Little Girl Vanished, by author Denise Grover Swank, is the first installment in the authors Harper Adams series. 36-year-old Harper Adams is a former detective in Little Rock who shot and killed a suspect 4 months ago who shot at her first. Because no weapon was found, Harper was charged with second degree murder. She lost her job, her home, her reputation, and everyone truly believes that she got away with murder after being found not guilty. Harper was forced to move back to her home town where she currently takes up space in an apartment over her parents garage.

Harper is by all accounts, an alcoholic who has lost the reason for living. 20 years ago, her younger sister was kidnapped at gun point, and later murdered. The police believe that Harper could have done more to save her sister, including the Chief of Police who is still on the job. Enter James "Skeeter" Malcolm a former Fenton County crime boss who allegedly first appeared in the authors Rose Gardner Investigations. For most of the story, Malcolm is more of a thorn in Harper's side than a person who she could find any connection to.

So, when there appears to be yet another kidnapping just 2 short weeks after Harper returned home, trouble once again appears to be following Harper where ever she goes. What's even more suspicious is that the kidnapped girl, Ava, is the daughter of Harper's sister's best friend Vanessa Peterman. With her sisters kidnapper and apparent killer behind bars, could this be a copycat? Could the kidnapper be sending Harper herself a message that she should have been the one taken, not her sister? As for Malcolm, he's basically a thorn in everyone's side including Chief Larson who wants Malcom behind bars.

Someone, it appears, is going to great lengths to make it seem as though Harper is not only a murderer, but she's not wanted in Lone County. That includes Harper's own mother who seems especially sad to see how Harper turned out. I am going to differ from most reviewers so I beg your indulgence. I think Harper has severe case of PTSD that has not been healed. The more she drinks, the more she ignores the fact that her life was destroyed in a moment's notice and now it appears that someone wants to finish what they started 20 years ago.

Fact is that I did not read the authors previous series with Malcolm in it so I don't know his past, nor does the author address it fully in this book which is fair. In this book, he is the bad guy who tries to do good, but has numerous people trying to take him down. Malcolm, however, may be Harper's only ally whether she wants him around or not. Harper has to find Vanessa's daughter quickly or face another shocking loss of life that may shatter what hope she has of finding happiness.

OMG what a great ride!! I am abscessed with Denise Grover Swank. If she writes it I will be reading it. This was another quick and entreating read. I finished it a day because I could not put it down. I can't wait to see where this series takes me next. The characters were well written and just left me wanting more. HIGHLY Recommend this book.


Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

A great start to the Harper Adams Mystery Series! I will be watching for the next book to come out. Great amount of characters and suspense. Thanks to NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this book.

Little Girl Vanished is the first book in a new series introducing Little Rock cop, Harper Adams. Harper, unfortunately is a disgraced cop and has returned home to Jackson Creek, Arkansas to lick her wounds and drink her problems away. Home really isn’t a sanctuary for her ever since she left after her younger sister was kidnapped and murdered twenty-one years ago while in her care. She's always felt her sister’s death was her fault, and sadly she’s not the only one with these feelings.

Oddly, very soon after her arrival, another little girl goes missing and the disappearance is strangely similar to her sister’s kidnapping. The presence of the eerie red ribbon a big factor especially since this fact was never shared publicly. Even stranger, the missing girl is the daughter of her sister’s former best friend. Now Harper is on a mission to find this girl, alive, which may offer a bit of exoneration to her for the death of her sister.
But Harper no longer has authority to investigate and tread where she isn’t welcome in the least by the official authorities. Does this stop Harper, oh no, but she does try to be a little discreet as she conducts her unofficial investigation. Also she is sure the local police will just botch everything up again as they did in her sister’s case. The cops are not even treating the missing girl as being kidnapped even though there is good evidence leading to that theory. They claim she’s a runaway and are just sitting around waiting for the girl to return home, losing precious time to get her back alive.

While conducting her somewhat covert investigation, she meets the former crime lord, James Malcolm, who spent four years in prison and is now running a bar in her hometown. Harper has become quite fond of bars and the liquid they serve as it has become increasingly hard to get buzz while living under the scrutinizing eye of her disapproving mother. The two don’t hit it off very well at first, but soon join forces, somewhat regrettably to both, to find the missing girl.

