This was an interesting storyline. The main characters were Anthony Donovan and his daughter, Linda who are both pest exterminators. But all is not necessarily as it seems. The story is told with two narrators in different timelines. One is Linda in the present day and the other is her father. His chapters detail his youth and how he met her mother. Everything in Anthony's chapters lead up to the present day.

This is an interesting storyline with a few surprises along the way. I thought the method that the author used to tell this story was clever. It was definitely unlike any book I've read before in its originality which I really liked. I hesitate to say too much because with a story like this, it's best to read the book yourself and let it all unfold without any spoilers.

AUDIOBOOK: The audiobook narration was okay. I believe the layout of the book lent itself to being read in audio and the narrators did a nice job. 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for both early copies of the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to review both of them and the opinions contained within are my own.

This book caught my attention right away…a legacy of serial killers telling his story to his daughter and she coming to many realizations of her actual past. Riveting.

There's dark and twisty, and then there's Her Father's Daughter. I always commit to keeping my reviews spoiler free, and so I won't disclose any of the details here, but T.M. Dunn's debut novel is so fiendishly dark and clever, Let's just say it takes method acting to a whole new before now un-thought-about level. Having said all that, I loved it. I started it in the evening, thinking that I would just read a couple of chapters before bed. I ended up binging it in one sitting, alternating between audio and text versions, because I had to know how this dark tale was going to end, and it ended oh so perfectly. Thanks for the opportunity to review!

Linda is in her mid-twenties and has been helping her dad run his exterminating business for quite a while when she receives a full ride to school in California that she just can’t turn down. She’s struggling with leaving her dad, his memory doesn’t seem to be what it was and he’s just stuck in his ways, ways that could cause him to lose the business, his only source of income. When Linda discovers the dead body of a resident at one of the buildings they service, things take a crazy turn. Her dad becomes shifty, the cops want to speak to him which is baffling to Linda and Linda is learning her family really isn’t what she thought.

Bouncing from two points of view - one of which is going past to present, this one was wild. At the beginning I did not see it going where it was headed and I loved it. Many thanks to the author, Crooked Lane Books and Thriller Book Lover Promos for my ARC. Her Father’s Daughter will be published 7/18.

Her Father’s Daughter will truly have you questioning how well people ever really know each other. With twists, red flags, mystery and murder, this book had me so excited to read this book. I went in blind with this book, just reading the short description about It. The plot seemed great!

The story Is told from two different timelines. The past is told by Anthony, Linda’s Father and his actions in the past that are now coming to light. Then the present-day story is told from a 25-year-old Linda and a murder investigation. Unfortunately, I really struggled reading about Anthony’s past. The pace was so slow and not holding my interest. From reading the description I expected more of a fast-paced serial killer murder investigation. The present-day timeline seems more fast paced and I truly did enjoy reading those chapters. The police procedure portions were a little unrealistic but was still fun to read.

Overall, it was a decent thriller, but I wish we had more of the ending and maybe a little less of some of the dialogue at the beginning of the book.

I rated this book 3.5 stars rounded down simply because of my enjoyment level. If the chapters from the past were a little faster paced this would be a big winner for me.

This book was a fresh and fantastic take on a serial killer thriller.

The book is told from the point of view of both twenty-five-year-old Linda and her father, Anthony. The timelines are split between the present and her father's past. I enjoyed the way the past was told as almost a reflection rather than taking us there entirely.

Linda's mother committed suicide days after she was born, leaving Anthony to raise Linda himself. Linda lived a normal upbringing, and the pair own a pest control service called Donovan and Daughter.

The book opens with the death of an elderly woman who resided at one of the buildings they worked for. Linda and/or her father become suspects.

Right up front, we know that Anthony was a serial killer, raised and trained by his father before him. He refers to himself as an actor, who targets and studies and becomes his victims. The whole thing was just so chilling and creepy. He gave all of that up when Linda was born and spent 25 years living a normal life with his daughter.

Being inside the mind of a serial killer was especially chilling because Anthony saw his work as an art. The killing was fully intertwined with his acting studies. You got a sense that he truly came to care for his victims, and he had some sense of morality because if one died outside of his control or timeline, he was devastated. At the end of each victim, he would have a trophy containing their ashes made for himself, with each profession he had mastered in his "acting" career. It was truly insane.

The book is told in a way that we are finding out about the father's full past from his POV at the same time that Linda is finding out in the present. There are no huge plot twists to disappoint you, it is more of a waiting to find out how everything will be revealed, and what will happen in the end.

I really appreciated the fact that the reader is finding out the truth simultaneously with Linda. I tend to not like the "slow reveal" books when it is clear the narrator knows the answer but is hiding it from the reader.

The book culminates in Anthony wanting Linda to take over the REAL family business, but I won't spoil it with her decision. The book begs the question of whether serial killers are born or raised.

Overall, I thought it was a unique read that I was not able to put down. I highly recommend this one.

This book has so many of the things that I normally look for in a mystery thriller book. You have a secret serial killer, and a daughter who has zero idea of the secret life her father lived. I also normally love books that split perspectives. Yet this book missed the mark for me. I loved when Linda was in charge of the story. Her story telling was dynamic, fast paced, and easy to enjoy. However, whenever her father took over the narrative the book seemed to stall out. I found myself losing interest and struggling to read through his part of the story. Which honestly should have been the exact opposite of what happened. I should have loved hearing about his background. There was just something about his voice that really didn’t resonate with me as a reader. I did love Linda and Jess’s connection and relationship. It added something much needed to the book. Overall, this book was just alright. If someone is asking about a mystery thriller I may recommend this book, however it probably won’t be the first book title that comes to mind.
Thank you so much to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

This was a middle-of-the-road kind of experience for me. Her Father's Daughter is told from the alternating perspectives of Linda and her father. Her father tells the tale of how he met her mother and how their love story descended into dark territory, while Linda in the present day carries us through a murder investigation and her complicated dealings with the past. I liked how dark this story became, and I think that the character development was its biggest strong point. I just wish that the execution had been more thrilling and entertaining overall.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this e-arc.*

“𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕕𝕪, 𝕞𝕪 𝕕𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕖𝕣, 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕤 𝕙𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕤𝕦𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘’𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕠𝕟 𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣: 𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕤”.

If you’re looking for a dark, suspenseful domestic thriller with a side of “rat chewing someone’s face off”, you’ve come to the right place 🤩🤩

Linda and her father run an exterminating company. However, after discovering a dead body (so glad I don’t like peanut butter…) everything just goes arse over tit at a rake of noughts 😬😬

Incredibly clever, the book is written in dual POV - Linda’s (present time) as she tries to figure out WTAF is going on, and the father’s, which is in “acts” from a journal he has written for Linda explaining his backstory and how we got to this very present day conundrum…. 🤔🤔

Wonderfully plotted, this is a dark, disturbing, and at times a chilling read. It’s very character driven, so the first half was really getting to know the nitty gritties. The second half was a bit more BOOM💥💥

I found Linda’s chapters easier to read mainly because they were shorter; the father’s chapters were long! 🫠🫠HOWEVER I found his fascinating and probably preferred them to Linda’s…! They were dialogue heavy and immensely detailed but I was captivated by them 😮😮

I wasn’t sure how it was all going to end - it wrapped up pretty quickly but, for me, the ending made sense and I was satisfied.

Overall, this was a thought provoking and enjoyable novel that had me captivated throughout 🖤🖤

Thank you so much to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, T.M Dunn and Crooked Lane Books for the e-arc and putting this one on my radar!!!

I do enjoy a serial killer plot and just as expected this was pretty dark and disturbing. Despite the long chapters, the pace and the flow were great. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this psychological thriller. I love how dark this story became, and I think that the character development was its biggest strong point. I really love the alternating perspectives in a story it gives me a lot to think about when it switches back and forth. The fathers sections were really hard to get into though due to all of the dialogue. It seemed to really drag on and on. Lindas parts were really easy to get into and kinda wish there was a tad bit more from her side.

