after a radio-maker called Imelda started asking questions about a convent called The Sisters of Forgiveness; where young girls forgotten by their parents or girls that in the eyes of their parents needed to abscond from their sins ended up there without any fault of their own. The things that happened when kids stayed there are chilling and when Imelda tried to uncover everything a certain someone decided it was time to level out the playing field so his truth would stay hidden.

Everything seems to unravel, but I have to say that the suspect I had in mind was the actual person who’d done it, so it wasn’t as mind blowing as I thought it would be. I really liked this book but I do hate that Lottie and Boyd seem to be drifting apart, since Boyd survived Cancer and has his son back in his live, he has lost all his adventure and his flirtatious self and Lottie really needs to get her priorities straight.

I’m still giving it ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars!

This felt quite different to the previous instalment I read in this series. Lottie is staying with her partner’s family outside of her jurisdiction but is immediately drawn into a local investigation.

This was a little predictable but the subject matter kept me engaged as the Laundries will forever be an indelible stain on our history. The cruelty to innocent children and young mothers is unfathomable so while this is a fictional story, sadly the truth lies somewhere between the lines.

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC,

Another great addition to the series. In my opinion, this one was stronger than the last few instalments, mainly because of its strong connections with Ireland's past and the well developed back story and secondary characters. We have all heard stories and even seen movies of the "Laundries" but it is hard to imagine what horrors actually went on there. This book gives us more of an idea and makes us realise the seriousness and consequences of the abusive behaviours of certain religious orders. Headstrong detective Lottie had my support all the way through the story even though other characters kept asking her to do things and then blaming her when she actually followed through. The series has lost none of its appeal and I always wait impatiently for every new Gibney novel. Read the series if you haven't yet.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Lottie Parker is one of my favorite fictional police 🚓 detectives.

Patricia Gibney’s "Hidden Daughters" is a gripping psychological thriller that thrives on tension, layered secrets, and the unsettling truths buried beneath family histories. True to Gibney’s signature style, this novel delivers a compelling blend of mystery and emotional depth, wrapped in a police procedural that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.

"Hidden Daughters" is a story about concealment—the lies families tell, the identities obscured by circumstance, and Lottie Parker's relentless pursuit of truth. Gibney crafts a narrative that oscillates between past and present, allowing the weight of history to press against the unfolding investigation. Themes of betrayal, trauma, and justice permeate the pages, adding psychological complexity to the crime at hand.

The mystery in this novel isn’t simply a puzzle to be solved—it’s deeply intertwined with the emotional and moral dilemmas of the characters, particularly Detective Lottie Parker, whose internal conflicts add another layer of tension.

Gibney excels at character work, crafting individuals who feel lived-in and shaped by experiences beyond the immediate plot. Lottie Parker remains a formidable yet flawed detective, her struggles with past trauma making her investigative instincts both sharp and deeply personal. Her emotional vulnerability is woven seamlessly into the case, creating an interplay between professional duty and personal reckoning.

The supporting cast—both victims and suspects—are equally nuanced, each carrying motives and secrets that blur the moral lines. Gibney’s ability to humanize even the most elusive characters ensures that the reader remains emotionally invested, beyond the mechanics of solving the crime.

Gibney’s writing is taut and immersive, maintaining a steady pace while allowing space for introspection. She uses alternating perspectives to keep the reader engaged, ensuring that the mystery unfolds with a balance of suspense and revelation.

Dialogue is sharp and realistic, reinforcing the novel’s procedural authenticity without sacrificing emotional impact. Gibney’s ability to heighten tension through small, seemingly innocuous details keeps the reader on edge, ensuring that every clue—every interaction—feels significant.

"Hidden Daughters" is a masterfully woven thriller that builds a deeply atmospheric experience rooted in psychological nuance. Fans of detective fiction and psychological suspense will find much to admire in Gibney’s deft storytelling. It’s a novel that lingers—not just for its intricate plot but for the haunting echoes of its characters’ choices.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime fiction with emotional depth, character-driven mysteries, and narratives that explore the intersections of justice and personal reckoning.

Gibney's Lottie Parker is reminiscent of Prime Suspects Lynda LaPlante's Jane Tennison... and that is a HUGE compliment.

What a wonderfully written book. It has twists and turns. The storyline was intriguing. Following the clues was very different for Lottie this time. Her relationship with Boyd is perilous once again. I eagerly turned the pages. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I absolutely love this series and Patricia Gibney has stepped it up once again! With a long standing series, it's often difficult to keep it fresh and make sure the characters keep developing, but Patricia Gibney has no problem with this. I loved getting to know Detective Kirby a little better, and it was interesting to see how he managed his extra responsibilities in Lottie's absence. There was also a different dynamic for Lottie, as this time she was on the outside of the investigation and I loved seeing how this affected her actions.

