On The Run With The FBI And A Killer Chasing Them

This novel starts 13 years in the past. Greg and Amy Olsen have been fostering an 11-month-old baby girl, Marcy, for the past eight months. They started the process of adopting her. The least of the many problems for Candice, the biological mother, was drug addiction. In the last months, she cleaned herself up and petitioned to regain custody. The judge approved that petition. The next morning, the Olsens will turn over Marcy. Around midnight, Candice was banging on the Olsen’s door. When Greg opens the door, Candice falls into his arms. He lowers her to the floor. He realizes that she is all bloody. She has been either shot or stabbed in the stomach. She tells him that he is coming for her. They need to leave immediately. He looks out but sees only her car. She begs again for them to go. He says that they no longer have custody of Mandy. She says you do now. After another plea for them to leave immediately, she dies. A rapid-paced novel starts from here.

In this novel, the Olsens use two aliases. For this review, I will use their real names so the aliases do not lead to confusion while reading this review.

This novel has three threads. The first thread is the Olsens on the run from where they have lived for the past 10 years. Their quiet life ends when Greg notices that the FBI is surveilling him. The second thread is the FBI investigation to find and arrest them. The lead is the same FBI Special Agent who initially investigated Candice’s murder 13 years ago. The last thread is the man hired to kill the Olsens and the persons directing and supporting his actions. Greg and Amy had developed a seemingly comfortable life until they made a mistake that brought them to the FBI's attention. Unfortunately, that let the person who wanted them dead before a second chance. The Olsens had planned for another escape, but in execution, the FBI and the killer force them to start improvising quickly without any real time to plan at all. An episode within minutes of leaving his home, Greg is almost killed by this killer. This persistent threat of death on their heels keeps the tension high to the novel’s end. The suspense is maintained by the Olsens trying to figure out who and why someone is trying to kill them and whether they are making the right decisions. The pace was rapid. The chapters are short and focused, and they shift between the three threads. I did not have any problem following this novel’s flow.

The background information in this novel is intertwined with Olsen’s thread. Greg and Amy's strongest trait is their steadfast determination to protect Marcy at all costs. Several times, Greg endangered himself with arrest and even death to ensure that Amy and Marcy could escape safely. The secondary source is provided by Greg and Amy’s analysis of the options for the following action. This novel’s aspect contributed to my reading enjoyment.

There is a C-storyline involving Mandy. She is fourteen and has her first real boyfriend. She only knew about her life in Colorado. She is told that she has five minutes to collect what she wants to take with her because they are leaving for good. While trusting her mother, she is stunned by the speed at which this event is occurring. As they leave their home, she hears sirens approaching. Soon, she starts to rebel. Through these events, the reader will observe her change and mature beyond her age.

Only the violence in the novel appears to be a possible cause for some readers to stop reading. It is described in a more edgy manner as it occurs, but to be truthful, the same level is typical on TV shows. There are not any intimate scenes. I did not find one vulgar word. The lesser offensive, rude language is even lower than I usually do in the other novels I read. Lastly, this is a standalone novel, so there is no worry about missing what has happened in a previous novel.

I have read four standalone novels by this author. This novel only reaffirmed him in my Must-Read category. I enjoyed reading this novel and the previous four, and I look forward to his next novel. If the description of this novel piques your interest, I recommend reading it. I rate this novel with four stars.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

OUT FEB. 11!

🔸on the run
🔸family secrets
🔸fugitives
🔸stolen child
🔸action packed start to finish
🔸edge of your seat
🔸cat and mouse
🔸short, coming in at 229 pages

I will definitely read this author again! I didn’t want to stop reading this, it was so crazy!

All the stars for this cat-and-mouse family thriller. What's even more fun is when the cat doesn't know there is another cat on the chase and/or the cat becomes the mouse. This one is nonstop action and a fabulous pick for a dreary winter day.

Cole and Lisa Shipley hit the road with daughter Jade when the FBI finds them in Winter Park, CO. What makes it more compliated is the fact that these are not their real names. And this isn't the first time they have assumed new identities. Are they bad actors who belong at the top of the FBI Most Wanted List? Or has their case been misunderstood for thirteen years? And what about the cowboy who seems to be on their trail with a "shoot first and ask questions never kind of attitude?"

Chad Zunker's writing and pacing kept those pages turning. It isn't often I find that my sympathies lie equally with both the hunted and the huntee (I'm not talking about you, evil Cowboy!). I am definitely a fan! Will have to see if his other titles are as engaging as this one.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

🤍Book review 🤍

Not Our Daughter
A Thriller
by Chad Zunker


Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Thirteen years ago, Cole and Lisa Shipley fled with their foster daughter after her birth mother died on their doorstep, warning them to run. Now, living under new identities, they are discovered, forcing them to go on the run again—this time with their teenage daughter, Jade.
The story is filled with non-stop action, suspense, and unexpected twists. The tension builds with every chapter as the FBI and a dangerous killer close in. The short chapters and quick pacing make it an addictive read. While some parts feel predictable, the gripping chase and emotional stakes keep things exciting. If you love high-stakes thrillers with heart-pounding moments, this book is for you. It's a thrilling, action-packed ride that’s impossible to put down!
Read now title

Some books grab you from the first page and refuse to let go. Chad Zunker’s Not Our Daughter is one of those thrillers—fast-paced, gripping, and packed with enough twists to keep your heart pounding until the final page. It’s a story of sacrifice, secrets, and survival, where every decision comes with life-or-death stakes.

