Complex and well written thriller which has lots of twists and turns and so many characters who could be either bad or good, until the last page you as a reader are left to guess.

Great writing and I really enjoyed the pace of the book and the writing style. I liked Riley as the main character and her interactions with the other characters.

Would definitely recommend reading.

The Foster Daughter
by Laura Wolfe
Pub Date: Oct 11 2024

The Foster Daughter by author Laura Wolfe is a twisty mystery thriller filled with unexpected turns and richly developed characters. A very suspenseful story until the jaw-dropping ending and epilogue. This was a fast paced thriller that had me hooked from the beginning.

Synopsis: A woman with dark circles under her eyes stands on your doorstep, clutching a little boy’s hand. Your heart stops. You let her into your home once before, and it nearly cost you everything.

Many thanks to #TheFosterDaughter #NetGalley and #Bookouture for providing me with an E-ARC of this absolutely gripping and unputdownable psychological thriller.

This book is a masterful web of tantalizing twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the outset, the author skillfully subverts expectations, drawing readers into a conspiracy of past secrets as we accompany Riley on her quest for the truth.

Set against a backdrop of richly detailed settings, the story immerses you in a world where every character harbors hidden motives and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Riley, the determined and relatable protagonist, navigates a labyrinth of deceit and half-truths, making her journey both emotional and thrilling. As she unravels the mystery, we become deeply invested in her discoveries and setbacks.

The plot is cleverly structured, weaving together multiple timelines and perspectives that gradually reveal the depth of the deception. The author’s knack for planting subtle clues ensures that each twist feels both surprising and earned. The challenge of figuring out who is deceitful adds to the excitement, with several surprising twists along the way—though I did manage to catch onto one.

The secondary characters are equally compelling, each adding their own layer of intrigue and complexity to the story. From the enigmatic neighbor with a shady past to the charming friend who might not be as trustworthy as they seem, each character is meticulously crafted with hidden secrets that slowly come to light. The dialogue is sharp, and the interactions between characters are loaded with tension and subtext, making every conversation a potential clue to the larger mystery.

The epilogue was satisfying but introduced a crafty twist that left me uncertain. If it was intended to set up a sequel, then I think it’s a smart move. However, if it’s meant to be the final resolution, I’m not as keen on it.

Overall, it’s a highly enjoyable and captivating story, perfect for those who love a good mystery filled with unexpected turns and richly developed characters. The clever interplay of hidden secrets and the gradual unveiling of each character’s true nature make this book an unputdownable read. A solid four stars! ✨

Thank you to the author and Bookouture for providing me with this ARC.

The publication date is Oct 11, 2024. If you enjoy twisty thrillers, add this one to your TBR.

If you like a twisty and well written thriller, this book certainly won’t disappoint. The story had me gripped from the start and kept me guessing throughout. This is a great book and one that I’d definitely recommend.

What a great twisty read. I couldn't put it down. Totally hooked from the beginning to the end thanks for the opportunity to review

When Riley Wakefield, who went missing as a teenager, returns to her foster mother's house with her young son, she is welcomed and celebrated despite the years of addiction and crime she has experienced. This is her chance for a fresh start. Except the past is still very much entwined with her new life, and as she reacquaints herself with her old friends and foster family, questions begin to form about what happened all those years ago before she ran away. She has certainly changed since then. But can the same be said for them? Can you ever truly hide from the past?

This book really is a tangle of teasing twists and turns that will truly surprise. Even in the early stages of the book, the author cleverly flips the narrative unexpectedly and as a reader, we become conspirators in the secrets of the past while we join Riley in her quest to discover the truth. Highly engaging and a great read.

This was an enjoyable read and above average psychological thriller. The author definitely knows what she’s doing with all those possible suspects that kept you guessing. I honestly couldn’t figure out what was going on, and was very surprised from the first twist that came on about halfway through. It made you see everything in a new light, and added to the mystery of it all. And then there was the different relationships where you couldn’t figure out who to trust. Everyone had their agenda, and it was not obvious what it could be.

If you love twisty thrillers with unexpected events, this is for you.