There are sections of Hidden Daughters which take us back to the past, to the events that happened in a laundry run by nuns. These scenes were horrifying, but Patricia Gibney has described what happened so well and I immediately wondered how this was connected to the crimes in the present day and was rooting for the detectives to find justice.

Hidden Daughters moves effortlessly between different investigations in two different locations and Patricia Gibney easily weaves together some complex plots. I was totally hooked the whole way through and found it very difficult to tear myself away, especially as the tension continued to rise!

Patricia Gibney has set the next instalment of the series up brilliantly and I can't wait to see what happens next! I would also love a spin off series…

Wow. What an amazing read. I couldn’t put it down. Loved the way it jumped seamlessly from the past to the present. It was also an emotional rollercoaster reading about the child cruelty and abuse in the convent laundries. Having read all the previous books, this was by far the best. Can’t wait for the next one. Would give it 6 stars if I could.

It's lovely when a new book in a favourite series comes out. Like visiting family. Dropping in to visit Lottie Parker usually involves getting involved in some very nasty goings on and Hidden Daughters is no exception. Patricia Gibney confronts the heartache brought to so many Irish families by the Catholic church and their ways of dealing with 'fallen women' and orphan children. The murders in this book are based around a particularly horrifying incident happening in one of these places and what the long lasting consequences could be for so many people. Despite it's subject matter I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are moving on in their lives as families do. I can't wait for my next visit.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Huge fan of this series and I was excited to read the latest installment.

Although part of a series, it could easily be read as a stand alone. The established characters from previous stories are all involved, as well as new characters that were well developed. Only criticism I do have is that I found it tricky to keep up with the volume of new names mentioned, and I really had to concentrate to remember who people were, but this is definitely a 'me' problem!
Despite this, I still really enjoyed it. A difficult and emotive subject to write about, but good that these issues aren't shyed away from.
A 5*s from me!

As a fan of the first hour of the Lottie Parker series, I was very pleasantly surprised to read this one. For the first time, Lottie is forced to take the back seat as she is asked by Boyd's sister Grace's soon-to-be husband to search for some very own ghosts of his pasts before his upcoming wedding, for which Lottie and Boyd have taken holiday to attend. Lottie also stumbles upon a murder investigation where the young detective in charge asks for her input, which will cause tension between her and Boyd, as they are on holiday for the first time in forever. Is the murder related to the secrets lying in Grace's fiancé's past? You will need to read the book to find out! I loved everything about this book and especially the fact that Lottie is forced to do some reflection on how her actions have an impact on others, even though she cannot help being a cop. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

This is book is #15 in the Detective Lottie Parker series but can easily be read as a standalone. I’ve read the whole series and highly recommend it.

Lottie is in Connemara for the wedding of her partner’s sister. The body of a woman is found in a nearby holiday rental cottage, and Lottie feels compelled to help the local detectives. Her partner, Mark, is not at all happy about Lottie getting involved when she doesn’t really need to. Meanwhile, back home in Ragmullin, the body of a woman is found and there are similarities to the Connemara murder. This means that Lottie can get involved in both cases, even though she’s supposed to be on leave, and this causes a lot of friction between her and Mark.

Finally, a link is found. All the suspected perpetrators and all the victims had connections to a convent and a boys’ school.

Another gripping episode in this series with plenty of twists and turns, and all the suspects seem to have secrets to keep hidden.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

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Wow really good book I was so into
Ithis gripping Detective Lottie Parker thriller, a woman is found murdered in a remote cottage, her tragic past at the Sisters of Mercy Convent raising more questions than answers. When journalist Imelda emerges as the last known visitor, Lottie’s investigation leads her into the shadows of the abandoned convent. As bodies pile up and connections tighten, Lottie must untangle the dark secrets linking the victims before the killer strikes again. Fast-paced and haunting, it’s a chilling dive into buried trauma and relentless justice.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this brilliant book

I love this series so was very happy to see the next instalment. It may be book 15 in the series but it is just as amazing as the rest of the series. I loved catching up with Lottie and Boyd and the gang although I don't like to see them going through a rocky patch. The book gripped me from the start and had plenty of suspense and intrigue to keep you turning the pages. Although book 15 in a series it could be read as a standalone but I feel it's better to read the series in order to get the backstory of the characters. I can't wait for the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Detectives Lottie Parker and Mark Boyd travel for the wedding of Boyd’s sister. While there they become involved in a murder investigation, leading to scandal in the convent. With the future groom a suspect, and more murders, Lottie can’t help but get involved.