Thirteen years ago, Cole and Lisa Shipley were ready to adopt an infant girl, only to have their dreams shattered in a single terrifying night. When the child’s biological mother bled out on their doorstep, her chilling last words—He’s coming here…for her! Save her.—sent them running. The threat was immediate, the danger too great. So they disappeared, creating new identities and carving out a quiet life in a small Colorado town.

A single tip exposes them, and just like that, their fragile existence is shattered. Cole is framed for murder, and they have no choice but to run—again. Only this time, they aren’t fleeing with a helpless infant. They’re on the move with a teenage daughter who has no idea her entire life has been a lie. The truth is unraveling, and with the FBI hot on their heels, they must outrun not just the law, but a far more insidious threat lurking in the shadows.

Meanwhile, the FBI agent pursuing them is relentless, driven not just by duty but by a personal vendetta. The chase sequences are heart-stopping, the stakes escalating with every turn. And just when you think you’ve figured out where the story is headed, Zunker pulls the rug out from under you.

If you love edge-of-your-seat suspense, Not Our Daughter is a must-read. Zunker’s writing is razor-sharp, his pacing impeccable, and his ability to weave together action, mystery, and family drama makes this book impossible to put down.

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer for providing this advance copy for my honest and voluntary review.

#NotOurDaughter #NetGalley #ThomasandMercer

"𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍, 𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝑩𝑰'𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕."

Special thanks to @chadzunker @netgalley @amazonpublishing for the #gifted eARC.

➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼

𝙈𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one takes place mostly "on the run", which makes for the fast pace. This one also has multiple POVs, lots of tension and suspense, AND it's under 300 pages!

If you want a book that grabs you from page 1 and doesn't let go til you're out of breath by the end. This one is for you. Amazing. Easy 5 stars, BUT puh-lease tell me there's a sequel coming? I want to know what happens next for the family and the bad guy.
Im also looking into Zunker's back log and seeing what I can squeeze in next!

𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
Feb 11, 2025

ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻❓️⁉️❓️ What is a book you'll always recommend, that's 300 pages or less?

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#mysteryandthrills #thrillersandsuspense #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #thrillerjunkie #thrillergirlie #bookbuzz #upcomingthriller #notourdaughter #chadzunker
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Thirteen years ago Cole and Lisa Shipley fled with their foster daughter after her mother came to them bleeding, dying, and begging them to hide her. The longer they ran, the guiltier they looked.

This one is a wild ride from start to finish. If you’re in the mood for action packed thriller with a well bonded family, this is it. The aren’t really any twists and the mystery is pretty straight forward, but that’s okay because there’s so much intense action.

“Life was basically normal here. Well, as normal as it could get when they were still on the FBI’s most wanted list.”

Not Our Daughter comes out 2/11.

Publishing Feb 11

Cole and Lisa had been fostering an infant with hopes of adopting her. That morning, however, a judge ruled that her bio mother be given custody. Then, that evening, bio mom showed up having been stabbed, telling them they aren't safe. So, Cole and Lisa dropped everything in their comfortable life, and ran.

This story meets up with a just turned 14 Jade, after a financial transaction pings the FBI's radar and the family is on the run once again. It's not just wall to wall action, there's a lot of heart in this one. And Jade is an authentically written teenager ;)

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I have been reading Chad Zunker books for several years now and I have become a fan of his writing. Not Our Daughter is another one of his novels that does not disappoint. Like many of his books, this one is a fast-paced and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat with some mystery sprinkled in to keep you guessing.

At the center of this story are Cole and Lisa Shipley, who have a secret past that not even their teenage daughter, Maddie, knows about. After thirteen years of leading a normal life, the family must go on the run because their past is catching up with them. To further complicate the situation is that Maddie doesn’t understand why they are running and soon begins to question her parents’ motives especially when the FBI and more dangerous characters are involved in the pursuit of her family. Despite everything, Lisa and Cole Shipley will do anything to protect their daughter, but will they be able to convince her that they have her best interests at heart? You must read Not Our Daughter to find out what happens.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

#NotOurDaughter, #ChadZunker, #Netgalley

I am a sucker for a quick paced thriller! I was rooting for the main characters to have their happy ending. The only thing that lacked was the ending of this story. The twist unraveled too quickly to the characters. The FBI agent just said 'oh my bad, you guys are good now' and accepted the killer was the killer all these years later when he was insistent that MMC and FMC were the killers all that time. This book could of been a few extra pages longer to help round out the ending and not make it feel so hard stopped.
I did like it though and that is why it received 4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins 13 tears earlier where Greg and Amy Olsen have just learned that Marcy, the baby they were taking care of as foster parents, had just learned in court that the natural mother was to be given custody. That night Greg gets up because someone has been banging on the door. When he opens the door Candace, Marcy's mother, tell Greg to take Marcy and get away because they are in danger. Marcy has been stabbed and is dying. Greg gets Amy and the baby and the disappear.

Mark Burns, the FBI agent on the murder of Candace, discovers that one of the items they flagged and which had been idle for 13 years just was active. Mark immediately contacts the FBI in Colo. to get someone to get pictures of the individual that the flagged item identified. The agent sent pictures of Cole, Lisa and Jade Shipley to Mark. After examining the pictures, he realized that this people were the ones that disappeared on the case he was working. Mark immediately got a team to go to Colorado to arrest them. It seems that there was another party interested and had other plans than Mark.

Read along as the Shipley's try to avoid Mark as well as Brock, the other person on the hunt. Learn what steps Cole took as he tried to protect his family and how Mark was able to eventually catch up with them. Discover who the other party was that Cole tried to evade and what the basis as to why it was so important.

The ending is great. Don't miss this book. You will be sorry.

I like fast and easy to read novels like this one, and with a good plot and excellent characters, this is a very entertaining book.

Oh wow! Chad Zunker is a new to me author and I’m so happy to have found him! I will most definitely be reading more of his works. The characters were fantastic. Super relatable in every sense of the word. This was packed with nail biting tension, loads of action and an incredibly tender family love story. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading. Could not put it down. Don’t let this gem pass you by.
Thank you NetGalley, Chad Zunker and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this book. I was engaged from the first page and add in all the plot twists and turns kept me reading till the end. Great characters and riveting read. The only downside to the book and this is personal preference, I thought it should have had an epiloge.

This story was heart pounding. A total page turner. The court system has failed to given them adoption of the baby they have fostered. The birth mother comes to their house and dies. Thus the mystery of why and who killed her. On the run for over 13 years the couple and the child are on the run to keep alive. The FBI is involved. The race is one to find them and boy oh boy was this a good story. I stayed up way to late reading this one.

Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat—just don’t expect to sit back and relax! Thirteen years after a mysterious death and a hasty escape, Cole and Lisa Shipley are forced to run once more when Cole is framed for another murder. This time, they’re not alone: their teenage daughter, now awakening to the secrets of her past, is caught in the middle of a dangerous game where trust is a luxury they can’t afford.

Zunker weaves a tension-filled narrative that never lets up, with the family’s perilous flight across the western U.S. keeping readers hooked. The pacing is relentless, and the shifting perspectives add depth to the story, especially as the daughter begins to uncover the horrifying truth. But while the action is constant, some moments feel a bit predictable, and certain character developments don’t quite land as strongly as they could.

Still, Not Our Daughter is an enjoyable thriller for fans of suspense with plenty of twists and a hefty dose of family drama. The stakes are high, the danger is real, and while the ending may leave you wanting a bit more, the journey is still worth the ride.

I really wish this one was a little longer. I wanted more of the back story of the mom and them going through the process of adopting. Seemed a little rushed but I did like it!

Not Our Daughter started off at full speed and never let up! The action and suspense did not hold back keeping me fully engrossed in the story. I finished this in one day, because I needed to know how it would all end.

Greg, Amy and Marcy are a family that encounters more than their fair share of obstacles, yet consistently fights to stay together, even when the odds are stacked against them. Mark Burns is an FBI Special Agent who has been trying to solve a case that is more than a decade old. In so many ways, this action-packed read reminded me of the movie The Fugitive with Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? I really enjoyed this one! And yes...this is another book that I can visualise being made into a movie. I'd buy a ticket!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I especially enjoyed the Texas and Colorado settings, two places that I am very familiar with.

4.00 stars
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TW: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity
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This heart-racing book about a family who will stop at nothing to protect their daughter will keep you on the edge of your seat. Thirteen years ago, Cole and Lisa Shipley were fostering an infant in hopes of adopting her and raising her as their own. On the night after the judge denies their petition to adopt, the biological mother turns up on their doorstep begging them to leave town and take their daughter with them.

On the run, and wanted for murder - the family has changed their names and has decided to lay low. Things were tense in the first few years, but they seemed to have calmed down. That is until Cole pulls out a large sum of money to pay for surgery for his daughter. This seemingly innocent thing sets off a domino effect, that sends the family on the run again.

This will keep you on the edge of your seat, the family is running from the law, and you want them to get away. While rooting for them, there's a large sense of dread about what happens if they are caught. It isn't until about 75% into the book, the FBI finally catch on that perhaps Cole wasn't the one to murder Jade's biological mom all those years ago. There's been another man after the family trying to murder them, and that same man was caught at the scene of the crime years ago but was ruled out of the question.
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I would like to thank Thomas & Mercer, Chad Zunker, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions formulated in this review are my own. Not Our Daughter is scheduled to publish on February 11th, 2025, you can preorder your copy today!

I enjoyed this one although I wasn’t compelled by the description to get to it quickly. Still, that’s more a reflection of personal preference than anything else. Great pacing and storytelling.