During a cruise, two-year-old Robert disappears overnight from the family cabin. When the discovery is made, his parents don’t know how long he his been missing; his dad arrived back at the cabin during the night after consuming lots of alcohol and his mum took a sleeping pill before she went to bed.

There is no trace of Robert and despite his family disembarking the ship in Spain and waiting for any news, none comes and the parents and their daughter Lily have to eventually return home to Ireland. The family never give up hope that Robert will return to them and many years later, when Lily has a family of her own, a stranger arrives, announcing that he believes he is Robert. As the plot unfolds, many family secrets are revealed, but can they dare hope that the missing piece of their family has returned?

The story is told over three different time periods, the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1984, with very dissimilar strands. It is impossible to see how the plots come together, but eventually they do in a remarkable and very clever way. Although containing some triggers, this book is compelling and bursting with a myriad of emotions.

A totally engrossing and highly-recommended read.

This was an interesting listen, it wasn't what I thought but worked well as it made me concentrate and work on the meaning behind the book. The twist worked well.

This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last.

Baby Robert goes missing from a cruise while the family sleeps. 20 Years later his sister Lily is working as a psychotherapist and is visited by a new client claiming to be Robert. Can it be true?

Honestly this book amazed me, it hooked me right in from the beginning. I was slightly confused about the other POV and just adored how the two stories came together. No stone was left unturned. It took my breath away.

This is the first of Carmel's books I've had the pleasure of reading and, based on this outing, it won't be the last.
This is a complex take of two families and the decisions they make which have extensive repercussions, echoing down the years.

When Kimberley and Jason go on a cruise with their toddler son Robert and baby daughter Lily in tow, they're looking forward to enjoying a week deserved, relaxing family holiday together.

What starts out as an idyllic trip quickly turns into a nightmare. Waking up in Barcelona and preparing to disembark, they realise that Robert is missing. This is the beginning of every family's nightmare, as a search of the ship and resulting police investigation reveals no leads.

Life has changed for everyone, and despite hopes being raised, all leads come to nothing.

Then, one day someone comes forward believing they are Robert and everything is turned upside down.

Excellent book with loads of twists and turns

The Stolen Child is a deeply emotional and gripping novel that explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of family. The story follows a mother’s heartbreaking journey when her child goes missing, unraveling secrets and testing the strength of relationships.

Harrington’s writing is beautifully evocative, drawing readers into the emotional turmoil of her characters while maintaining an engaging and suspenseful narrative. The novel balances mystery and heartfelt storytelling, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy emotionally charged dramas.

The Stolen Child is a powerful and moving read that lingers long after the final page. Fans of contemporary fiction with a strong emotional core will find this book particularly rewarding.

TRIGGER WARNINGS MOTHERS WORST NIGHTMARE!!

It's every parent's worst nightmare. But there's no waking up from this . . .

On board a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, Kimberly wakes to discover that her two-year-old son Robert has vanished from the cabin overnight. She and her husband Jason vow to do whatever it takes to bring Robert home.

But he is never found.

Forty years later, their therapist daughter Lily welcomes a new client into her home. Zach has a shocking theory about what happened to her brother Robert years before.

If Zach is to be believed, someone out there knows what happened on that ship. And they would do anything to stop the truth getting out.

I loved this book - the three different time lines all came together brilliantly with a totally unexpected ending. Very enjoyable read - recommended.

What a fantastic story! Plotted out so well! I loved how it all came together in the end and I didn’t guess the ending at all. Loved the pacing, it was done really well and I was enthralled throughout. Absolutely loved the side characters like Nicola and Sister Jones. A fantastic read and one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend!

Fabulous read, I absolutely loved it. Addictive and 'unputdownable'

In the Summer of 1983 Robert, a two year old boy, disappears in the middle of the night from his cabin on a cruise ship whilst his parents are asleep by him. There is no trace of Robert, and his family have to return home to Ireland without him. To say anymore would spoil the wonderful storytelling,

The book moves between three time periods; the 1960s and 1970s, 1984 and the present day as the truth gradually unfolds. I was engrossed from the first page to the last, very easily falling into the 'just another chapter' trap. The plot is so cleverly crafted, with well thought out character development.