This was one heck of a book. With complicated but easy to follow storylines and flashbacks to horrific old times. This book covered it all. The characters are flawed but very likeable and relatable. I am always rooting for Lottie and Boyd to take that next step. The tension was built slowly in the story and there were twists and turns galore. Although this is part of a series, it would be fine to read alone. I really enjoyed this and would highly recommend.

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Bookoutune and the brilliant author Patricia Gibney for an early copy of her book to read.

Another brilliant read from this author book 15 in this series.Detective Lottie Parker and her partner go on a break to Boyd sister Grace wedding.Lottie gets involved with a murder Boyd doesn't want her to get involved..Grace husband to be asks Lottie to help to find answers to his past he had a girl pregnant who ended up in a convent what happened to her he wants answers before he marries Grace...there more victims to follow all connected to the convent.. Lottie tries to find the answers. What does she discover...a fantastic read..looking forward to reading the next instalment. One of my favourite author and addictive series.



This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon

Thank you for my copy of this book to read and review.

I have read all of the previous Lottie Parker books since the first one so I was really happy to see there was a book 15.

As always, I was hooked from the first chapter. Patricia Gibney books are so easy to get in to and pull you right in from the start. The short chapters make it ideal to pick up and put down. Even before I start the book, I know I’m going to enjoy it. Whilst this is now the 15th book in the series, I’ve found the plots are always original and gripping.

Although this is book 15, it can be read as a standalone. However, it does have continuity with the characters and their back stories which I like so I would recommend reading them in order from the start.

I always enjoy books with detective work, the police interviews and looking for clues. I like the familiarity of the main character, Lottie Parker, she will always go with her gut, rubs people up the wrong way and won’t let anything stand in the way of her finding the truth.

A great, if not quite sad storyline, fast-paced and an all-round, easy to read detective book. I can’t recommend this author enough and I’m already looking forward to book 16.

Hidden Daughters by Patricia Gibney is a very good addition to the Detective Lottie Parker series. The author’s portrayal of the victims is both disturbing and poignant. The discovery of the first young woman’s body sets off a chain of events that reveals the dark past of not just the victims but the societal issues that led to their tragic circumstances. Lottie’s determination to seek justice for these abandoned souls shines through as she digs into their histories, uncovering the trauma they faced in the Sisters of Forgiveness Convent, but at a cost. She can be a bit headstrong at times.

The story is an exciting race against time as Lottie connects the dots to find a twisted killer. The emotional weight of the story is heightened with each revelation. The characters are both compelling and frustrating; Boyd is not very tolerant of Lottie, and his sister Grace is strange and acts juvenile. I really liked Kirby in this one. The pacing is well-crafted, with good twists and turns, a good storyline, and a surprise culprit.

“Hidden Daughters” is a reminder of the scars that remain long after the events that caused them. This book is a must-read for fans of exciting thrillers, and I am looking forward to seeing more of what the author has in store for the characters. I would recommend this book, series, and author.

#HiddenDaughters #NetGalley @bookouture

Wow so how Patricia Gibney still manages to blow me away with each new book in the Lottie Parker series I don’t know but I love this book and can’t wait for book 16. This time Boyd and Lottie are on holiday to celebrate his sisters wedding but when a body is found Lottie can’t help but get involved and as a dark story about Irish Laundry’s starts to unravel and innocent request from her future brother in law sets off a chain of events that could not only ruin Boyd’s sisters wedding but also his and Lottie’s future. This book does not disappoint and I have stayed awake till the early hours of the morning as I had to know what happened. Please don’t make me wait too long for book 16!!!!

Patricia Gibney's books never shy away from difficult topics but this book involves the harrowing story of how young boys and girls were abused by the very people who should have kept them safe, the clergy. This book tells how it wasn't just pregnant girls who were thrown into so called Magdalene laundries. Many children who had lost a parent were dumped in convents or monasteries by families who couldn't, or wouldn't, care for them. to be used as slave labour. It is the most shameful time in Ireland's history and as an Irish Catholic it makes hard reading but these stories have to be told. Some of the murders in this book are quite graphic and even though Lottie is on holiday in Galway she can't help getting involved. All she can see is that there is a depraved monster killing those who witnessed some heinous crimes in the past. He or she has to be found before there are more deaths. But has she taken things a step too far this time.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book