This is the second DI Amy Winter story and it’s as fast and furious as the first (Truth and Lies). Two child kidnappings open the curtains on a scientific institute in the 1980s. Someone is seeking revenge. This is an interesting study of childhood trauma, comparing and contrasting the kidnapper’s with Amy’s own. It’s a fresh look at an old subject and given Amy’s background, she’s uniquely equipped to investigate. I’m really enjoying this series. Many a fictional DI is portrayed as deeply flawed and it gets a bit samey. Amy Winter is burdened by her genes. Her fear of her parents’ flaws. A very good story and refreshingly different.

I absolutely loved the first book in the DI Amy Winter series and thought it would be pretty impossible to match it, never mind surpass it. The author has though, surpassed it that is.

There are so many things going for this book, especially for a crime thriller fanatic like me. I know Amy is still struggling with coming to terms with her true parentage, but I am loving it. It makes for some truly gripping reading. There isn’t just that though, the case that Amy and her team are working on is such a compelling read also. I was fascinated with the chapters in the past to do with Luka. It made me have mixed feelings about what was happening in the present day that’s for sure.

The Secret Child is a highly addictive read. The author has excelled what I would expect from a crime thriller by giving me way more than I could ever have imagined. The nature of the story line grabs hold of the reader from the first page. The author held me captive through out, not that I wanted to go anywhere as I was enjoying myself way to much to even think of putting this book down! A totally brilliant crime thriller.

This is the 2nd book in the DI Amy Winter series by author Caroline Mitchell. I have to say I really like reading this authors books and this is another exceptional addition to her growing list of books. I will admit to having an added reason for liking this series in that I was thrilled to have my name used for one of Amy's team, DC Gary Wilkes. Who knows I might have a leading role in one of books in the future.
In this second book four-year-old Ellen is snatched by a stranger leaving her mother Nicole distraught. Later Nicole receives four identical phials with a threatening note that one of the phials is poisoned and if she drinks one, the kidnapper will notify the police of her daughters whereabouts. The kidnapper claims to be Luka Volkov who was supposedly killed in a fire years ago.
DI Amy Winter recently discovered that she is the daughter of a serial killer and her past childhood trauma only makes her more determined to bring Ellen home. When another child is taken Amy faces a race against time to locate the kidnapped children before they come to any harm.
Caroline Mitchell writes great thrillers that are fast paced, well thought out and obviously great characters. Do yourself a favour if you haven't already read any of her books start now I am pretty sure you won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank Net Galley and the author Caroline Mitchell for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I am expecting Mitchell’s star to rise to the top of the police procedural/thriller genre anytime now. She’s that good. And with DI Amy Winter, she’s created the perfect heroine, a sharp and determined cop who’s discovered that she’s the daughter of a serial killer. Whatever her inner conflict might be about her parentage, Amy doesn’t let in stand in her way in her search for a missing four year old girl. If anything, her past may be giving her an even bigger push to find the little girl while she still can. Cryptic clues and a threat to the missing child’s mother only serve to muddy the water and Amy may have to contemplate the unthinkable to save a child’s life. This series is top notch, if you haven’t read the first book, I highly recommend you do. Mitchell’s background in law enforcement is evident in this thriller and makes the story vivid and authentic

I got totally stuck into this book from the start. I really thought we had been spoiled with Truth and Lies but knew we wouldn't be disappointed with this 2nd DI Winter novel. Caroline Mitchell's work is utterly gripping and a fantastic pleasure to read.

The character's as always ,are really soon established in your mind and they very quickly become part of you whilst you are reading, Mitchell has a great skill that always allows you ,'in' to her world of words.

Four year old Ellen is snatched in the dead of night, her mother Nicole receives four identical phials with a threatening note that one of the phials is poisoned and if she drinks one, the kidnapper will notify the police of her daughters whereabouts. The kidnapper claims to be Luka Volkov who was supposedly killed in a fire years ago. Is he back?

This is a trail of fear, distress and abhorrence full of apprehension and many moments of "that sinking feeling" "whAt the hell!" And times when you actually stop reading to gather the situation and realise we have DI Amy Winter!

we have learned that DI Winter has discovered she is the daughter of a serial killer. This makes her more determined to work harder on her cases.

My favourite character in this. Book is the kidnapper, Mitchell has brought him to life,which gave me the feeling that his character was as strong as Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs. I held my breath when he spoke!
I will recommend this to everyone and anyone I meet.

Thank you for bringing this totally awesome piece of literature to our eyes and minds.

I didn't read the first book in this series but I enjoy reading this book and I'm so going to get the first book.

DI Amy Winter is still struggling with recently discovering that she is the daughter of a serial killer.

As she deals with this a four years old girl named Ellen has been snatch leaving her mother Nicole devastated but when she get four identical phials with a threatening note that one of the phials is poisoned and if she drinks one, the kidnapper will notify the police of her daughter whereabouts.

Amy races against time to locate the missing four year old as there are cryptic clues and kidnapper claiming to be Luka Volkov who apparently died in a fire years ago. Amy may have to do unthinkable in order to save a child life.


I ARC received via NetGalley and in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not usually a fan of books where the detective’s lives are just as important as the crime they are investigating. However, this is so well written that it works perfectly. I feel invested in Amy’s story, and as I was reading I kept thinking “I can’t wait to read the next book and her story to continue”. I then got dismayed as I realised this is the latest book that hasn’t been released yet and there won’t be another for some time yet. It will be exciting to see what path Lillian’s appeal will take in the future, so I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the next book.
The back story of Luka was heartbreaking; he was so trapped and unable to escape the hands of purely evil people. I guessed the twist that came at the end, but this didn’t stop me enjoying the unveiling any less.
I would have liked to see more trials presented to the people he despised; I think it only touched the surface with the phials, and this could have been explored a little more. Dr Curtis didn’t really suffer enough.
Overall, a really captivating crime read with an element of psychological thriller included.

I found this to be a well developed story, a cleverly written plot and a good paced psychological thriller with interesting characters which kept me on the edge of my seat.

I can strongly recommend this book and thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I love Caroline Mitchell, but I’m late to the DI Amy Winter party. This is the second book in the series and my first, but the author does a great job of recapping the events in the first volume, so that I didn’t feel like I was missing any backstory. Likewise, the characters are so well defined, that I never felt like I needed more context and their dynamics were clear enough. Amy is the daughter of serial killers to, understandably, she is damaged. It’s a good thing that she has a support network that helped her become who she is… a great police officer. This case involves missing children, something that touches Amy deeply. But the kid’s parents are clearly hiding something and Amy needs to figure out what it is before she can find them. The chase to find them in time is so suspenseful that I couldn’t stop reading. The twists are unpredictable, which makes the book addictive. Ms. Mitchell has added another great heroine to the pantheon of tough female detectives.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amazon Publishing UK!

Loved this second Amy Winter book, I remember last time saying couldn't wait for more of her and this one doesn't disappoint, I couldn't put it down.
Amy is a brilliant DI despite constantly being forced to face all the traumas of her past, , Firstly she needs to help save two kidnapped children where the kidnapper will only talk to her he thinks she understands him. Her birth mother is still trying to take control from prison with the hint she had her appeal agreed. I'm hoping this means there's another one to look forward to

One of the best book series this author has written. DI Amy Winter is a complex and compelling heroine. The ongoing plot involving Lilian is intriguing and full of suspense. This latest book involves a mystery full of action and twists. The solution is one you won't quite see coming. I can't wait for the next book! I really want to see how things are going to change now.

WOWSERS... this is the second book in the DI Amy Winters series and after the first one, I really didn't think it could get any better.... Boy was I wrong!!! I would recommend reading the first book before this one as there is a lot about the previous case where the personal life of Amy Winters came out, the daughter of notorious serial killers "the Beasts of Brentwood"!!!

Four year old Ellen Curtis is kidnapped from her home, who took her and why, will there be a ransom note. Her mother Nicole is beside herself and when a courier on a motorbike calls to the door with a box, she's terrified of what it might contain. Inside were four phials, three blue and one red, she must choose one and drink it to try save her daughter was the note attached..... it is signed "Luka" who apparently died in a fire in the Curtis Institute back in the 80s!

DI Amy Winter is called in as Dr. Curtis is a renowned in his profession and this case is to be handled with kit gloves! As the investigation moves along, all is not what it seems, what happened at the Curtis Institute, was he carrying out illegal drug testing on children?