This is one of the most messed up father/daughter relationships I have read in a long time! Linda has put her life on hold for her dad because he can not seem to cope on his own since his wife died. I started out feeling really bad for him until I got to the chapter titled Act 1. From there on out the book is nothing but a very twisted love story written by a serial killer.

I could not put this one down once I picked it up! It was mind blowing to me how sweet and innocent Linda’s dad comes off compared to what he really is and all that he has done. Do not wait on this one when it comes out!

4⭐
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 265
Audio length ~ 8 hours 44 minutes
Narrators ~ Cara Swingline, David Bendena
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ long chapters for the acts, serial killer, murder, suicide, secrets

Father and daughter, Anthony & Linda are pretty close since he raised her on his own from birth, and they work together in an exterminating business. She takes on a job and makes a gruesome discovery, which sets forth an investigation bigger than Linda ever thought possible.
Anthony's chapters were told as 'acts', he is an actor after all, that are written in journals to Linda that explain his life to her. What she reads is unthinkable and quite shocking.

I do enjoy a serial killer plot and just as expected this was pretty dark and disturbing. Despite the long chapters, the pace and the flow were great and kept me engaged. I'd be happy to read what this author writes next in the adult genre (she has written YA under a different name).

Side note ~ although sad, I like why she was named Linda.

I had a kindle and an audio copy to review.
Narration notes ~ David did a wonderful job, his tone was really animated at times and really drew me into the story. Cara on the other hand was not so great. Her voices for other women characters was just awful and cringey.

Actual rating: a solid 4 STARS
Well that was just, REALLY good!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this psychological thriller - just what I needed to get me out of my slump! The story started off with a literal bang and I was immediately engaged!
Told in a dual POV from both Linda and her dad, we get a view of the past and present. I loved how each "act" was broken up and explained by the end. And even though you KNOW what's going on, it's still a surprise to read.
l'lI definitely be recommending this book. It would spark lots a great discussion and probably really good for book club!

"Her Father's Daughter" by T.M. Dunne is a gripping novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of family dynamics, love, and mystery. Set against the backdrop of New York City, this book takes readers on an emotional journey that will leave them captivated until the very end.

The story follows twenty-five-year-old Linda Donovan, who works alongside her father at Donovan and Daughter Exterminators. On the anniversary of her mother's death, Linda stumbles upon a gruesome murder at a Park Avenue apartment building. The incident not only casts a shadow on her family's exterminating services but also reveals a hidden tale of foul play and secrets waiting to be unraveled.

What sets "Her Father's Daughter" apart is the intricate narrative structure. Told through alternating perspectives, the book explores Linda's present-day struggles as she grapples with her father's sudden disappearance, while also delving into the past through her father's recorded accounts in five notebooks. The untold history of familial abuse, tormented souls, and a love story gone awry adds layers of depth and complexity to the plot.

T.M. Dunne's writing style is engaging and evocative, painting vivid pictures of both the bustling city streets and the characters' internal landscapes. The author expertly creates an atmosphere of suspense, keeping readers guessing at every turn. The mystery surrounding Linda's father and the circumstances leading to her mother's death will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the truth.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its well-developed characters. Linda's journey of self-discovery is relatable and poignant, while her father's recorded accounts provide a deeper understanding of his character and the intricate web of emotions that bind their family. The supporting cast is equally compelling, each with their own secrets and motivations that add intrigue to the story.

While "Her Father's Daughter" tackles dark themes and explores the complexities of human relationships, it also offers moments of tenderness and hope. The exploration of love, forgiveness, and the bonds that tie us together provides a satisfying emotional arc.

In conclusion, "Her Father's Daughter" is an engrossing and thought-provoking read that seamlessly blends mystery, family drama, and romance. T.M. Dunne's storytelling prowess, combined with well-rounded characters and an intricately woven plot, make this book a definite page-turner. Prepare to be drawn into a world of secrets, surprises, and the enduring power of love.