Harper was the perfect jaded cop, a tough lady on the surface, even though this reader didn’t find her very likable. I did admire her strong resolve to find this child. James was calm and soft-spoken until he’s angered setting off a couple of moves that left Harper nearly speechless.

I became weary of the story about 3/4 of the way into the book, but the twists and turns kept me reading to the end. Fans of this first Harper Adams saga will await the publication of Long Gone

Accused of shooting an unarmed man, Harper Adams a feisty, ex detective is back in her home town, a place she swore she would never return. There are no happy memories for Harper. She’s just trying to survive. But then she receives word that a little girl is missing, which bring back the terrible time when her sister went missing. Harper has to find her. This book was excellent. A great mystery, with red herrings and a neat mystery all tied up in a red ribbon. I received an arc from Netgalley and BooksGoSocial. My comments and review are my honest opinion and I look forward to the next book in this new series.

This book was unputdownable! Harper roots us in this story and gives the reader a dynamic and unpredictable main character to follow. If you like mysteries/thrillers with a strong, but perfectly unperfect lead woman than this is for you! There were some things I felt could have been explored more or some aspects given more time in the spotlight, but even saying that it was still a 4 out of 5 stars for me! Will definitely be looking out for more from Denise Grover Swank!

This is the first book I’ve read by Denise Grover swanks and it won’t be the last. I loved getting to know disgraced detective harper. Her old friends daughter goes missing and similarities arise to her younger sisters kidnapping and murder. She steps on toes and does what she can to help find Ava. It’s a great starting to a series and I can’t wait to find out more about harpers relationship with her parents and the ally’s she has made in this investigation! Roll on January 2024!

This book was fantastic!

Harper a down and out cop is forced to return home after a snafu at work. After choosing to drink her problems for the next few month a little girl in her hometown goes missing! Not just any little girl but that of her sisters best friends daughter, her kidnapped and murdered sister from years ago.

The characters were super relatable but so hard to trust, I was sure of the ending several times and then it got me anyways! I also love books and characters that make me laugh and this one had some definite zingers in it.

I definitely recommend, a great fast paced read!

This is the first in a new series by Denise Grover Swank and it is fantastic!! I am a long time reader of DGS because she doesn’t disappoint.
This series stars Harper Adams, former police officer who’s forced to leave her job and return to her parents’ home. She finds herself working a case for a childhood friend when their daughter goes missing.
Harper is a flawed character. She’s struggling to come to terms with her distant and recent past. She’s struggling with the realization that those she trusted to have her back turned on her and she’s struggling alcohol.
Enter James Malcolm, anti-hero and one of DGS’ most popular characters from her Rose Gardner series makes his reappearance in this book. And, from the beginning you realize there is more to the man.
I was very excited when this series was announced. DGS is in her element when writing mysteries. She knows that the story is is more than the mystery, it is the characters. They are well rounded, flaws and all. The relationships are complex and draw the reader into the story. She ties up the mystery, but there are always “eggs” and strings that might need a little tug to unravel that one unanswered question.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone. The fact that some of the characters were in another series shouldn’t deter anyone from reading this book. DGS gives enough of their histories to fill in the gaps.
I’d like to thank both NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book I was given in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Bad Detective? Bad Private Investigator? This is absolutely one of those tales that brings the "Bad Teacher" / "Bad Judge" trope into criminal investigations, and it also uses a seemingly currently common approach (I literally read two different books using it back to back) of having the investigator have a similar unresolved crime in their past as a "hook". And yes, it actually all does combine quite well. Even for those who are, like me, more prone to protest police shootings than support them, this tale actually shows a bit of a human side to police who shoot people. Though in this case, even the way *that* is portrayed is perhaps the most singular unrealistic thing about this book. Still, Swank uses even that to help build her overall lore here, as in any series starter building in hints of a bigger lore is absolutely essential in keeping readers wanting the next book. So overall, the book does both of its jobs quite well - it both establishes the character and world, and provides readers enough motivation to come back for Book 2. Very much recommended.