Amy's ex Adam who is a reporter is granted an audience with Lillian Grimes, Winter's biological mother asking him to write a story about her in order to gain public empathy for when she appeals her case that she was a bystander while her husband was carried out the atrocities which put them both away! Adam ran the story on the front page, humiliating Amy, now hounded by the press, can Amy keep her inner turmoil under wraps to get the job done and find the children?

No matter what I say about this book, it won't do it justice, you have to read it, it will grip you from the getgo, its a fast paced police procedural thriller with a few twists along the way. Can't wait for the next one!!! Highly recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion

Loved this book, refreshingly different & do well written. Just wish I’d read the first book in the series first but that didn’t take anything away from this book. Would highly recommend. Amazing!

The Secret Child is Caroline Mitchell's second book in her DI Amy Winter series( the first being Truth & Lies). Amy has a special place in her heart for children, as before she was adopted, she was the daughter of a serial killer. She saw horrific things at an early age, but the love shown to her by her adoptive parents, made her the person and the DI she is today.
When four-year-old Ellen is kidnapped, DI Winter's will do everything in her power to save her. While Amy is still struggling to come to terms with her past, she is playing a game of cat and mouse with the kidnapper. Why does her mother think Ellen has been kidnapped by someone from her husband's past when everyone else believes he is dead? If he isn't the kidnapper, then who is and who would want to hurt Ellen? It is a very engaging mystery and one that takes you back to the past to see all the lies that lead up to the present. I think the author has a great new series( and heroine) in the form of DI Winters, as this was as engaging and fast-paced as the first. I flew through this as I wanted to know how this police procedural would end( and maybe find out a bit more about Amy's tragic past). If you like this type of book, I highly recommend it.

Caroline Mitchell does it again! Another outstanding novel with a fast paced storyline and complex characters, as always written with that rare authenticity that she does so well. A definite must read.

Can not recommend this book highly enough, what a rollercoaster of a book, this story takes you in from the first page and doesn't let go. Love Amy's character brilliantly written and amazing narration thank you Caroline Mitchell can't wait for more.

I confess I could be accused of neglecting those nearest and dearest to me during the reading of The Secret Child, but I place the blame firmly on author Caroline Mitchell for producing such a riveting read in this, the second in the DI Amy Winter series!

This time around, the story deals with the distressing subject of experimentation on children. It primarily focuses on Luka Volkov, an intelligent and promising little boy, brought from his home in Russia to England in 1984 by doctor Hugh Curtis, on the promise of a first class education, food and board, and with the added bonus of numerous sightseeing trips thrown in - a dream come true for this inquisitive child. Luka is accompanied by his mother Sasha, but his father Ivan stays in Russia and warns his wife that the offer seems too good to be true. - his words will prove to be very prophetic!

The experiments, carried out in the name of medical science, would turn any child from a sweet and loving character into a vengeful adult. Fast forward to the present, and someone claiming to be Luka, is planning to make the staff at the Curtis Institute pay for their cruelty and indifference, and if it means hurting their families too, well, that’s no more than they deserve! Just one problem here - Luka was killed in a fire at the Curtis Institute!

When Doctor Curtis’s four year old daughter Ellen is snatched in the middle of the night, it’s only the beginning of the perpetrator’s highly sophisticated game of cat and mouse.

DI Amy Winter has an eclectic team supporting her, each of them bringing their own unique perspective to the table, but they will have reason to question her motives when they discover a secret that Amy has only recently discovered herself - that her parents are serial killers! With the mother of all cases to investigate they really need to pull together as they normally do, especially as time is of the essence. The clock is ticking!

This is a wonderfully balanced police procedural, featuring characters good, bad and innocent, where motivations vary from pure, to malicious, to bordering on insane. With Amy and her team in hot pursuit of the perpetrator, the action is truly relentless, with many twists and turns.

The narrative picks carefully at the scabs of fractured and damaged personalities, where old wounds are opened anew, and old hatreds spew forth into the present, creating a truly heart stopping and compelling read!

