Holy cow! Edge of my seat reading!!

Absolutely terrific read, well, listen!
Gripping drama, I didn't see the end coming, Love how she teamed up with Quinn!

I'll look out for more by this author.

Thanks so much HarperCollins UK Audio, via Netgalley, for gifting me an audiobook copy - can't wait for more!

. Thankyou netgalley & Harper Collins & Avon for allowing me an advance copy but Wow, I loved this story, Stolen follows the story of every parents worse nightmare! your child going missing.
Alex Martini & her 3 year old daughter Lottie are attending a friends wedding in Florida, and then little Lottie disappears and no one can remember when they last saw her including her own mother.
I don’t want to give anything away but Tess Stimson has written a great thriller with well rounded characters & plenty of twists & turns to keep you reading/listening & Stephanie Racine did an excellent job with the narration. I look forward to reading more from this author.

What do you do when your child goes missing at a wedding abroad. Alexa 's only child three year old Lottie has disappeared at a friend's wedding in Florida. Who has taken her and why these are the questions Alexa keeps torturing herself with while the Press demonise her as a negligent mother and she keeps looking for her daughter. Was it not enough to lose Lottie but as time goes by she keeps seeing her face on every young child even back in the UK.
This audiobook takes you to the limit of sympathy and fear while you listen and it is not until the very end that you find out exactly what happened to all the people concerned.
I found I couldn't stop listening to what happened to the characters as they drew me further into the book with all it's threads. Totally Enjoyable.

This story I could not put down and I was drawn into it straight away. I think it realistically portrays a mother’s panic, worry and grief after her child is abducted but also how a missing children investigation get this kind of media coverage. I think the discussion created on class, race, and working women was incredibly important to add and really brought a lot into the story. Alex was portrayed very realistically because there is not a perfect human – she had her vices and did not mind sharing these with the world. My head started spinning with the sheer number of suspects (perhaps too many?) that were brought up throughout which kept me enthralled but also showed us Alex’s torment still alive to find Lottie. The ending did surprise me, and I am still not sure whether it was the best outcome. I do think there were a few little plot holes or unanswered questions that could have been tidied up better.

As for the audiobook, I think the main narrator did a really good job expressing feelings and heartbreak. I did find some of the extra news pieces and interviews a nice edition but the different voices were at times a little distracting.

Thank you to Tess Stimson, Avon Books UK/HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

Thank you netgalley for a review copy of the book for an honest review #Stolen #NetGalley

Wow this book is an emotional roller coaster and must be every parents nightmare having their child abducted
I was thrown off who might be the guilty one of the crime and did not see the ending coming and this is an excellent read and highly recommended

An unrelenting ride that is equally frustrating as it is suspenseful!

Alex unexpectedly finds herself widowed and the main carer for Lottie, her three year old daughter. Traveling from the UK to America to attend her friends wedding is no easy journey as Lottie proves to be a strong willed, intelligent and difficult child. During the course of the wedding Lottie goes missing and what follows is a living nightmare for Alex who will do anything to find her missing child.

This is a deep dive into what a mother feels dealing with the abduction of her child, how how family dynamics change, the impact on friends and a very clear look at how our current society embeds their opinions into unfolding abduction cases. It has multiple twists, which rather than just for effect make the whole journey a lot more realistic and relatable. It deserves a one sitting read or the time to absorb the great audio narration!

Wow! Wow! Wow!

All child abduction novels are not created equal.

This compelling, character-driven novel is expertly crafted, heart-pounding, unputdownable, and gasp-worthy.

The book's first chapter hooks readers instantly: a 3-year old British girl (Lottie) is abducted at a posh destination Florida beach wedding.

Where did Lottie go and who took her? Why was Lottie taken?

As the search for Lottie intensifies, this gripping thriller features a whirlwind of twists/turns and many, many red herrings.

Yes, STOLEN is a book about child abduction but it's also a story about devastating losses, resilience, families, friendships, journalism ethics, and the power of a mother's love -- even when that mother may not have been perfect.

Many GR readers panned STOLEN's ending and I agree, some aspects of the ending were far-fetched/implausible. Also, there was some repetitive content in the middle of the book that an editor should have removed/changed. Overall, however, this book was an outstanding read and one of my very, very favorite books of 2021.

This is my second book by Tess Stimson. Tess Stimson WOWed me with ONE IN THREE and she did it again with STOLEN.

