The initial premise of this book captured my attention, and I anticipated an engaging and enjoyable read. However, as I progressed through the narrative, I found that my interest waned due to predictable plot developments and a sense of monotony. While the central theme of protecting their adopted daughter and being on the run held promise, the execution lacked depth and failed to sustain my engagement. Despite this, I am willing to explore other works by this author in the future, hoping to find a more compelling and satisfying reading experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery from the very beginning and found the father's motivations very compelling.

I dove into this after the rave reviews. This book had me hooked from the first two chapters. Then, things got kind of boring for lack of a better word, or maybe predictable with all of the FBI storyline. I love a good thriller, but I just don't enjoy too much FBI info and drama. I really liked the authors' writing style. I'd pick more up by Zunker in the future. This one didn't blow me away, but I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.

Review of Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker
Publication Date: February 11, 2024
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Hold onto your seats—Not Our Daughter is a heart-pounding thriller that takes you on a whirlwind journey across the western US, with tension so thick you’ll forget to breathe. It’s officially one of my top five reads this year, and I devoured it in just four hours!

Chad Zunker delivers a masterclass in suspense. From the emotional opening to the shocking finale, I was hooked. My heart raced, and I felt like I lived every twist.

The story begins with foster parents Cole and Lisa Shipley plunged into a nightmare when a terrified woman dies on their doorstep, leaving behind a cryptic warning and a baby. Years later, with Cole framed for murder, the family’s carefully hidden past unravels. They find themselves on a relentless run across states, pursued by an FBI agent and the secrets they’ve kept for too long.

The characters—especially the Shipley family—are beautifully developed, their love and fear palpable. The teenage girl’s struggle to adjust to her new, terrifying reality adds emotional depth and heightens the stakes. Zunker plunges readers into a world of pursuit, betrayal, and redemption, making every heartbeat and whispered fear feel real.

This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read. Every word is perfectly chosen, each twist hits hard, and the pacing never lets up. I didn’t just read this book—I experienced it.

All praise to Chad Zunker for crafting such an extraordinary story. If you love thrillers or mysteries that keep you on edge, you need this on your shelf.

Highly recommended—this one will blow your mind.

Not Our Daughter was my first book by Chad Zunker, and it didn’t disappoint at all! I was sucked in from the start and you will be too. Cole and Lisa are determined to save their family and they’re taking you with them for the ride of a lifetime. Twists and turns you don’t see coming will keep you on the edge of your seat. Can’t wait to read more from Chad! This one will be released in February 2025! And thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC! Loved it!

Thirteen years ago, while fostering an infant with hopes of adoption, Cole and Lisa’s lives are turned upside down when the child’s mother dies on their doorstep. Her last words, “He’s coming here…for her! Save her,” propel them into a life of fear and uncertainty. In a panic, they flee with the baby, fearing for their safety and feeling guilty as they hide from authorities..

The novel explores themes of parental love, guilt, survival, and the quest for truth amidst chaos. It delves into how far parents will go to protect their children and the psychological toll of living in constant fear.

“Not Our Daughter” is not just a story about fleeing from danger; it is also about facing one’s past and uncovering hidden truths that can either save or destroy them.

Not Our Daughter is a gripping and intense thriller. The story follows Cole and Lisa Shipley, who find themselves entangled in a web of danger and deception after a tragic event forces them to flee with a baby in their arms. The author skillfully weaves a complex narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and surprisingly, I found myself rooting for them as they faced numerous challenges and threats. The tension builds steadily throughout the book. The relentless pursuit by the FBI agent added an extra layer of suspense.

Overall, Not Our Daughter is an exciting read. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written novel that will keep them guessing until the final page.

#NotOurDaughter #NetGalley @AmazonPub

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Chad Zunker’s “Not Our Daughter: A Thriller” is a pulse-pounding journey that masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and relentless action. Known for his gripping narratives, Zunker delivers yet another compelling story that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.

The novel kicks off with a heart-stopping scene: thirteen years ago, Cole and Lisa Shipley, hopeful adoptive parents, find themselves in a nightmare when the biological mother of their foster child dies on their doorstep, uttering a chilling warning: “He’s coming here…for her! Save her.” This sets off a chain of events that forces the Shipleys to flee, living under assumed identities in a small Colorado town. The story picks up in the present day, where a tip exposes their location, and Cole is framed for another murder. The family is thrust into a desperate cross-country chase, with both a killer and the FBI on their trail..

At its core, “Not Our Daughter” explores themes of family, identity, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. Zunker delves into the psychological toll of living a life on the run and the moral complexities of justice and guilt. The novel also touches on the idea of redemption and the power of truth, even when it seems buried under layers of fear and deception.

Zunker’s writing is sharp and evocative, perfectly capturing the tension and urgency of the Shipleys’ plight. His ability to craft vivid, high-stakes scenarios keeps the reader engaged and invested in the characters’ fates. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading. Zunker’s knack for creating multi-dimensional characters adds depth to the narrative, making the Shipleys’ struggle feel both real and poignant.

“Not Our Daughter: A Thriller” is a standout in the genre, offering a thrilling ride that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful. Zunker’s skillful storytelling and the novel’s intricate plot twists make it a must-read for fans of high-octane thrillers. This book is not just about the chase; it’s about the enduring bonds of family and the unyielding quest for truth and justice.

Chad Zunker has once again proven his prowess in crafting a thriller that is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. “Not Our Daughter” is a testament to his ability to weave complex narratives that resonate on multiple levels. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping, emotionally charged read.

This book had my attention in the beginning and I was ready for a wonderful read! I feel like I lost interest and it was predictable. I liked the premise of the plot- keeping their adopted daughter safe and being on the run. However, it became a little mundane and I found myself losing interest. I will give other books by this author a try though!

This cat chases mouse thriller is a lot of heart-pounding, spine-tingling fun.

When the mother of their foster child shows up on their doorstep, beaten and stabbed, with a dire warning to take the child and run, Greg and Amy waste no time. They run and they protect the child for 13 years, until the FBI tracks them down. They are the number one suspects in the killing and are determined to find the real killer in order to protect their child.

This book had me impatiently waiting for a satisfying end to this family’s ordeal. If you like fast-paced thrillers, this book will not disappoint. I highly recommend it. Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the eARC.

Buckle up! Greg and Amy Olsen are on the run with the infant they fostered. Who killed her mom? Was it Greg or Amy, or someone even more dangerous? A decade later they are still running and now the Feds know where they are. I felt for the family and especially their daughter as she learns the truth (or lies) about Greg and Amy, the only people she’s ever known as her parents.

It was an easy read that I enjoyed from start to finish. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this ebook. I definitely recommend this for someone who’s looking for a faced paced thriller.

Wow a unique concept story that works and completely captures your attention. This played out amazing! Such a great read. Characters that were brought to life and felt so real. A plot that made you ask yourself what was going to happen next. This was like reading a suspense movie literally. You find yourself reading faster because you have to know if they make it.
So well written you will feel like you are part of the story

4⭐ 👍
A fun, short, fast read that is non-stop action and suspense.
I was definitely captivated reading the cat and mouse game between FBI agents, police, and an unlikely family hiding a past.
A few plot holes but I was still engaged and this one kept me turning the page.
Loved the concept and storyline. I wished they head a bit more substance and thrill, but all in all worth a read. You'll be curious and captivated about the chase.

4.5 stars that I'm rounding up to 5 because this was such a great edge of your seat, heart in your throat thriller. It was a tense, pulse pounding read as our main characters are on the run, trying to stay alive and protect their daughter while evading the FBI and an unknown person who wants nothing more than to eliminate them for reasons they don't understand. Cole and Lisa Shipley and their daughter are clever and manage to stay one slippery step ahead as they work to stay safe, remain a family, and try to gain back their lives.

✰ 2.75 stars ✰

“If I’ve broken any laws, it’s only to protect my family.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ One of my favorite movies ever - The Fugitive. You just can't go wrong with that film - stellar acting, stellar action, stellar plot, stellar everything that I've memorized all the great scenes.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Nothing like a good cat and mouse chase to get the blood pumping and the adrenaline going. Even with its predictable hints and twists, there was something very chill about the writing that made it easy to have fun with it. Had my popcorn on the go. Immersed myself in a quick hour and a half of dodging bullets, outsmarting the FBI, hurtling into danger, reigning in some choice words with a thirteen-year-old who may be Not Our Daughter, but with every heart and soul, Jade was the very reason Cole and Lisa sacrificed their lives, lived their life forever looking over their shoulder, and ultimately finding themselves in a position where their identities were made - simply for the sake of their daughter. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

“He cursed. He’d rolled the dice and lost. And it might cost them everything.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It had heart. And humor. Not deliberately so, but it was in the way FBI Mark Burns, still hot on their trails after all these years, was having his own teenage daughter troubles and found that it was something he could relate to with the very man he was determined not to let outsmart him this time. 😥 It was also almost laughable in the way the word choice was selective if not conveniently done to mislead audiences, but a seasoned eye ie moi was able to catch the glaring obvious way it's written. I do wish it had not been laid on so thick; the obviousness of each twist could have held some element of surprise.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But, I still had fun with it. Shocker, I know! 😌 It was an entertaining thriller and I wanted to see how long Cole and Lisa would be able to outsmart and outrun those hot on their trail. It helped that it was a quick read and also did not drag in the danger and thrills. Time was literally of the essence and everyone wanted their hands on them and would stop at nothing to prevent the inevitable truth from coming out - a truth that had remained buried for more than thirteen years. Even their guilt and fear of being discovered was palpable, ripe with tension and concern over keeping Jade safe and proving their innocence. The author drew on their trust and love for each other that made it easy to root for them and hope that they would survive and succeed. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

“Eventually, we must stop living in fear—and just live.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It was also easy to read - flowed well, captured the action and thoughts of numerous perspectives in an agreeable manner that I was not cringing at any dialogue or even groaning at certain ill-advised decisions. They were believable characters and it offered enough insight into their personalities and backgrounds. 👍🏻👍🏻 I liked the parents' relationship with Jade; it was heartfelt and sincere and you could believe that they were a family. 'No one is to blame,” Lisa clarified. “We’re all in this together.' Although, as much as my heart felt for Cole, I did feel that he did make a few hasty and rash judgments that often led to more trouble that could have easily been avoided if he had just explained to Jade certain rules - stay put, don't talk to anyone - rather than waiting to simply tell the truth about her past, but immediately convey the do's and don'ts. 🤨 Yes, I can be forgiving that he did not really have any chance to explain anything or even think beforehand - where every second wasted is another minute their lives are in danger - but, if he and his wife have prepared for a plan all this time, it would not have hurt to include how to handle Jade's temper tantrums of incredulity should the need arise.

Just saying. 😊

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And you can't tell me that Mark Burns was not Tommy Lee Jones; his candid candor had me chuckling at times. 😅 It was also nice to see how he slowly started to doubt his own intentions for tracking them, sensing that there was something he was not seeing - a missing clue that maybe the ones he was chasing may be more innocent than he initially thought. That one moment where he and Cole crossed airs - definitely a highlight for The Fugitive lover in me.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ So, definitely nothing ground-breaking, but still never quite a dull moment that made it a fun and fast-paced read. After a tiring day at work, it was easy to get swept into the action to see the lengths people would go through to protect the ones they love. ✨

*Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read this book in 1 day! I’m a fan of Chad Zunker so I knew this would be good! This book is a quick easy suspenseful read. Fast paced story with good lines me characters. I really enjoyed it!!

I received this ARC from NetGalley. This is a fast-paced, short cat and mouse thriller that reads like a blockbuster movie, oftentimes suspending reality and plausibility in the same manner of a high-action flick, but in a good way. I enjoyed most of the storyline, a tale of a family trying to outrun a crime they did not commit, but some blind spots on character development had me rolling my eyes. I read it quickly, with the speed equal to the speed this family is running and outmaneuvering their adversaries. 3.5 stars

OH MY GOODNESS! Another fun romp from favorite writer, Chad Zunker!! Cole, his wife Lisa, and 14 year old daughter, Jade, have to get out of town FAST! Something horrific happened 13 years ago, and now it's come to haunt them. This is the story of a young family running, and running, and running from strangers, sometimes catching breaks, sometimes not so much. The story peaks in my hometown of Austin, Texas where I get to read about some of my favorite ATX hangouts and hear about a mysterious FBI Agent, Ross Lester. Pretty sure I know that guy, and had no idea he had FBI ties! This book is fast paced and exciting, like all the other Zunker thrillers. I just read the very satisfying conclusion, and still have a smile on my face! Not Our Daughter is one of his best, and I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Not Our Daughter.

Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker, Still trying to catch my breath after reading this fast paced, non stop action read. The chase/pursuit of the Shipley family by the FBI and a contract assassin is brilliantly written leading to an exceptional conclusion.
Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker
Buckle up and hold on, you’re in for one suspenseful ride. I finished this book in two days. This is my second book by Zunker and I’ve decided I must read everything else he’s got out there now.
How far would you go to protect your daughter? Would you go on the run for the next 13 years leaving everything behind. Cole and Lisa Shipley along with their infant daughter do. They don’t know what or who their running from but they do know someone killed their daughters biological mother and they’re next on the list.
This book will keep you locked in the whole way. Excellent read!