The Secret Child is the second book involving D.I.Amy Winters and is another excellent read.
In Russia in the early 1980’s Luka is given the chance to come to London with his mother to attend an institute run by Dr Hugh Curtis, thinking it will lead to a better life they find the complete opposite being treated little better than laboratory animals as Dr Curtis performs terrible experiments on Luka in his drug trials.
Fast forward 30+years and Amy is on the case when the 4 year old daughter of Dr Curtis is kidnapped, then the son of a male worker at the institute is also kidnapped. Despite Luka and his mother being killed in a fire at the institute years previously all evidence points to Luka orchestrating these events.
Add to all this Amy’s evil mother a serial killer serving life in prison and an ex fiancé manipulating Amy’ life for their own rewards she has her work cut out for her, as she works tirelessly with her team to find these children.
A fast paced exciting thriller with a final twist I didn’t see coming, enjoyable and well written.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

4.5 stars. I have read the first book in the series and loved it so I was looking forward to this one. It kept me hooked from start to finish with some good twists. Great ending which left it open for the next in the series which I am definitely looking forward to reading

The first book set the background and my review was lukewarm, unfairly so I now believe having read this one. This is setting itself for one of the best crime series with an intriguing psychological background which will totally keep the readers interest

I am looking forward to reading further books in this series

With thanks to Netgalley, publishers & author for ARC in return for an honest review

This book had a little bit of a Stephen King feel with it’s institute that runs tests on children. Add to that the suspense of the DI having to race against time to try and save the characters and you have a different twist. A strong second book in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this arc.
This is the second book in the series. Caroline Mitchell has surpassed herself once again! You think she can't but she just does it!!
A little girl is kidnapped and her kidnapping is linked to horrible, cruel testing done on children years previously by her father!
DI Amy Grant is on the case and is linked to the crime by events in her own childhood! These events are brought to light by the press!
Another kidnapping, and the race is on to solve this one!
Absolutely riveting!

DI Amy Winter has a lot on her plate in this the second DI Amy Winter Crime Thriller. It all starts when Ellen, only four years old, is snatched from her bed whilst her babysitter is distracted for a few moments. Her mother and father are out for the evening, but they are obviously holding something back when they first answer questions posed by the police. Her mother Nicole only just escapes death when she receives instructions from the kidnapper to choose and drink one of the four phials delivered by a mysterious motorcyclist. Just what is going on?
The kidnapper swiftly establishes contact with DI Amy Winter and so begins a dialogue where he claims to be Luka Volkov, a boy who was certified dead years ago whilst in the care of Ellen’s scientist father. He will only communicate with Amy, because he empathises with a recent press disclosure that Amy is in fact the product of two heinous murderers. He sees her as an outcast just the same as he is. The evidence points to a crime of revenge, and the theory is substantiated when another child is kidnapped in plain sight and with approval of a teacher. The links is established at last.
So the investigation gathers pace. The kidnapper is highly intelligent and enjoys playing mind games. He sends Amy on a wild goose chase, trying to locate and free the two young prisoners. Amy senses that time is running out and that she may not be able to reunite the two children with their parents. That they will die. This novel conforms to Caroline Mitchel’s tried and tested formulae; tense and terrifying, fabulous storytelling, tight and complex plot, a plethora of skilfully crafted characters for you to engage with and plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing right until the very end. With inside knowledge of police methods and procedure, gleaned during her career as a serving detective, and with meticulous research this novel is both authoritative and very enjoyable.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Thomas & Mercer through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. This story was absorbing and a real page-turner. I’m very glad that I had an opportunity to read it. It’s a 4.5* review from me.

This book was provided to me by #netgalley for an honest review.

I read the first DI Winter book in one day. It was the definition of page turner. I was disappointed that this instalment wasn't as gripping. We are back with DI Winter on another high profile case uncovering misdeeds. Her biological mother is still trying to pull her strings and her slimy ex makes an appearance. It's all very surface and I didn't feel as engaged as I did with the first instalment. Even the core who/why dunnit wasn't compelling. Further the middle third sagged and there was a pacing issue. It still gets 3 stars because it's a solid thriller just not as good as the first.

Great book will be reading other books by this author.
Will also recommend this book to others.
Great work

Thank you to Netgalley, Amazon publishing UK and Author Caroline Mitchell for the digital ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

Here comes the blurb as they say it better than I ever could!

DI Amy Winter knows evil. She’s lived through it.

Four-year-old Ellen is snatched by a stranger in the dead of night. Her devastated mother, Nicole, receives four identical phials and a threatening note in a familiar scrawl that chills her to the bone. But she always knew this would happen. She’s been expecting it for years . . .