I didn’t love the ending unfortunately, it was a bit.. won’t say more to not spoil anything!


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my opinion

Riley is back- after 15 years- and once again she turns Wendy's life inside out. Wendy was her foster mom until she disappeared. Now, secret of what happened is finally going to come out. This has short chapters and lots of twists, which combine to make it a page turner. You might start out a bit judgey but hang on. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me!

WOW!!! The author has an incredible gift of writing psychological thrillers…I was just blown away by everything in this book and need to read more by this author. Needless to say I am an instant huge fan!

The Foster Daughter
This psychological thriller is full of secrets & twist after shocking, heart- stopping twists!!
I could not put this book down! A must-read!! 5 stars

Holy moly! What an amazing read– tense and full of nail-biting suspense! The pacing is fabulous, the reveals coming in when necessary, and I absolutely adored our protagonist, Riley, ...and her back story.. The first twist did my head in...and the twists kept coming. The ending blew my mind....

Thank you to Netgalley, Wolfe, and Bookouture for the advanced copy. I can't wait to see what Wolfe plans next.

What a wild wife this one took me on. I thought many times I had it all figured out, but boy was I wrong! That ending leaves it open to interpretation. Overall, excellent book!

Whoa, Nelly. That was some crazy ride! Down is up, left is right, and nothing is as it seems. There are quite a few twists - some you see coming and many you don't - and those twists change the trajectory of the story back and forth. I was definitely caught up in how this all would play out. I suspected who the bad actor(s) were from the beginning, but I definitely questioned myself along the way. This was a fantastic way to spend a day or two, and I think thriller readers who especially like domestic thrillers will really enjoy this as well.

This was a fast-paced ride! I really enjoyed it- super quick read with engaging characters and twists around every corner.

There were a few things that I couldn't get past that didn't quite make sense (although I can't share without spoilers) and I felt like the characters reactions were a little bit unrealistic.

But overall a really solid read.

Holy moly, I opened this book and was hurled right slap bang into heart thumping territory, setting me up for what was to come and boy what a bumpy ride that was!

The blurb for this book was the hook I needed to dive right in, it posed so many suspenseful questions that just demanded to be answered.  Right from the outset, my Spidey senses started tingling. It’s quite clear that there’s many layers of lies and deception going on amongst the characters including Riley, the protagonist. This meant I knew it was going to be a cracking read, I just love a cast of characters who I don’t fully trust!  

The reader is fed hints of the past as tiny little crumbs, they tease and they tantalise and draw you right into the heart of the web. And damn, it is so hard to say a lot without giving away spoilers! But this is one of those reads that scream just one more chapter as the secrets Riley keeps threaten to be exposed so many times. And let’s just say when secrets are revealed your jaw will clatter off the floor more than once! Who to trust in this book, that is the question, every time you think you have sussed it out, the author throws another little curveball your way keeping the tension ramping up throughout.

Did I like any of the characters, I think I veered between, empathy, mistrust and dislike with each of them, from the overbearing Ekharts to Harper’s instability; did I trust the men in her life? I’m not sure I did and I’m not sure Riley should trust anyone but her son Noah, in this book.

Short pacy chapters keep you turning the pages, tantalising twists keep you on your toes and provide a few hold your breath moments and a great gutsy storyline hits all the right beats.

The Foster Daughter is a gripping psych thriller that will take you on a dark journey and keep you guessing until the end!

Name :- The Foster Daughter
Author :- Laura Wolfe
Genre :- Psychological Thriller
Laura Wolfe’s The Foster Daughter is a compelling and suspenseful thriller that delves into the complexities of trust, family, and the shadows of the past. With a plot that twists and turns, Wolfe masterfully keeps readers on edge, questioning every character’s motives until the very end. The story centers around Riley, a troubled foster daughter who vanished from the life of her foster mother fifteen years ago, only to return unexpectedly with a young son. Her sudden reappearance stirs a mix of emotions, particularly when mysterious events begin to unfold, including the death of an old school friend. The protagonist, who had cared deeply for Riley, finds herself pulled into a web of lies, half-truths, and secrets that threaten to destroy the fragile trust they are trying to rebuild. Wolfe's storytelling excels in creating a thick atmosphere of unease and tension. From the moment Riley re-enters her foster mother’s life, there is a sense that something is off, and this foreboding tone intensifies as Riley’s behavior becomes more erratic. Her reluctance to explain where she has been and her nervous reactions to seemingly innocent events lead the protagonist—and readers—to question her true intentions. The characters are deeply layered, especially the protagonist, who is both compassionate and torn by doubt as she navigates her relationship with Riley. This emotional complexity adds depth to the story, making it not just a thriller but also an exploration of the bonds that tie people together, even after years of separation.
Likes and Dislikes :-