DGS is the mystery QUEEN! At no point in this book did I know where it was going, and, as usual, she didn’t disappoint! I only have three parting words. JAMES. FREAKING. MALCOLM. 😍

Little Girl Vanished is the captivating first installment in the Harper Adams Mystery series by Denise Grover Swank. With its gripping narrative and well-drawn characters, this thrilling mystery novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The story revolves around Harper Adams, a former FBI profiler who returns to her hometown of Lebanon, Tennessee, after the tragic death of her husband. Trying to rebuild her life, Harper finds herself thrust into a horrifying case when a young girl goes missing. As she delves into the investigation, Harper realizes that this kidnapping is not an isolated incident, and she uncovers a web of secrets and hidden connections that run deep within her community.

Denise Grover Swank expertly crafts a suspenseful plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the final pages. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining a steady rhythm that builds tension throughout the story. The author skillfully incorporates elements of psychological profiling and police procedure, adding depth and authenticity to the investigation.

Harper Adams is a complex and relatable protagonist. Her strength and vulnerability make her a compelling character, and readers will root for her as she battles personal demons while fighting for justice. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each bringing their own unique dynamics to the story.

One of the highlights of this novel is Swank's ability to capture the atmosphere of a small town. Lebanon, Tennessee, comes alive through vivid descriptions, creating a strong sense of place and enhancing the overall reading experience. The author also tackles important themes such as grief, resilience, and the dark underbelly that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary communities.

While Little Girl Vanished is a highly engaging read, there are moments where the pacing slows down, and the story becomes slightly predictable. However, the strength of the characters and the intriguing plot compensate for these minor shortcomings.

In conclusion, Little Girl Vanished is a riveting mystery that combines suspense, emotion, and well-crafted storytelling. Denise Grover Swank has crafted an impressive series opener that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. If you enjoy thrilling mysteries with compelling characters and a small-town setting, this book is definitely worth picking up.

How is it that Denise Grover Swank's books get better and better and I just keep falling in love with her all of them! She has out done herself with the Harper Adam's series and has given us another bada$$ female to admire. Harper is back in her hometown after being released of her duties as a detective at the Little Rock Police Department. Now she is faced with her parents and the town where everyone looks at her strangely due to the fact her sister was kidnapped while outside with her one day when they were younger. Now she's back and what is she suppose to do...she has no idea until her missing sister's best friend, Vanessa's daughter goes missing. And the only person Vanessa trust to help find her is Harper. All of this is too familiar and a lot of shady people begin to come out. Especially, James Malcolm, better known as, Malcolm. His past with law enforcement is just as tainted as Harper's so wouldn't it make sense for the two of them to team up. However, they seem to be more oil and vinegar then partners. But can they make it work long enough to save a little girl who just seemed to vanish?

I've been looking forward to read more of Denise Grover Swank ever since I read and enjoyed the first Darling Investigations book last year. I was actually planning on reading the sequel next when Little Girl Vanished popped up on Netgalley and I decided to add it on a whim... Partly because it's not often I come across a book set in Arkansas, and partly because the premise of this first book of a new series sounded interesting. Add the high ratings, and I fully expected to have a great time with Little Girl Vanished... But I guess it wasn't ment to be in the end.

I do have to say that I still like the premise of Little Girl Vanished. The disgraced detective as a main character, the kidnapping, the link to her past... It sure had a lot of potential, and I always like an angle where it's not the police itself investigating a crime. Harper is not an official private investigator of course, but with her detective background it is easy to understand why she would want to investigate the disappearance of the little girl... Especially if you take into consideration her past.

BUT. And here is where it went wrong for me: somehow I simply couldn't stand the main character. I understand that Harper was wrongly accused and lost everything. I understand that her moving back home and everyone judging her would be hard. But her constant wallowing in self pity and her blatant alcoholism completely put me off her character. She is basically drunk all the time, not accepting she has a problem and then we have to believe she actually has it in her to solve a crime? I only started to like her less and less with each chapter, and it was a true struggle to keep reading and force myself to spend time with her let alone see things through her eyes.

There was something about the writing style and tone that didn't work for me either, which is strange because I did enjoy the writing in the first Darling Investigations book. I'm guessing here and say that it might have been due to my extreme aversion towards the main character... Either way, it didn't make things easier for me. I wasn't a fan of the fact that there was too much focus on and repetition of the corruption angle either, where basically most cops seemed corrupt or at least incompetent.