According to the note, one of the phials is poisoned. Nicole is given a deadly challenge: if she drinks one, the sadistic kidnapper will notify the police of Ellen’s location. The sender claims to be Luka Volkov but Luka is supposed to be dead, killed long ago in a fire that haunts all those involved.

DI Amy Winter is still reeling from the discovery that she is the daughter of a serial killer, and her childhood trauma only makes her more determined to bring Ellen home. When another child is taken, Amy finds herself in a race against time. To rescue the children, must she seek help from the one person she wants to forget?

This is the second DI Amy Winter story and I am now gutted that the first has never made it to my TBR list, trust me that has changed now!!

The Secret Child is a twisty, turny fast paced thriller with what I guess from the first DI Amy Winter story are a lots of familiar characters, plus some fantastically evil ones as well. Very much enjoyed! just wish i had read book 1 first!

Love this series! Love DI Amy Winters!

I was hooked with "Truth and Lies", the first in this series and couldn't wait to read "The Secret Child". Caroline Mitchell does not disappoint in this second installment featuring DI Amy Winter! I do highly suggest you read the first one first as there is so much background given on Amy that I feel cannot be missed!

The daughter of the notorious serial killers known as the "The Beasts of Brentwood", just how much did Amy witness when she was a child, how does it affect her today? This series is addictive and intriguing!

4 year old Ellen is kidnapped from her own home. Someone is seeking revenge. Treated like lab rats, Dr. Curtis shows no empathy towards the children he uses in his experiments and drug trials. 30 years later, he now has a child of his own. Childhood trauma, I think Amy may be able to relate to this one! DI Winter's will do everything in her power to save Ellen.

5 stars! Lilian adds to the intrigue of this series playing her mind games from jail while trying to get an appeal. What will happen if she is released?! Consider me fully hooked! Page turner, well written, full of suspense, cannot wait for the next one!

A huge thank you to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

I loved the first DI Winter book and I was prepared to be slightly let down by the sequel...am I glad to be wrong! The Secret Child is a whirlwind of evil thrills and chills and put the rest of my day on hold by the third chapter. A clear 5/5 and I eagerly await the third book!

A tense and well written novel.

The moment I read the blurb I knew this was something that I really wanted to read. The story itself is well executed and the characters are interesting and full of life.
I would recommend this for sure!

This is a brilliant follow up to book 1 of the DI Amy Winter series and just as good if not better. The writing is just superb and the plot lines complex, the characters continue from the first book and are well rounded and believable making it a book not to be missed. Amy continues being harassed by her past and the evil Lillian Grimes making her life as a DI at times very difficult but she continues to rise above it and do her job even though she is still finding it very difficult to come to terms with being the daughter of a serial killer.
If you haven’t read the first book I would urge you to do that and then read this one it’s a fabulous series and one not to missed if you love a good thriller.
My thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Thomas and Mercer, not forgetting the wonderful Caroline Mitchell for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

There is so much going on in this book which is the second in the Amy Winters series, it is a truly amazing read and I absolutely loved it. Having been a serving police officer you know that the author will make sure every little bit of the police procedural will be spot on which brings the book to life. I am the sort of reader who can't just pick a book up and read for a few minutes here and there, I throw myself into books especially ones of this caliber and everything around has to stop until I reach the end. It has a brilliant ending, not so much of a cliff hanger but one that leaves you wanting more.

Fantastic, totally had me gripped! Great writing, her plots always impress me!
Caroline Mitchell is one of those authors that goes to the top of my reading pile. Always fast-paced and very, very clever. It really was edge-of-your-seat stuff.
The old institution where scientific trials were done was at the core of the story. This was destroyed in a fire a long time ago. One of the institution’s subjects, Luka, was killed in the fire along with his mum. Was Dr Curtis more sinister than we thought? After all it’s his daughter Ellen who is kidnapped. One of the other members of staff from back then also has his child snatched. Some of the experiments on the children were awful but totally intriguing to me, seriously dark and scary stuff.
Amy’s background is very interesting indeed and I think she has a fear sometimes how her feelings and anger may escape. The ongoing saga with her real mother carries on, Lilian is a truly twisted character. The front page story written by her journalist ex, Adam, doesn’t help matters and the press descend on the police station.
It really is a race against time. Will she find the children? And will she and her team track down the kidnapper as he gives them the runaround?
I cannot recommend all her work enough.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer and Caroline Mitchell for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (7th March 2019)



ISBN: 978-1503905023



Source: Netgalley



Rating: 5*



Synopsis:


Four-year-old Ellen is snatched by a stranger in the dead of night. Her devastated mother, Nicole, receives four identical phials and a threatening note in a familiar scrawl that chills her to the bone. But she always knew this would happen. She’s been expecting it for years.



According to the note, one of the phials is poisoned. Nicole is given a deadly challenge: if she drinks one, the sadistic kidnapper will notify the police of Ellen’s location. The sender claims to be Luka Volkov but Luka is supposed to be dead, killed long ago in a fire that haunts all those involved.



DI Amy Winter is still reeling from the discovery that she is the daughter of a serial killer, and her childhood trauma only makes her more determined to bring Ellen home. When another child is taken, Amy finds herself in a race against time. To rescue the children, must she seek help from the one person she wants to forget?



Review:

In the first novel in the D.I. Amy Winter series, Amy learns that she has a notorious serial killer for a mother. If you've not yet read Truth and Lies I urge you to pick up a copy. Although The Secret Child reads well as a stand alone, there are references to events that happened in first book, (though they are well explained) plus it's the perfect introduction to the character!



In this second outing for Amy, we are plunged into tension immediately as the kidnapper strikes, spiriting little Ellen away. I was on the edge of my seat straight away, not knowing what was about to happen. Caroline Mitchell is fantastic at conjuring up an air of menace and keeping it palpable throughout, whilst simultaneously juggling several other interwoven storylines. Her finger never wavering off the pulse for a second as she seamlessly ties all the invisible ends together in one fell swoop that just made me gasp and shout 'Nooooo!' very loudly at my kindle! I will never tire of reading Caroline's books because they are simply unputdownable and I can never forsee what is going to happen.



Special thanks to Caroline Mitchell, Thomas & Mercer for providing a review copy via Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

Another good story in this series of DI Amy Winter. The Secret Child is a highly addictive read. Thoroughly enjoyable

Four years old was Ellie taken from her bed
Nicole has to receive a parcel with a phial to drink because some of them are poisonous
When another child goes missing Nicole has to make sure that she gets to the children
I had an ARC from Thomas and Mercer

I love a prologue especially when it is one which sets the scene and grabs you and this one did just that. A four-year-old child, Ellen Curtis, is snatched from the safety of her home and right away it becomes clear that she will not be the last.

And so Amy Winters is back. The Secret Child is the 2nd in the series and can be read as a stand-alone. However, you seriously want to know Amy’s back story so read Truth and Lies first (You can find my review here)

DCI Pike, Amy’s boss and she don’t have the strongest relationship but the two women rub along with a streak of competitiveness keeping both on their toes. Amy is tasked with heading up the missing child investigation, which she assumes is a kidnapping given the status of her family. Incidents involving children are close to her heart and Amy is determined to find the girl before it’s too late. The Secret Child will discover just how much Amy can trust Pike and those around her as her relationships with her colleagues and friends are called to task.

Once again Caroline Mitchell marries past and present effortlessly to bring readers a nail-biting chiller of a read. Without giving away any spoilers, Amy’s own past is never far behind her and this case is no different as she struggles to let go of her own demons in her battle to save Ellen. Her birth mother, Lillian Grimes, continues to exert her power over Amy. This is a fascinating concept and one that keeps me on the edge of my seat as I am desperate to uncover what the final outcome will be.

Crossing the time span from now to a poverty-stricken family in Russia in the 1980s, ethics, and psychology are explored alongside coercion and control within relationships.

Amy’s internal turmoil and conflict are agonizing in this novel and it gave a real insight into her character. As a reader I found myself drawn to her, I empathised with her while the same time feeling frustrated at the barriers she put up. I connected with her on many levels and find her an intriguing character to read about.

The Secret Child is full of twists, turns, and dark delights. It kept me hooked throughout and definitely kept me reading way past my bedtime. And that ending! WTF! Caroline Mitchell, I need the next installment now!
Review will be on my blog the day prior to publication day

Four year old Ellen is taken from her bed by a stranger in the middle of the night, when her mother Nicole receives a package containing four phials, one of them supposedly poisonous with a note telling her to choose a phial to drink in exchange for information of where her daughter is being kept captive, she knows the nightmare of what her husband did in the past, is about to become a reality. The kidnapper claims to be Luka Volkov, but Luka is assumed dead, killed in a tragic fire with his mother many years ago, or is he? Could he have survived the fire and is back to exact revenge on those who wronged him?

DI Amy Winter and her team are brought in to investigate the case and, having suffered trauma as a child herself, she is determined to bring Ellen home and for it to be a happy ending for the Curtis family, but Luka is not going to make it easy for her and when another child disappears she knows they are in a race against time to save these children.

This is the second in this series and is just as tense and nailbiting as the first. Once again the story alternates between past and present and kept me guessing all the way through, it's packed full of twists and Lillian, Amy's sadistic birth mother is always there lurking in the background ready to cause more problems for her daughter. I was hooked from beginning to end with this one and the ending leaves it open perfectly for another book in this incredible series. Bring it on Mrs Mitchell!! I highly recommend that you read these books in order to get a true understanding of the characters and their backgrounds.

I would like to thank Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the auto approval and will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day.

I enjoyed the first book written by this author so was looking forward to the second in the series. We continue to find out more about the characters. The story line was good and I enjoyed the interweaving of past and present narratives. I look forward to the next in the series and finding out what happens next.

Wow I had just finished the first book in the series Truth and Lies and decided to read the second one The Silent child and this like the first one doesn’t disappoint. I have read most of Caroline Mitchell’s books and the quality of her writing gets better with every book.
After finding out and trying to come to terms with that her birth parents were series killers, DI Amy Winters is called to the case of 4-year-old Ellen who was kidnapped but no one knows why until a ransom note is delivered with 4 phials to her mother Nicole. Who is told to drink one of them to save her child? Included is a burner phone with a video message of little Ellen. Nicole drinks one and falls ill. So, the police are called. Nicole is the wife of Dr Curtis of the Curtis Institute who in the 80’s held tests on young children.
The story then continues telling of one certain child Luka Volkov. Who was brought from Russia with his mother Sasha thinking that he going to go to school in England. When he ends up being tested on. But a fire starts, and he and his mother perish. But in the present day, the kidnapper reveals himself to be Luka and he is seeking revenge for the cruelty he himself, his mother and the other children suffered in the hands of Doctor Curtis.
This was another brilliant instalment of the DI Amy winters series. With its fast paced, intriguing plot. Great characters especially Amy Winters. With every stacked against her, Amy still seems to get through it all. I like her determination.
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon publishing for an ARC of this book for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Police procedural about a Detective Inspector who happens to be the child of notorious serial killers. This is book two in the DI Amy Winters’ series--it is a character-driven, fast-paced read with a suspenseful mystery and compelling lead character.

DI Amy Winter finds herself drawn into a game of cat and mouse with a kidnapper. At the same time, she must deal with the fall out from the exposure of her past. She finds herself in the public spotlight with her every move being evaluated. She also can’t escape from her deranged birth mother, who will do whatever it takes to remind Amy where she comes from!

While I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it as much as I loved the first book in the series. I wanted more interaction between Amy and Lillian. The dynamic between these two characters is fascinating. I found the mystery interesting, but I didn’t really care that much about it--it was quite an intriguing premise, but there was something about it that just failed to grip me. Perhaps, I was just more interested in Amy’s personal life. However, I was still engaged and by the end I found myself thinking that I couldn't wait to read what happens in the next book in the series!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review.

DI Amy Winters is back to find a missing child.
Imagine finding your child is missing. Taken from your home.
Ellen’s mother is distraught whilst her father seems less so. Both parents give Amy the impression they know more than their letting on.
Have they been expecting this to happen.

Luka Volkov has been dead for many years but why do the parents think he is responsible?
And what are the secrets that connect the family to the kidnapper?

Then another child goes missing and time is running out for Amy to find whose responsible.

It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Caroline Mitchell. I love her style and her thrillers have an edge to them.

I loved the flashback to help picture the supposed reasons for Ellen’s abduction.
It was gripping and chilling at the same time.
I’m glad in this book we didn’t overly concentrate on Amy Winters mother, who just happens to be in prison for murder.
I’m feeling this is a slow buildup for another great story as we continue with this series.