Likes :-

1 Suspense and Mystery: The pacing is tight, with Wolfe expertly building suspense through small but significant details that keep the reader guessing. Each new revelation leads to more questions, creating a gripping narrative.

2 Emotional Core: The protagonist’s conflicting emotions about Riley’s return—her desire to help versus her growing suspicions—add depth to the story. This inner turmoil is something many readers can relate to, making the plot even more compelling.

3 Surprising Twists: Just when you think you have the mystery figured out, Wolfe introduces a new twist that keeps you on your toes, ensuring that the ending is as unexpected as it is satisfying.

Dislikes :-
None.

Overall Impression: The Foster Daughter is a tense and emotionally charged thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Laura Wolfe skillfully combines psychological suspense with a heartfelt story about family, trust, and the scars of the past. While there are moments where the pacing could have been tighter, the novel's twists and the emotional complexity of the characters make it a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers. Wolfe’s ability to keep readers guessing until the very end makes The Foster Daughter a satisfying and haunting mystery that lingers long after the final page.
My rating :- 5/5

The Foster Daughter immediately caught my attention with its intriguing title. As someone who works in foster care, I felt a strong connection to the book's description, which promised a compelling narrative. The story did not disappoint; it was well-written and filled with suspense, keeping me engaged from start to finish.

One of the standout features of the book was its detailed plot, which led me to consider various possibilities throughout the story. I loved Riley’s son Noah. The nosey neighbor also added significant depth and richness to the narrative. Their storylines were well-crafted and contributed meaningfully to the overall development of the story.

The ending of the book was particularly satisfying, though it left a slight cliffhanger that has me eagerly anticipating what might come next. Overall, The Foster Daughter is a compelling read that I highly recommend, especially for those interested in stories with intricate plots and well-developed characters.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my ARC.

This was a quick, easy, edge of your seat read. Starting out you think it's going to be rather predictable and all the way through you keep thinking you have it all figured out but with the turn of every page you find out otherwise. I love a book that will keep me guessing and this one did just that.

Does Riley really want to be a good person and start a new life for her and her son or is she just born to be a bad person? Are all bad people bad and all good people good? Who really is the good guy and bad guy here? I really thought I had this one all figured out early on but when my jaw dropped the first time, I knew I was in for quite a read. As people from Riley's past are introduced you start to form your thoughts and opinions on each of them and whether or not they are good people or bad people. Wendy and George were the foster parents and Wendy is just so nice but George seems a little off. Then there's creepy Cody who actually turned out to be one of my favorite characters and what's the deal with Harper and her mom? There are a few other characters along the way and as soon as you think you know them, go ahead and turn the page and see if you're right.

This was my first by this author but I definitely am going to look for more because this one was great.

This book was a real page-turner! The suspense starts building right from the moment Riley reappears on the doorstep with her little boy, bringing with her a flood of past memories and unresolved fears. The tension between the protagonist’s past experience with Riley and the present danger makes for a gripping read.

The mystery surrounding Riley’s return and the shocking events that follow, including the death of an old friend, kept me on edge throughout. The twists were unexpected and kept me guessing about Riley’s true motives and the secrets she’s hiding. If you enjoy intense psychological thrillers with plenty of twists, this one is a must-read!

I'm a huge Laura Wolfe fan and this book did not disappoint! Although I didn't really like any of the characters, I was consumed by the mystery and doubted every single person! The plot twists were unexpected and the writing was just phenomenal as always. I read it in one day. 5 stars!