Man this is a riveting thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. It follows the heart-wrenching disappearance of a young girl and the quest to find her. It’s a page-turning read, filled with suspense, twists, and emotional depth. a story that is both gripping and deeply human. It's a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mystery novels.

Harper is a complex character, grappling with her flaws, including her struggle with alcoholism. When she initially encounters James Malcolm, she hesitates to trust him, yet finds herself in need of his assistance. In small towns like hers, where gossip, prejudice, and harassment abound, discerning who can be trusted becomes challenging.

I eagerly anticipate delving further into Harper's world in future installments.

This series is off to a good start.
It's a bit slow, but hell, it was worth it.
It took 82% of the book to make me really get into it.

I literally gasped so loudly when I found out who kidnapped Ava.
I had my suspicions ever since that character came in, and when they were uncovering more secrets, I was still a bit hesitant because he seemed like a good person, but it turns out he is freaking not!
Malcolm and Harper make a really good team, despite these two always bickering with each other. It's kind of funny, but it really goes with the story.
I 100% recommend this story to every crime and thriller fan out there. It's worth the read and I need the second book so bad right now!

You know what I love more than a police procedural? An ex cop working to solve a crime. Harper lost everything in a shooting where the gun disappeared and when she ends up back home, a case eerily similar to her sisters murder happens.

I liked and related to Harper as she tries to find the missing girl while also righting her ship. Her deep flaws and scars are what make her relatable. And this case kept me guessing. I suspected everyone, so while right, I didn't exactly win either. There were moments, I second guessed Harper's choices, but she got results.

In a captivating tale of second chances and buried secrets, Little Girl Vanished delivers a thrilling ride through the gritty underbelly of a small town. Disgraced ex-detective (the latest in a long line of flawed detectives) Harper Adams finds herself back in her hometown of Jackson Creek, Arkansas, the place she'd hoped to leave behind forever. But when a friend's daughter goes missing, Harper is pulled into a mystery that eerily mirrors the unsolved kidnapping and murder of her own sister years ago.

The story unfolds at a breakneck pace, fueled by Harper's relentless determination to find the missing girl and perhaps find redemption for her past failures. The author skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, crime, and a touch of romance, creating a compelling narrative that keeps you turning the pages.

Harper is a complex and flawed protagonist, haunted by her past mistakes and struggling to reconcile her tarnished reputation with her inherent desire to do good. Her unlikely partnership with James Malcolm, a former crime boss with his own secrets, adds another layer of intrigue to the story. Their dynamic is both tense and captivating, as they navigate a dangerous alliance built on mutual need.

The setting of Jackson Creek is vividly portrayed, with its dark corners and hidden truths. The small-town atmosphere adds a claustrophobic feel to the story, intensifying the suspense as Harper delves deeper into the mystery. The supporting characters, from Harper's loyal friends to the enigmatic figures from her past, are well-developed and add depth to the narrative.

While the plot is gripping and the pacing is excellent, the novel does occasionally rely on familiar tropes of the genre. However, the author's strong character development and skillful storytelling more than compensate for any predictability.

Overall, Little Girl Vanished is a thrilling and emotional journey of redemption, second chances, and the enduring power of family ties. It's a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with a touch of heart.

This book is the first in a new series surrounding ex-detective Harper Adams. She's had a rough few years so decides to move back to her hometown of Jackson Creek, AR. When her friend's daughter goes missing, it brings back memories of her own sister's kidnapping and murder many years ago. Harper is thrown into the case as she begins to investigate. This was a very thrilling novel and a great start of a new detective series. I look forward to more books in the series and from this author! Thank you to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for a review.

This book is a great read. I didn’t want to put it down. Harper had to move home due to corruption at her old job. Her sisters best friends daughter goes missing in a similar way to her sister. She starts investigating and finds unlikely allies.

Really good read. Can’t wait to read more of the series!!!

This was not for me. The story was kinda slow and I couldn't connect with the characters at all. I was hoping for somethig different

i am so excited to read more books from this author! this felt so fast paced and was well written. i could easily get lost in this story and can’t wait for the rest of the series

Thank you Netgalley. This was a great read. Very suspenseful kidnapping storyline that could involve the main characters past. The characters were very well done. Looking forward to the next installment.

Little girl vanished is a great book! It’s a story of a disgraced detective who killed a young boy while on duty, who comes back to her home town only to see a little girl was kidnapped just like her sister was kidnapped and killed twenty years ago. With no authority or jurisdiction and people hating her guts she tries to find the little girl with help of even more quest people.

This book started slow with a lot of needed character building. But post that the book was not something I could put down. It was an easy read with a few loose ends here and there but overall the story was pretty unpredictable and kept you at the edge of your seat while reading this. Harper is not at all shown as an idea hero. Her flaws are on display and made sure that the reader is well aware of all things wrong with her and the only thing right with her is her passion for the law. Even side characters such as Louise and Malcolm really helped us see her two sides. I really wish there would have been a little bit romantic angle to this. I know I crib about books having one but there were two relationships in building and both weren’t pursued. Overall the book for its genre was amazing and had a lot of points in its favor.

Reasons why you should read the book:
• Very human female lead
• No romantic crap (even though I wished for a little)
• Gripping story line
• A good mystery with just the right amount of suspects

Take a Jack and Coke with your greasiest burger and fries and read how Harper tries to find a little kidnapped girl.

Thank youto theauthorfor giving me and ARC!

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

WOW!!! I could not put this down. HarperAdams has moved home to her distant parents after shooting a kid in what she thought was self denfence but the gun wasn't found. The cops have turned her back onher and when she heads home wallowing in the bottom of a bottle, the cops there have an issue with her as she believed they bungled the case of her sister two decades ealier. Only to find herself draun in to a similar disappearance in the present day as the childhood friend of her sister - the one who should have been with her the day she was kidnapped - wakes to fid her daughter is missing.

Harper Adams is honestly one of the best heroines. If you are looking for a thriller/mystery, contemporary, crime, detective and romantic suspense story then this is thebook for you

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy of this book.

This book does not disappoint. Definitely recommend.

This book had me gripped from the start the author has done a fantastic job of drawing you in keeping you hooked keeping you guessing and then wow a massive twist and your gasping like a fish on a hook amazing loved

Title: Little Girl Vanished
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️'s

“Little Girl Vanished" marks the captivating beginning of a new series by Denise Grover Swank. The mystery thriller unfolds in a small town haunted by a previous child kidnapping, drawing in an ex-detective facing her own struggles. With numerous twists & turns, it's a gripping read that's hard to put down.

Denise Grover Swank's writing style shines in this book, seamlessly flowing & maintaining an engaging pace. The realistic & relatable character portrayals were a highlight, keeping me captivated from start to finish.

I highly recommend "Little Girl Vanished" to fans of Denise Grover Swank, enthusiasts of mystery thrillers, & anyone seeking a promising new series. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment!!!

After several years without a DGS book, this one lived up to my expectations & more. A big thank you to #LittleGirlVanished & #NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions shared are strictly my own.

#Bookstagram #Bookish #ReadingList #BookLover #BookNerd #ReadersofInstagram
#InstaBooks #BookRecommendation
#mysterythriller #bookreview #BooksofInstagram

This is a story that you won’t want to put down.

Strong female character with her own troubles but she puts that aside to do a job she is no longer legally able to do.

This is a page turner for sure and you will love it!

I hadn’t read any of the books by this author before but really enjoyed this one. It is the first book in a series featuring ex Detective Harper Adams. She left her job after being involved in a fatal shooting and is now homeless relying on alcohol to get her through the day and has had to return back home to live with her parents in their garage. Hamper is still traumatised by the kidnapping and murder of her sister over twenty years ago which has caused a very strained relationship with her family. On her arrival home she is horrified when another young girl goes missing with similarities to the case of her sister. Everyone thinks she may have run away but Harper is convinced that there is a link. The police don’t seem to be making any progress with the case so Harper decides that she will try to save the girl with the help of her former boss. This was a gripping read and full of suspense and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

After being dismissed and disgraced ex detective Harper is forced to move back to her home town, the one place she is dreading to return. As she is settling and dealing with the challenges that come with having to move home she gets disturbing news. A friend from her childhood has a daughter that is now missing. And it is mimicking the kidnapping and murder of Harpers sister which is even more concerning. Harper soon realizes there are flaws in the investigation and it looks like it is going to go wrong just like her sisters investigation.

I enjoyed this book and thought it was definitely suspense filled! The only part I didnt really like was the involvement of the mob boss Harper brings in. I dont really like books with gang or mob type stories because they seem completely unrealistic and crazy and it just isnt my cup of tea. Other than that it was a good mix of emotions and suspense as they try to find the little girl.

LITTLE GIRL VANISHED was initially a great read - well written and intriguing with an interesting plot. The first half flew by but the second half was a drag. The pace slowed down and it turned into a slog to read. Still entertaining and would the next one, but wish it would be about 50 pages shorter.

Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review LITTLE GIRL VANISHED.

Little Girl Vanished, A small town kidnapping (Harper Adams Mystery Book 1) by Denise Grover Swank
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Published: June 20, 2023

Little Girl Vanished is the first book in the Harper Adams Mystery series by Denise Grover Swank. This book was so good that I know I’ll be reading all the future books in the series.

This book is fast paced with great characters! I could not put this one down! It was so intense and had me captivated from page one.

This is a must read for 2023! I highly recommend it!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.