This book is such a thriller. Typically, I can guess the ending by half way through the book. I guessed the murderer, but wow, this book had so many twists and turns. I never imagined the back story or how it would come to a head. If you like thrillers and many surprises in your reading material, I definitely suggest this book.

Her Father's Daughter
by T. M. Dunn
Pub Date: 18 Jul 2023

Her Father's Daughter is a domestic thriller that starts at the end and moves back in time. Viewpoints between father and daughter switch back and forth. An entertaining read, great book for a book club.


Synopsis:

Skillfully weaving together domestic suspense, a desperate police investigation, a love affair, and a serial killer on the loose, acclaimed author T. M. Dunn’s Her Father’s Daughter makes for a raw, edgy, and hard-hitting hero’s journey into a family’s twisted secrets.

Thank you to #Netgalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for providing me with an e-ARC of #HerFathersDaughter.

“Her Father’s Daughter” follows Linda Donovan as she goes to work at her father's extermination company and discovers that one of their elderly tenants has been eaten by rats. As she investigates the crime with the help of an unlikely ally, Linda soon finds out that there are secrets in her family's past that could lead to some very bad things for anyone who threatens them—including her own father.

I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with this book. I was expecting a good read, but I didn't expect to be on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters were extremely well written and relatable. The main character Linda is strong and independent, but she has a soft side that makes her human. Her father is extremely protective over her and does everything he can to protect her from any harm (even if it means not telling her about certain things). The romance between Linda and Jess is complicating, but not too cheesy or unrealistic.

Overall I give this book 4 stars out of 5 because it has everything that you could want in a story--a great plot line with twists and turns at every turn; relatable characters; romance without being cheesy; and suspenseful scenes that will keep you on edge throughout the entire book! Dunn brilliantly mixed romance, suspense and drama to take readers on a thrilling journey. I highly recommend "Her Father’s Daughter" and would love to see what Dunn has planned for Linda in the future (please make a sequel).

I really enjoyed this book. It was very unique in regards to the different points of view that the story was told from. It was told from Linda‘s point of view, and the other point of view was from her father, but in the form of letters.

I’m finding it hard to summarize the book, because I don’t want to give anything away. I think this is a book that’s best to go in blind.

I can honestly say that I have not read a book like this before, and while there were no huge twists that left my jaw on the floor, I enjoyed it very much. I read this book in one sitting, in the span of just a few hours. It was an easy read, and it was very entertaining.

I look forward to reading more books from this author, in the future, because of her unique perspective.

Thank you to NetGalley and crooked Lane books for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review .

This alternates between the story of Anthony and Rebecca and that of their 25 year old daughter Linda, who finds herself caught up in a particularly gruesome murder investigation. It's an unusual premise for a novel- a father/daughter pest extermination business combined with a love story- and I'm not sure it works. I do know, however, that I kept reading. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An unusual one.

Linda and her father Anthony are exterminators; together they run “Donovan and Daughter”. While Linda has worked with him all of her adult life, at 25, she is ready to go to college. Her father is sad to see her go, and after an argument, Linda goes on a job alone. There, she finds a dead woman - with a rat chewing on her face!! As if that isn’t disturbing enough, the police suspect Linda’s father is somehow involved. What follows is a twisty, character-driven thriller unlike any other that I’ve read.

Well, the rat chewing off a face definitely caught my attention! In that way (and a few other parts), it bordered on a horror story. But, ultimately this is a suspenseful thriller that kept me guessing all throughout. Told in dual points of view, Linda is trying to get to the truth while her father has compiled his story in “acts” that he has written in journals for her. This made for a story that was extremely unique, in a way that worked! I really appreciated how the author wasn’t afraid to ”write outside the box” in putting this story together. I would love to read more of her work in the future!

Thank you to TM Dunn, Thriller Book Lover Promos and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC! This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.