While it was definitely Harper herself that mainly ruined Little Girl Vanished for me, the rest of the cast wasn't exactly likeable either and I wasn't a fan of the tone and development of the plot and characters itself. It took me a lot longer than expected to actually finish it, because I kept putting my kindle down to do other things instead... Never a good sign, but I guess my house is clean at least? I confess that I even started skimreading just to get it over with faster, and that is most definitely not a good sign either. All in all sadly Little Girl Vanished and me didn't exactly get along... Don't give up on my account if you think you'd like this book though, because I seem to be the outlier here.

The story revolves around Harper, who is a disgraced detective who embarks on a mission to find a missing girl upon her return to her hometown. Teaming up with the enigmatic James Malcolm adds a layer of complexity to the story. Their unlikely alliance creates a dynamic and engaging partnership as they delve deeper into the investigation. How I missed James Malcolm!

What initially appears to be a slow-paced start soon evolves into an incredible read as the plot thickens and the mystery deepens. Denise Grover Swank skillfully weaves a web of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and constantly guessing the next twist and turn.

Little Girl Vanished is an incredible read that will leave you eagerly turning the pages, yearning for answers, and emotionally invested in the characters' journey. If you love James Malcolm and want to know more about him, check out the Rose Gardner series.

A twisty, dark whodunit that serves up a lost heroine, a misguided hero and a missing child. Our heroine has lost her way after getting railroaded out if her previous job. She got into law enforcement because of her sister, who was a missing and then found murdered and raped little girl and she wanted to rid the world of some of the evil in it, she just ended up caught in some of it. She came home to lick her wounds, and drink herself to oblivion when the daughter of an old friend comes up missing in circumstances very similar to those of her sister. The friend asks for her help, and against her better instincts, she agrees. She begins to learn some of her hometowns darker secrets and becomes a target of the same police chief she feels bungled her sister's case. Lots of plot twists and misdirection, all leading to a very dark ending but a happy one for her friend. A really good read!

Little Girl Vanished was captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat. For fans of Danielle Bradbury or Freida McFadden, this book will quickly become a new favorite. Harper Adam’s experiences tragedy that shapes her life early on. When things take another turn as an adult she finds herself in her hometown with a tarnished reputation, a blossoming drinking problem, and living in her parents garage. After a little girl vanishes with connections to Harper, she begins to wonder if this is connected to her childhood. This sets off a series of events with unlikely partnerships that will keep you reading til you know the full story. I lost a day to this one, bingeing it as quickly as possible to solve the mystery.

A sublime five-star read. This shows us that there we are going to have a great new series to get to grips within the Harper Adams mystery series, it was just sublime to see James Malcom back, and with his usual charming bite. Harper Adams is a real character, one that you can feel under your skin, you can’t help but want to get to know her better, see her get the justice she deserves. This is a compelling story, not just the Ava aspect, of will she be found in time and who really has her, and wow that was a twisteroonie. This story is well done, as it has everything you need to keep you hooked and gives you a really thrilling read.

I have not read a Denise Grover Swank book in a few years.
The books I did read were her paranormal/ghost series.
This book about Harper Adams was very realistic and a page turner. I finished this novel in a few days.
I would recommend it. I enjoyed the main character, her imperfections and the secondary characters, especially Malcom and Louise.
I rate this book 3 stars.
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley.

I'm an avid reader who somehow has never read a book by Denise Grover Swank. A friend in my reading circle recommended LITTLE GIRL VANISHED and now I have a new author with an extensive back library to read. Ms Swank has done an excellent job of building complex characters and giving them lives they have to struggle through. Harper Adams finds herself living a life she could have never foreseen, yet strangely not too unhappy with it. When circumstances push her into helping with the investigation of a little girl missing, we meet (those of us who never read any of her books before meet) a character from another Grover Swank series who seems to have a story line of his own. The story is very good, the chracters very memorable and the fact that it's the first in a new series, an added plus. I'm pretty happy that my friend recommended this book to me. Now I'm recommending it to you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.