I do enjoy Delaney and the twists are always plenty.
This may not have my favourite Delaney read but the 3person point of view really captured the story from all angles and ensured a quick pace to the story.

I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review

**My Darling Daughter** by **J.P. Delaney** is a chilling and thought-provoking psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense, family drama, and complex characters. Delaney, known for his knack for psychological tension and plot twists, delivers another compelling story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. In this novel, themes of trust, manipulation, and hidden secrets are explored in a way that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

### Plot Overview:
The novel follows **Claire**, a mother who is struggling to come to terms with the disappearance of her daughter, **Charlotte**, years ago. Charlotte was just a teenager when she vanished without a trace, and the case has remained unsolved. Claire is haunted by her daughter’s disappearance, unable to move on, and the emotional toll has fractured her relationships and her sense of self.

As Claire’s obsession with the case continues, she begins receiving cryptic messages and clues that suggest Charlotte may still be alive. This sends Claire down a dark and twisted path as she seeks the truth, but the deeper she digs, the more she questions who she can trust—and whether her own mind is playing tricks on her. In a race against time, Claire uncovers disturbing revelations about the people closest to her, including those who have been part of her life since the disappearance. The lines between truth and deception blur, and Claire must decide who to believe—and whether the truth will set her free or shatter her life even further.

The novel is structured around Claire’s point of view, but there are also other narrative voices interwoven throughout the story, particularly the perspective of a mysterious figure who holds secrets of his own. As the story unravels, Claire must confront her deepest fears about motherhood, guilt, and the lengths she will go to in order to protect her family.

### Character Development:
Claire is a deeply complicated protagonist. Her obsession with Charlotte’s disappearance is understandable, yet it drives her to the edge of sanity at times. As a mother, her desire to know what happened to her daughter is palpable, but her relentless pursuit of answers begins to cloud her judgment. She’s a character that evokes both sympathy and frustration—her actions are at times understandable, but she also makes choices that feel irrational, driven more by emotional turmoil than reason. Her vulnerability and obsession make her a compelling character to follow, and readers will likely feel torn between rooting for her and questioning her reliability.

The secondary characters in the novel—particularly those close to Claire—are also well-drawn. Her relationship with her ex-husband, her family, and her friends is strained by the years of unresolved grief and the emotional distance that has grown between them. The tension in these relationships adds depth to the story and raises the stakes for Claire’s journey.

The mysterious figure who seems to be manipulating Claire’s search for answers is another key player in the story, and his motivations remain unclear for much of the book. His role in the plot is crucial, and as his true intentions come to light, the complexity of the story deepens. The psychological cat-and-mouse game between him and Claire is one of the most engaging aspects of the novel.

### Writing Style:
J.P. Delaney’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and expertly paced. The novel builds tension gradually, allowing the reader to feel the mounting pressure on Claire as she spirals deeper into her search for the truth. Delaney excels at creating an unsettling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge, with a sense of impending danger that looms throughout.

The narrative is split between multiple perspectives, allowing the story to unfold from different angles and providing glimpses into the minds of the characters, particularly Claire’s. This technique works well to add layers of complexity to the plot, and the unreliable nature of some of the characters—especially Claire—adds an element of mystery to the unfolding story. The alternating viewpoints create suspense and ensure that the twists and turns in the plot remain surprising, keeping the reader engaged until the final page.

### Themes:
1. **Motherhood and Guilt**: One of the central themes in *My Darling Daughter* is the psychological toll of motherhood, particularly in the context of loss. Claire’s obsession with Charlotte’s disappearance and her constant questioning of her own actions are driven by an overwhelming sense of guilt. The novel delves deeply into the complexities of a mother’s love, the lengths she will go to for her children, and the guilt that can arise when a parent feels responsible for their child’s suffering or disappearance.

2. **Obsession and the Desire for Control**: Claire’s fixation on finding Charlotte—at any cost—reveals the dangers of obsession. Her need to have control over an uncontrollable situation drives her to make questionable decisions. The novel explores how obsession can warp one’s perception of reality and lead to destructive behavior, both for the person obsessed and for those around them.

3. **Trust and Deception**: The novel also explores the theme of trust—who can you trust when the people closest to you may be hiding secrets? As Claire uncovers new information, she is forced to question the integrity of those around her, leading to a series of betrayals and emotional revelations. This theme plays into the psychological suspense of the story, as Claire’s quest for the truth is complicated by the people she depends on.

4. **The Unreliable Narrator**: As with many psychological thrillers, the question of who is telling the truth—and how much of the story is distorted by the characters’ emotions and biases—drives the narrative. Claire is a deeply unreliable narrator, and her emotional instability makes it difficult to discern whether she is truly uncovering the truth or falling victim to manipulation. This adds to the suspense and uncertainty of the novel, as the reader is left to question what is real and what is a product of Claire’s mind.

