The Child by Fiona Barton

Description:“As an old house is demolished in a gentrifying section of London, a workman discovers a tiny skeleton, buried for years. For journalist Kate Waters, it’s a story that deserves attention. She cobbles together a piece for her newspaper, but at a loss for answers, she can only pose a question: Who is the Building Site Baby?

As Kate investigates, she unearths connections to a crime that rocked the city decades earlier: A newborn baby was stolen from the maternity ward in a local hospital and was never found. Her heartbroken parents were left devastated by the loss.

But there is more to the story, and Kate is drawn—house by house—into the pasts of the people who once lived in this neighborhood that has given up its greatest mystery. And she soon finds herself the keeper of unexpected secrets that erupt in the lives of three women—and torn between what she can and cannot tell…”

Review: This is a great psychological thriller with intriguing characters. What makes this thriller stand out is the characters. None of the characters get lost and they all have very distinct lives and personalities. You can’t help but feel like you personally know each of the women involved in this story. Although I enjoyed this book I did find it to be drawn out at times and had unnecessary plot lines (for example – we briefly hear about trouble at home for Kate but it is never expanded upon or resolved). I also was able to figure out the plot twist before it actually occurred in the book which does put a damper on the reading experience. Even though I was able to solve the mystery before the book I still really enjoyed it. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends who enjoy a good thriller!

*please note that I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley