A hunt for a serial killer by a private investigator who is also the host of a true crime podcast. The narrative blends the podcast episodes with the real time events seamlessly. There is no suspense or big twists and the reason behind the killer’s behaviour is not coherent. The characters in the last part of the story seem lost. What started well became meandering towards a conclusion. For a debut book it’s worth a read.

One of the best podcast thrillers I've read in ages, Girl, 11 perfectly captures the tense atmosphere of a serial killer thriller combined with a deep dive into the world of podcasting. It manages to be incredibly suspenseful while setting up the start of what I hope is a series! Absolutely not to be missed for podcast thriller fan as well as general thriller fans who appreciate a complex storyline and well-drawn characters.

My opinions on Girl, 11, summarized: nothing groundbreaking, but still entertaining. I haven't yet tired of the true crime podcast trope (is it a trope yet, or just a trend? idk, but it's irrelevant for my review purposes). I prefer consuming them in audiobook form, simply because it seems like the two were made for each other, but I'm not especially put off by simply reading the "transcripts", either. In Girl, 11, Elle Castillo is focusing the latest season of her podcast, Justice Delayed, on The Countdown Killer. The Countdown Killer is a meticulous, number obsessed, forensically sophisticated serial killer, who has never been brought to justice. We follow along as Elle attempts to solve the decades-old murders, and bring a killer out of the shadows. Danger ensues.

That's about all I'm willing to say about the plot. There are some twists, but they are pretty heavily foreshadowed, so I don't know if they will come as much of a surprise, especially to hardcore thriller lovers, such as myself. There were a few places where the story seemed to lack momentum. Elle could also be the kind of character that you want to scream "NO! For god sakes, no! Don't do that!" at repeatedly. Overall, besides a few gripes, this book was entertaining. Not mind-blowing or especially inventive, but by no means a bad book. Just grab some popcorn and enjoy it for what it is. Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Netgalley for the chance to review this advance copy.

There is a lot to like about this book, but there were a few issues as well. But for a debut book, it was pretty good and this is an author I would keep an eye out for in the future. Plus that cover is just awesome and the way it ties into the story is simply amazing.

I really liked the story, a podcaster looking into an unsolved serial killer case. There were lots of clues and red herrings that kept things interesting. But that said, there were a lot of things that ended up pretty easy to figure out. But the writing was good, and I liked the contrast of the narrative with a podcast script interspersed throughout to help the story along.

I liked Elle for the most part. She was a bit self-centered and tended to make everything about her and her issues in solving the case. She also tended to act on a lot of things without really thinking things through. But I also liked that when others pointed this out to her she was able to own up to it. However this never seemed to keep her from making the same mistakes the next time. She was smart and compassionate however which certainly made up for any faults she might have. I really liked her husband, Martin, who was very supportive of her and her podcast, even when things got a bit harried.

The Countdown Killer was an interesting serial killer. I liked that we got to see some of what had driven him to start killing with flashbacks to his childhood. I would have liked a little bit more of this, and maybe for his early life to have been a bit more horrifying, It just didn’t seem to be enough to turn him into what he became. Also the reason for his sudden hiatus from killing also didn’t make a whole lot of sense. But his methods and some of the reasons were quite intriguing. I was not totally surprised when the big reveal happened, I had pretty much figured who it was as soon as that character had been introduced into the story. But there were moments of doubt through out the book, so not a bad job of keeping the identity secret to the end.

The pacing was fairly good through out the story, although a few of the podcast episodes were maybe a tad too long. I liked many of the secondary characters, especially the detectives that Elle worked with and her friend, Sash. Natalie, Sash’s daughter, was an absolute delight as well and I loved the scenes that included her.

Overall this was a pretty good psychological thriller, that could have used a bit more suspense. This is an author to keep an eye on as she certainly has some interesting ideas.

Girl, 11 by Amy Suiter Clarke is a not to be missed debut novel that I really enjoyed!!! If you enjoy true crime podcasts and stories about serial killers this one is for you! Elle, the main character, is an investigator that hosts a true crime podcast about unsolved cases. Her current case is about The Countdown Killer who has not been heard from in over twenty years. Elle is determined to solve this case. The story is told between Elle’s podcast episodes and chapters of what is happening right now, a potential lead on the TCK and a girl who goes missing. I couldn’t read the pages fast enough!! It was creepy, thrilling, and suspenseful!! I also enjoy the development of the characters. You really got to see into Elle’s world and the people in her life. I could totally see more stories to follow with this group of characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the ARC!!

Girl, 11 will have you following a serial killer over a long trail with a period of time when he stopped. The clues are presented through a podcast of information about the victims and the detective's files. You'll learn all the ideas.

Enjoyed this one. I felt like there was something missing though, something I needed to love it. Well thought out plot and easy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Girl, 11.

The premise was intriguing though nothing new where the identity of an elusive serial killer mystery is centered around the main character who hosts a popular podcast.

Elle Castillo is on a mission; after retiring from a career as a social worker, she has dedicated her life to pursue justice and speaking for the victims who cannot speak for themselves.

Her recent podcast focuses on The Countdown Killer, an elusive serial killer who murders have baffled investigators and the community, and Elle has made it her mission to track the murderer down.

When her podcast soars in the ratings and focus returns to TCK, Elle realizes that her gut instinct has always been right: the man is not dead. And he has come back for her.

I generally don't like novels with a podcast or diary themed narrative but it worked well in Girl, 11. I found Elle's recaps and summaries with investigators and informative. One of the reasons I enjoy mysteries is, as a reader, I can solve the crime along with the main character(s).

I liked Elle; she was focused and determined, strong willed and flawed, but like many protagonists, she is consumed by the predator she seeks; her mind and logic is called into question by her husband, her close friends and the authorities.

A common tactic in novels like this; the main character is not stable or of sound mind.

I liked Elle's husband; a loyal, smart and kind man from a supportive family, unlike Elle's childhood. He's her rock and her touch stone, but like many of the supporting characters, he begins to doubt and worry for Elle's emotional and mental health and well being.

There are no twists, turns or shocking revelations and there are times I felt my ability to suspend disbelief pushed a little too far out of my comfort zone but I went along for the ride because I wanted to see how it turned out.

I didn't find the identity of the killer interesting nor the motives for the murders fascinating or compelling. It was a bit of a let down, actually, but I liked Elle, her husband and BFF.

The writing was good, and I was drawn into the story for the most part.

What an enjoyable thriller!

In Girl 11, the author brings us a very creepy and suspenseful story. The insertion of the podcast broadcasts worked very well – making this modern and adding to the mystery and the tension.

While one plot point was a little too telegraphed, the rest of the book was full of surprises – fair ones, not far out twists – but things that I definitely didn’t see coming.

The culmination was extremely satisfying!

Would happily read the author again in the future!

*ARC Provided via Net Galley

I really liked this book. It was very well written and it read like a true podcast. It kept a fast pace and made you want to keep reading to find the conclusion.

Girl, 11 by Amy Suiter Clarke is a suspense thriller about serial killer, the Countdown Killer. Elle Castillo, former social worker, now hosts a true crime podcast called “Justice Delayed” focusing on cold cases. Her new season is about TCK, the countdown killer. Twenty years ago TCK stopped his ritualistic killing. The killer would kidnap a girl, based on age, and murdering three of them over a seven day period. Each year the killer found his victims one year younger than the last. TCK abruptly stopped after his eleven year old victim was able to escape. Now, it seems as though TCK has returned. At least that is what Elle believes, contrary to the thoughts of law enforcement and the media. Elle’s podcast was meant to prove TCK was still alive and well, but now people wonder if it’s a copycat killer taking cues from Elle’s podcast as she investigates the MO of TCK.

Elle Castillo is a complex character, she is a fierce protector of women and children that are victims of violence. She is also self absorbed and acts before she thinks, putting herself and others at risk. We see glimpses of her childhood, where she endured a traumatic experience. which could explain a lot of her actions. Elle’s husband Martin, a medical examiner, often weighs in on her podcast, but she often leaves him in the dark about where and what she is up to.

The story is a little predictable, we have a very good idea on what is going to happen. But, it played out pretty well and included some twists I didn’t see coming. It’s fast paced, and does involve the murder of children, which is pretty graphic and may upset some readers, so just be warned. I did enjoy this book, and really liked the cover!

I would like to thank Netgalley, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Amy Suiter Clarke for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Elle Castillo transitioned from working as a social worker in the Twin Cities to hosting her own true crime podcast. Her latest season is about a serial killer known as the Count Down Killer because each of the young women he kidnaps and murders is a year younger than the one before. Some people think CDK died in a fire years ago, but Elle isn’t so sure. As she discovers more clues and reveals them during the season, she is convinced CDK is still alive. She receives a desperate message from a listener who thinks they know who CDK is, but when Elle arrives at his apartment, the listener is dead. When a local girl is kidnapped soon after, Elle is convinced that the CDK killer is back. Elle walks the line between brave and reckless as she follows up on her own leads with and without the support of the local police department. They think she’s obsessed with CDK and making connections that aren’t there, but she’ll do anything to stop him from killing someone else.

This story is revealed through a mixture of podcast transcripts, Elle’s investigations and CDK’s life until now. While I imagine the audiobook would be AMAZING, this concept works well in the printed form and is accompanied by an equally well-developed plot. Elle and those around here are well realized and able to reveal a lot about Elle’s strengths and failings through their complicated relationships. The writing itself is good, and as this is a debut novel I can only imagine the next work from Clarke will be even better.

Advanced copy read courtesy of NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

A very good thriller involving two storylines which intertwined beautifully. Elle writes a podcast about the victims of serial killers. She is currently reviewing a serial killer known as TCK (the countdown killer) . After 20 years a new murder seems to follow the same pattern as previously. The police do not think it is the same killer because he apparently died in a cabin fire 20 years previous., although the bodies found have never been identified. Elle investigates on her own convinced that the original killer has resurfaced. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout the novel. There is suspense building towards the conclusion. Is this new series of killings from TCK, are they unrelated or is it a copycat? You’ll have to read the novel this April to find out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you like true crime podcasts, this is the book for you! It's the best thriller I've read this year and I could not put it down. Elle is a true crime podcast host and she's taking on the cold case of the notorious Countdown Killer. She's determined to find him, and when a girl goes missing in her city, she is convinced TCK is behind it. But is her judgment being clouded by her obsession with this case?

I loved the multiple formats that this book is told in (it alternates between chapters and podcast episodes). I was skeptical about the author's choice to include a certain character's perspective, but it didn't ruin the story for me. This book is full of twists (I only predicted one) and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in true crime. It's a solid 4.5 stars.

Do you ever have a book you're so excited to read, and then when you do, it's even more incredible than you expected? That book is GIRL, 11. This book was phenomenal and should be added to your TBR immediately! Between the propulsive plot and the format of podcast episodes between chapters, I could not put it down. The characters jump off the page - especially main character Elle, whose bravery and compassion pull you along on her journey to solve the case. GIRL, 11 is an outstanding debut that will stay with you long after you read the last page, and I can't wait to read future books by Amy Suiter Clarke!

Really amazing. This was such a well done thriller, I really could not put it down. The author did a great job of creating the character who foe through this era of obsession and I found it to be very interesting. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Let me start out by saying WOW! This book blew any expectations I had out of the water. I loved Elle so freaking much. This book made me gasp aloud several times, and I could not put it down. The second half of the book flew by because there was not much of a dull moment. The way that Suiter Clarke went back and forth between characters and even the podcast episodes was brilliant. I am impressed that this will be her first book, I am sure after this she will have many more. This book gives you everything, especially suspense! I cannot say enough good things about this book and I am still on a hangover from it currently.

The first 3/4 of this book I was so in to. Unfortunately the ending for me had way too much thrown in to it. I felt it became way too unrealistic which is fine if the whole book had went that way. I definitely liked the book and I rate it a 4

I really enjoyed reading this book. Elle is an invertigator who has a podcast that is aimed at trying to get information on mysterious disappearances. For 29 years she has been focused on try to solve the mystery of the Countdown Killer, who was kidnapping and, torturing and killing young girls. The book is full of mystery and suspense and I would highly recommend it.

***spoiler alert***

First I will say what I liked: I loved the transcripts of the podcast. The different perspectives, a person in their personal life vs a public podcast, was interesting, and mixed up the writing style very well. I also loved the story of a "countdown killer", and the reasoning behind why he does what he does. I also love the cover art!

That being said, there were a lot of things I thought could be improved on:
Elle seemed self-absorbed about her life and her podcast for sure. (I liked that the other characters called her out on it, focusing on her podcast.). No police force would allow some random civilian to help them solve, not only one case, but several cases - especially when that random civilian has a public podcast and could release any info at any time. However for the sake of the story, I was willing to overlook that. My biggest issue was probably that the so-called twists were so completely obvious. When the character of Natalie was first introduced in Chapter 1, I already knew at some point she was going to be kidnapped. By 20%, Elle's real identity was so obvious. Even the name change was very similar. Also, there were a lot of plot holes. Like, stick with the same name. Before Chapter 42, he's "DJ", then he turns into "Douglas"? No regular suburban house has a ventilation system in the basement big enough for people to crawl through, and it certainly wouldn't lead directly outside. And the "no access to the basement" thing didn't make any sense - if that was the case how did the kidnapper get the girl down there then? I highly doubt they would have crawled through the ventilation system together. In Chapter 42, why wasn't Natalie wearing a shirt? I doubt a kidnapping victim would randomly strip for no reason. And another thing, wouldn't Elle have recognized her previous captor? Even 20 years later, features would be similar, eyes would be the same. Traumatic events usually leave images burned into your memory don't they?

Regardless of the significant problems, overall I enjoyed the book, and the writing style was very well done. I almost felt like I knew Elle like a real person as she went through all the events (despite how some of them may be unbelievable.)