I listened to the audiobook and the narration was superb. With an over-the-top plotline and narration, it was extremely difficult for me to tap the "pause" button on my phone and I finished this book in 2 days.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tess Stimson is now one of my "go-to" authors and I look forward to listening to her future titles.

Stolen - Tess Stimson
Narrated by Stephanie Racine

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK and I am leaving this review voluntarily

A twisting and emotional thriller that demands to be read in one sitting. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Jackie Kabler.

You thought she was safe. You were wrong…

Alex knows her daughter would never wander off in a strange place. So when her three-year-old vanishes from an idyllic beach wedding, Alex immediately believes the worst.

I have previously read a few enjoyable reads by Tess, but with this book I was hooked. I found myself needing to know what had happened to Lottie. With all of the red herrings in this book, it was difficult to know how this book was end. However, in all of my wildest imagination I didn’t see that ending!

This book follows Alex’s pain, madness and fear as she searches for her missing daughter. Written in such a way that you will doubt every event you have read about, Stimson has managed to write a gripping child-abduction story, that will have you on the edge of your seat.

I think the most refreshing part of this book is that none of the characters are perfect. Lottie is your typical toddler from the outset and Alex is definitely not portrayed as the perfect mother.

Rating 5/5

Brace yourselves; this is a non stop, action packed ride. I demolished this audio title in a couple of sittings, one through most of the night! What a mix of characters, but whose story is to be trusted? Alexa, is widowed, a high achieving lawyer with a three year old daughter, Lottie. She’s invited to Florida to the wedding of a close friend, one of a close knit group….At the wedding, Lottie goes missing. Let the games commence!

This story pulled me down so many routes. How many unreliable narrators can a single tale host? Quite a few, all equally plausible until their narrative starts to disintegrate under scrutiny. This is mainly a linear tale, with the lead up to the child going missing, and th3 follow up over some years. Just when I. Thought I knew ‘whodunnit’ turned out I was totally wrong and they had other, serious criminal issues to contend with.

This is a really fascinating and complex exploration of familial love, loss, friendship and betrayal. Who should we trust and how far? It’s packed with characters that aren’t particularly likeable, but very plausible. The plotting is so twisted, with every chapter ending on a cliffhanger that drives you on to listen to just a bit more and suddenly, another hour has gone by. I bought into this at many levels; a great mystery thriller and a thought provoking read which challenges trust, parental care and obsession. Absolutely loved it and Ive just downloaded another audio title by Tess Stimson on the strength of this. Narration throughout is superb.

4.25⭐️
Alex a single mom struggling to bring up her 3 yr old Lottie and work at a law firm. They are attending her best friends beach wedding in Florida. On the beach Lottie goes missing. Alex comes under suspicion, as she was distracted by a romantic interlude.

The prologue gives the reader a glimpse of what is in store.

When we are first introduced to
Alex, she isn’t a likeable character and doesn’t come across as even wanting to be a parent. Lottie is a child from hell. There’s some laugh out loud moments, and sardonic humour.

The tension following her disappearance is palpable, and the cast of narrators are excellent at getting the drama across.

We are introduced to journalist Quin who has her own problems, who becomes obsessed with the story. Quin is my favourite character.

There are plenty of red herrings, twists and turns which keeps the interest throughout.

It includes a trial by social media too.
It feels very real, I was joining in the trial by social media shouting that Alex was ‘playing’ the system.

Favourite quote ‘it’s because you didn’t love her enough’

Theres a few occasions I felt the writing was overly dramatic in trying to add emotion, but generally it was pitched just right to give feeling and emotion that swept me along.
I felt that the end section could have been condensed, It dragged a bit.
I didn’t find the ending scenario convincing, and don’t feel that there were any clues laid down for it, however I very much approved of the finale

The story grips you from the start and keeps you hanging on till the end.
This is a rapid-paced, compelling story with masterful execution. The constant action means there is never a dull moment
I love a good thriller. I didn’t like the characters to begin with but they grew on me as the story unfolds ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story involves a missing child , she is missing from a wedding abroad. The aftermath encompasses the myriad of emotions and the feelings of who can you really trust?
Alexa the mother goes through the guilt of leaving her child , she has the worlds media turn on her as well as the public and throughout this she never stops trying to find her daughter Lottie.
The writing is skilful and the reader sees all the flaws of the characters involved , and should they be trusted.? There are plenty of twists and turns and a few red herrings thrown in for good measure.
I found the calibre of writing very good and the characters credible , overall an enjoyable intriguing read and I didn’t foresee the ending.
I found the narration excellent and it made the story flow perfectly.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio.