### Emotional Impact:
*My Darling Daughter* is a gripping, suspenseful novel that will keep readers on edge. The emotional stakes are high, as Claire’s search for the truth involves not only uncovering secrets about her daughter’s disappearance but also confronting the emotional scars that have shaped her as a person. The psychological tension and emotional complexity of the characters make the book a compelling read, one that will keep you hooked and emotionally invested in the outcome.

The sense of dread that pervades the novel—combined with the twists and turns of the plot—ensures that readers are never quite sure where the story is headed, which adds to its emotional intensity. Claire’s struggles with guilt, fear, and obsession resonate deeply, making her a character you can’t help but feel for, even when her actions are questionable.

### Final Thoughts:
*My Darling Daughter* by J.P. Delaney is an outstanding psychological thriller that combines elements of suspense, emotional depth, and complex characters. The novel’s exploration of motherhood, guilt, obsession, and trust is skillfully executed, and the twists and turns keep the reader guessing until the very end.

Delaney’s writing is atmospheric and sharp, creating a tense and immersive experience that will captivate fans of psychological thrillers. The unreliable narrator and the emotionally charged stakes add layers of complexity to the story, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful read.

For readers who enjoy suspenseful, character-driven thrillers with dark emotional depth, *My Darling Daughter* is a must-read. Its haunting exploration of loss, obsession, and the quest for truth will linger long after the final page.

Another page turning thriller from this author . Brilliant story with lots of twists they kept me guessing right to the very end

This was a real fast-paced, twisty, cant put it down kind of read! The kind I love! A very well executed read and perfect for fellow psychological thriller lovers! I loved the short chapters (always a bonus) that kept me engaged and turning the pages!

A decision Susie made fifteen years ago still haunts her to this day. That was the day she gave her daughter up for adoption. Now aged thirty five and married to Gabe, they'd love a child of their own. Unfortunately this hasnt happened for them.

Then Susie unexpectedly receives a message on social media from a girl Anna who claims to be her daughter. What a delight! But when Susie finds out Anna is being abused by her adoptive parents, Susie and Gabe cant help but let Anna in to their home. That could be their biggest mistake ever!

JP Delaney delivers another gripping psychological thriller filled with tension, twists, and darkness. Suzie and Gabe, a couple in the music industry, seem to have it all—except a child. When Suzie is contacted by Anna, claiming to be the daughter she gave up for adoption 15 years ago, their lives are upended. As Anna shares a troubling account of her adoptive parents, Suzie and Gabe feel compelled to help—but is Anna telling the truth? With punchy chapters and shifting POVs, the story keeps you guessing until the end. Delaney handles sensitive topics with care, and the well-developed characters and intense emotions make this a must-read full of suspense and drama. Highly recommended.

Fantastic physiological thriller kept me up guessing all night I could not put this book down I love a good thriller that keeps you turning the pages so fast paced an enjoyable read

My Rating: ★★★★☆

JP Delaney’s My Darling Daughter is a captivating psychological thriller that expertly explores the complexities of adoption and the potential dark sides of social media interactions. The story revolves around Anna, a fifteen-year-old adopted girl who reconnects with her birth mother, Susie, disrupting the lives of Susie and her husband Gabe.

The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Anna, Susie, and Gabe, offering a multifaceted view of the unfolding drama. Anna’s accusations against her adoptive parents raise suspicions and create tension, leaving readers questioning her true motives and the nature of her adoptive family’s behavior. Delaney’s skillful storytelling keeps the readers guessing, as he introduces twists and turns that challenge our perceptions.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is its ability to maintain suspense while delving into serious themes such as child welfare laws and the impact of past actions resurfacing due to social media. The psychological depth of the characters, especially the strained dynamics between Gabe and Susie, adds to the emotional intensity of the story.

While some parts of the narrative involving explanations of adoption law can slow the pace, these sections are essential for understanding the legal and psychological context. The climax, with its unexpected revelations, solidifies Delaney’s reputation for crafting intricate and thought-provoking thrillers.

Overall, My Darling Daughter is a compelling read that I would highly recommend to fans of psychological thrillers. It offers a tense, emotionally charged journey with plenty of surprises along the way.

Thanks to publisher and netgalley for arc of this book.

What a better such a great book twisty and had me on end of my seat just read this!!!

I have always enjoyed JP Delaney's previous books and this one followed the same trend. I enjoyed reading the development of the characters and it had me gripped immediately!