Highly recommended.

With so many thanks to NetGalley and Headline Books for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

A young boy abducted in 1983 aboard a Cruise Ship. 30yrs later his sister, through her work, meets a stranger claiming to be him. This story is told across three timelines - the events of 1983, the events of today and finally a back story about two women who meet in an orphanage as children in 1960's London. Brilliantly written and interwoven with excellent plotting, I read this in one sitting! Definitely recommended.

A page turner with a great twist.
Kimberly and Jason`s son disappears whilst they are on a cruise and docked in Spain.
They later divorce but never stop looking for him even when divorced Jason has yearly up to date photos printed and sent to the media, whilst Lily their daughter is being ignored and brought up by her grandfather, forty years later Lily is now a counsellor and one of her patients comes into her office and says he`s her brother as he recognised his picture on the TV.
The plot thickens and family secrets come out, great characters and I couldn't put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

So cleverly plotted that I fell for every red herring and was still taken surprise by the ending!
I really liked the chunks of Kimberleys past that put her childhood and experiences into context alongside the desperation to find her child and the range of characters is excellent and leaves vyou suspicious of everyone- perfect for the genre!

Wow! What a brilliant, brilliant plot!

Kimberly Murphy is desperately searching for her son, Robert, who was abducted as a toddler, 40 years ago.

In the past, we learn of Sally and Elsie, best friends who grew up in an orphanage together, trying to find their path in life.

When Kimberly’s daughter, Lily, is approached by her American client, Zach, claiming to be her long lost brother, the Murphy family are thrown into turmoil… and hope!

I loved both stories, especially Sally’s and the character development was fabulous; I felt completely immersed into these character’s lives. I couldn’t see how the two stories would link, so I just enjoyed the ride, until they came crashing together and my jaw hit the floor!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Carmel Harrington and Headline for an ARC in return for an honest review.

The Stolen Child
Carmel Harrington
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

By far the best book I have read so far in 2025! If you do one thing this week you need to get those book - out this Thursday!!

Robert was abducted from a cruise ship in 1983 - his Dad has been searching for years whilst Lily has grown up without her big brother.

We delve into Sally and Elsie’s unbreakable
Bond ….. I love how this story comes together.

This book is emotional and thrilling. And 💯 un-put-down able. Go order now!

Thank you to @netgalley @netgalleyuk for allowing me to read and review

A child disappears from on board a cruise ship.
His parents and sister live a nightmare for forty years when he supposedly walks back into their lives.
But is it him?
When the truth is revealed many lives will be changed forever.

This book is a roller coaster from start to finish and what an ending. Loved it.

I enjoyed this book but I didn’t love it. The multiple timelines were a little difficult to follow, and this was more of a family drama than a thriller. Some parts seemed to drag on and get nowhere and I found myself speed reading to get to the end. It was just an OK read for me, but nothing particularly thrilling. The writing was good, and I would like to read another book by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the early copy.

Wow! An absolutely amazing book by Carmel Harrington. I was gripped from the start and hadn't guessed what was happening until all was revealed. Loved it

This is a story about love. Maternal love, love for parents, love for your friends, and romantic love. It is about the lengths we will go to protect those we love, and the measures we will take to ensure that they are safe. This book is about the decisions we make, the secrets that we are forced to keep, and the consequences that we have to live with. This is a tale about childhood trauma, domestic violence, and sisters in everything but blood..Read it! (and keep the faith)

Spanning 3 different timelines and various characters this book is intriguing and captivating. I wanted to keep reading this book and not put it down so I managed to read it in 2 days.
I have never read from this author before but I would read others based on how much I enjoyed this book.

A truly great read. A father searches for forty years for his son, Robert, who went missing on a cruise shop when he was just two. A mother who never got over her loss and a daughter, Lily, who grew up in the shadow of her missing brother. Over the years there has been sightings and contact all leading to dead ends. When a guy called Zach contacts Lily claiming to be her missing brother they start an investigation together. The likenesses are uncanny.
Is he her missing brother?
This is an edge of the seat read, brilliant characters, cleverly written and a page turner with twists and turns you do not see coming. A compelling psychological experience.