I did enjoy the majority of the narration until it got to the Italian male voice. That was pretty bad.
I enjoyed this book so much that I listened on a long commute when I had planned to blast out music and have a good singalong. The story begins with a mother finding her tiny daughter hard to deal with. The daughter is then stolen at a wedding and you are led to believe in the guilt of nearly every character at some point. The final outcome is both a surprise and a shock. The majority of the characters have a flaw, making them both unlikeable and untrustworthy. My favourite character is the war correspondent, with her spiky nature and alcohol addiction. Just wait to hear what she does. I loved that scene.

A missing child. Is she alive? Is she dead?
Multiple suspects across many countries.
Who is to blame? The mother? Her friends? A stranger?
Everyone is a suspect.

‘Stolen’ is a book I could not stop listening to! I listened in 2 sittings, the plot kept me hooked! The audio cast was excellent and made the story come to life. Every time I thought I’d figured it out there would be a twist, kept me listening right to the end.

If you’ve not ever read a Tess Stimson book I’d recommend starting with this one. A true 5 star read! Gripping from the start and thrilling to the end!

I’ve read a few books by tess Stimson now and she never fails to make my jaw drop! Just as I think I have figured it out, you are thrown for a loop!
Love the characters, they’re so well written and you can easily see acquaintances, friends or family members in them.
Scenes are described so well you can easily imagine yourself stood in the same space, smelling the same smells or tasting the same tastes.
Would make an excellent deckchair read or evening walk listen.

Narrator 5 stars
Fantastic narrator. Very soothing voice who did an amazing job bring this story to life.

Book 4 stars

Well... I was 100% sure I knew who took Lotti and I was 100% wrong!!!
Every parents worst nightmare. I had to finish this in one sitting because I needed to know WHO it was. First time experiencing this author, definitely not the last.

3.5 ⭐️
A mystery thriller that’s every mother’s nightmare! Please don’t take my child!! It would be stuck on an endless loop for me that I failed. Anyone? Would it be timing? My bad judgement? How could this happen? Or maybe it wasn’t my fault at all?
Well…….this story is about to take you there and then you can experience all the suspense, pain and doubt associated with this terrible crime. A lot happened and it got a little to crazy for me, kind of like YA drama. But I did enjoy it and it wasn’t predictable. Listen to this as an audiobook and it was great.
Thanks Avon via Netgalley.

Unbelievable story with twists and turns to keep you up all night! Shocking truth revealed, couldn't believe it at the end! Well written and definitely didn't guess the ending!

“Every good story begins with a loose thread…”

We are quickly in the action, the first chapter had me hooked and the action doesn’t stop. Not your classic “Whodunnit?”. It’s complex and detailed with threads of love, friendship, family and betrayl running through the story.

There are so many unreliable narrators and the twists and turns just keep coming with lots of red herrings to keep us guessing. The Addition of media reports throughout to give an alternative perspective was also a clever tool and really highlighted how much a trial by media can influence cases of child abduction.

I listened to this as an audiobook and the narration was fantastic. Stephanie Racine done an excellent job or portraying all of the characters and bringing the story to life. It is filled with emotion and depth, truly wonderful!

I can’t recommend this enough, especially if you love a good thriller. A must-read for fans of Louise Candlish and Lisa Jewell. I think this would make an excellent TV Drama *hint hint*!

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio and Avon for an audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#Stolen #NetGalley

A fast paced but easy to listen to story of missing 3 year old Lottie Martini, snatched from a wedding in Florida. Just when I thought I might have it all sussed Tess Stimson throws something else into the mix and scuppers that line of thought. The plot has lots of twists and turns and red herrings by the bucket load. Enjoyed listening to it.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for an audio download of this book.

At Alex's best friends beach wedding in America Lottie , Alex's three year old daughter goes missing

Lottie is a stubborn child and Alex a widowed career woman has her frustrations with the three year old which are worse now she is a single parent after Luka Martini her estranged husband was killed in the Genoa bridge collapse while visiting his parents in Italy.

What has happened to Lottie Martini as the days lead into weeks , months and years all the clues lead nowhere and everyone fears the worst

Alex refuses to believe that Lottie is never coming back and continues to search for her daughter

Clues are followed but never lead to anything and Alex's mental health is questioned when she refuses to give up and claims to have seen Lottie in the UK over 4000 miles from where she went missing

Who took Lottie Martini? And will she ever come home?