My Darling Daughter makes you want to yell at everyone in this book - or maybe that’s just me! The story portrays the complicated situation when an adopted child meets her birth mother, and how there’s no system in place to accommodate the possible risks involved. It’s the story of an adoption gone wrong, with detailed scenes involving social workers and law enforcement. But there’s more to it. Because everyone is hiding secrets!

Susie is so desperate to have her child back that she’s willing to risk herself and her husband’s safety. Gabe is the rational one, and it’s unbelievable how much he’s put through. For a couple of celebrities, I thought they were too naive. The book zooms in on them to the extent that it seems like they live in a bubble, even though some of the things that happened would have landed them on the front page of TMZ. Anna is a troubled child and the things she does are wild, and I found it a tad unbelievable that she could get away with all of it. The sugar-coated ending feels unrealistic but the whole story feels like a wish fulfilment. I’m curious to hear what adoptees and adoptive parents think about this book. It has interesting things to say and I was swept into the drama of this family. But in the end, I felt the execution could have been better.

As I've come to expect and love from JP Delaney, this was one he'll of a psychological thriller. Always tense, sometimes disconcerting with a spattering 9f darkness, what more could a reader want?

Suzie and her husband Gabe, both working in the music industry, have an ideal life. They have everything, apart from a child. So when Suzie is contacted on social media by Anna, claiming to be the daughter she gave up for adoption 15 years ago, life takes a turn.

Agreeing to meet up, the contact brings forward a past that could cause problems. We get to know what was behind the cause of adoption and the consequences following it.

Anna paints a harrowing picture of her homelife with her adoptive parents and Suzie and Gabe feel they have no choice but to help. But is the tale Anna spins really the truth? Suzie takes it upon herself to contact the adoptive parents but is quickly dismissed which leaves her even more concerned for her 'daughter'.

The short, punchy chapters draw you in and make it even easier to read and the change of POVs from each main character kept me intrigued all the way through.

You never quite know which direction this book I taking you, it's twists and turns throw you around until you're not sure which way you're heading.

There are alot of sensitive subjects covered in this tale and the author covers them amazingly with real sensitivity.

The characterisation was perfect, each character is presented individually with real depth and the emotions throughout just flood off the page.

A real intense novel that covers so much in a short time. Full of suspense, drama, tension and dilemma. Highly recommended.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the ARC.

Another great book from one of my favourite authors. An adoption story with a twist! Great characters, a thrilling tense read. Excellent book.

This is a domestic thriller which tackles many sensitive topics. The story is told from multiple perspectives. There are many twists and turns which makes this a page turner. A compulsive read

A fantastic novel as always from j p Delaney. Tense and also heart wrenching at times as the story developed. Really enjoyed getting to know gabe and susie and sky. Thanks for the opportunity to read

A cracking read, full of tension and foreboding. Great characters and plot. Can't wait to read more from the author.

I love the Delaney books, I was so looking forward to reading the new novel and am so grateful to have access. The characters always feel so relatable and the sense of loss and great hope are always balanced in the end. Thank you.

This was a gripping and thrilling read. It was creepy in parts and very atmospheric. This wasn’t my favourite book by this author but was still enjoyable.

The protagonists in this story are Susie, Gabe and Sky/ Anna and this story is told from their perspectives. Susie and Gabe are wealthy musicians living in a nice place until Susie gets a text from a daughter whom she gave up for adoption 15 years ago. Sky seems very unhappy with her adoptive family, so Susie ridden with guilt and newfound hope to reconnect invites Sky to meet up. And that is where everything changes. I enjoyed Sky’s parts in this book the most, I wanted to learn more about her life and why she is the way she is. My favourite has to be Gabe, he is the rational and logical one, the one who is not blinded by emotions and sees things the way they actually are. My least favourite has to be Susie, I understand why she was behaving the way she has but I found her too soft and irrational. The characters were very open in this novel and I enjoyed getting to know them and the lifestyle that musicians have during their careers.
The narrative of this book was well thought through and has a good element of surprise. I was not expecting certain twists and turns and I really enjoyed them. The part that I missed the most was mystery, intrigue and the uniqueness of the plot. I have seen plenty of horror films with similar plots and I was not very impressed by it. There are a lot of topics discussed in this book such as adoption, mental health issues, drugs and alcohol, behaviour issues, infertility, non-consensual sex, sex between minors and many more. This book is very heavy mentally and emotionally and it could be a trigger to some readers.
The book was set in and around London and I really enjoyed the setting. JP Delaney is a great storyteller and he knows how to write a good thriller, I really enjoy his writing style. The chapters were not very long and the pages flew by quite quickly. The ending rounded the story well but I don’t know how I feel about it…

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide me review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

My first JP Delaney and definitely won’t be my last! This was super fast paced and gripping and I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait to start another of his works