I listened to this in a couple of days as I was hooked and wanted to find out what had happened to Lottie, I did have my suspicion's and although I was right it came together really well at the end

Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for the chance to listen to this audio book in return for a honest review

Wow! I've never been so gripped by every part of a story like this before. Nothing is as it seems when the world is tipped upside down for Alex and her daughter when 3 year old Lottie goes missing from a wedding. The world casts judgement, and everyone is under the spotlight of suspicion in the twistiest storyline I think I've ever read.

Not only is the storyline epic, but the writing is equally fabulous. Its hard to explain too much without giving anything away, but the repetition of storytelling once we have a better idea of context was a stroke of genius for me, and I'll definitely be seeking out other stories by this skilled author.

I was fortunate enough to receive a free audio version of this book via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and the performance was great! I'd definitely recommend this to those who love a modern thriller/mystery.

This had so many twists and turns that had my heart on edge. Alex attends a wedding with her little daughter but whilst Alex is distracted, Little is taken. This is the story of a mother on the hunt for answers. Who took Lottie and why? The story had be endlessly guessing with lots of twists and turns

I received this audiobook from the publishers via Netgalley for a review. What an emotional ride, every parent's nightmare a child missing. Kept me hooked right till the end. The narrator keeps this story moving along.

Stolen is a twisty thriller, full of intrigue and misleading plot lines that will keep you guessing until the end.
Alexa and her three year old headstrong daughter Lottie are in Florida for Alexa’s friend’s wedding. After the ceremony, Lexie goes missing and it appears she has been abducted while Alexa’s attention was elsewhere. The police quickly become involved and the media take a lot of interest in the case, in particular Alexa’s parenting history.
It’s difficult to give a more detailed synopsis without including spoilers, but it’s fair to say almost all the characters seem guilty at one point or another, and I found it quite difficult to like any of them.
A great read for fans of psychological thrillers who don’t become irritated at an abundance of red herrings. The narrator was a little over the top at times but did add to the suspense.

Wow, what a fantastic audiobook and I am happy to have found a new author! I really enjoyed this book a lot and I felt like I was on a journey, where I travelled to one area thinking I was on track to knowing who took little 3 year old Lottie Martini away from her Mum, Alex Martini, only to find myself being transported to another area which gave more clues as to what might have happened to her. It was like being on an aeroplane, going from one airport to another and to another, gathering clues and thinking I knew what had happened to Lottie, only to find out at the very end what really happened to her. So many twists and turns and red herrings kept me on the edge of my seat and I felt very excited, my heart pounding; eager to listen on to find out what had happened to her and where she was. The ending was fantastic and it brought me great joy. I loved the narrators of the book, who did a great job, especially with the italian accents. This is an awesome book, which I highly recommend!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Twist after Twist... I was hooked!


Today I have the absolute pleasure of reviewing 'Stolen' by Tess Stimson.


The story, which is told from different perspectives, focuses on the abduction of Lottie Martini, a three year old bridesmaid. I was certain, so many times, that I had cracked the case and I knew who the abductor was, but alas, the expertly written twists and turns meant i was wrong every single time! And the end... oh the end! I was on the edge of my seat and actually screamed during the last chapter.. and i'm not afraid to admit it!


I was given access to the audiobook on this occasion, and was a little apprehensive as I think the narrator can make or break an audiobook experience - but I was absolutely obsessed with the narrator!! Due to the way the novel was written, it really felt as if you were listening to the characters thoughts and this was down to the narrators wonderful acting ability and the genius writing style.


I would 100% listen to this book again, and I am certain I would be just as apprehensive and hooked as I was the first time!

Really enjoyed this book. I usually only listen to audio books while I'm cleaning, or pottering around at home, but I never stopped with this one. Listened in two solid halves, and loved every minute.

Incredibly plotted, with plenty twists and turns that you can't see coming, every time you think you've got a hold of who took Lottie you end up changing your mind, just a few short chapters later.

Well edited and performed by the narrator too, comfortable listing however you choose. Just note with a main character called Alexa, you might not want to listen aloud near any Amazon devices *grin*

I was eager to get stuck in to this one and where the storyline as a whole was good and had great promise I felt the plot dragged a lot and went through the motions where I felt there wasn’t much going on and I was urging it to move on. The trauma of Lottie going missing is written very well in respect of Alex’s character as I really felt her pain and loss. You are thrown a few curve balls that did add to the storyline and kept you guessing. I found the outcome a little unbelievable so that and the pace let it down for me.

3.5/5 🌟🌟🌟/🌟

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC thats due to be published on the 5th of Aug.