Has someone returned from the dead to seek revenge against those who ruined his childhood ?? Can D I Amy Winter come to terms with the knowledge her parents are convicted killers ???

Two children are taken from their parents, parents that hold a deadly secret that is becoming revealed from the grave... or is it. Is the killer the same young boy who died in an horrific fire or is it someone pretending to be him ….

May more secrets come to life in both the kidnappers family and in Amy Winters

Highly recommend this book to all Caroline Mitchell fans new and old

As a thriller fan, every time I see Caroline Mitchell's name pop up my heart skips a beat. She has become one of my trusted thriller authors and her stories haven't failed to entertain me yet... Last year I was able to meet a new detective with a fascinating past, DI Amy Winter, and it's time for a second date in The Secret Child. I have a weird obsession with serial killer stories and the main character's past is definitely one of the things that stands out most in this new detective thriller series. Things can be said about her difficult past and flawed personal life being quite cliche, but Lillian will get under your skin and will give Amy Winter an original twist. The writing is more than solid, draws you right in and will make you reach the final page before you know it. It's something I've become used to with Caroline Mitchell's thrillers and one of the reasons I would pick up one of her titles without even reading the blurb first. The Secret Child has a fascinating premise though and I love that part of the plot is set in the past and in the Soviet Union at that. This international twist makes the plot all the more interesting and gives the story an original touch. Past and present are mixed in a way that adds maximum suspense and intrigue about what really happened to Luka and the other children all those years ago. There are quite a lot of different elements in the story, with the 1984-1985 flashbacks, the present kidnapping and Lillian Grimes... I did feel they were better balanced than in the first installment, and the story will definitely have some plot twist bombs and surprises for you in store. All in all I had a great time reading The Secret Child and I'm already looking forward to discover what will happen next.

DI Amy Winters is back again and this time she has to investigate a twisted case and try to hold her life together. Amy is different kind of detective, you see, her parents were notorious serial killers. This is something that she recently found out and has been trying to keep a secret. However, it is not so easy especially since her birth mom is trying to ruin her life from behind prison walls.

The current case is presented through two timelines. One timeline takes us back twenty years ago and the second follows the events after Ellen’s disappearance. The two timelines helped in building the case. They made this different from most cases because they added a ‘humane’ angle to the villain. My heart was broken by the past narration while the present timeline had me curious about the case. How far will the villain go? Will the kids survive? How will Amy solve the case?

This was a fast-pace, entertaining read. Amy is great lead detective and I love how her back-story. I think that her personal life actually adds to the tension in the narrative without taking focus away from the main story-line.
For lovers of crime thrillers, this is definitely a series that you can’t afford to miss.

Intense, captivating, twisty and surprisingly poignant, The Secret Child is a great addition to the DI Amy Winters series. I can’t wait to read the next book already.

# The Secret Child # Netgally
Wow. Bloody wow. Omg this book is absolutely phenomenal piece of writing. Feeling very ill.at this moment but I genuinely forced myself to stay awake. I just literally could not put this one down. AMY WINTERS. is a brilliant DCI yet coming from her biological serial killer parents. Being adopted at 4 she keeps her past life a secret. However she for class Lillian Grinds as her family. In book one Lillian finds away to get Any to visit. Amy decides against her real feelings decides to actually pay her a visit she needs information on 3 bodies are buried so Any can give some piece to the families who have not been able to lay there children to rest yet Lillian doesn't do anything for free. She hell bent on being her youngest daughter down because Any despised !Lillian. Caroline Mitchell certainly created a monster of a character in Lillian Grimes. Amy is leading her team into a kidnapping of a four year old girl Ellen.. She's the daughter of Dr Curtis who's quite a prominent DR however Luke who supposed to have died as kidnapped her in revenge of how DR Curtis conducted experiments illegally on young children . I am not saying more I genuinely do not want to spoil this masterpiece of writing and story.
We have ourselves anyone masterpiece of a female author. This needs to be read it's a fast paced novel with some twists you just genuinely don't see coming this is a must must READ. You will be missing out of a superb masterpiece of a boom.
I

t feels like I have been waiting ages for this book after reading Truth and lies and loving it, well I am pleased to say that The Secret Child was certainly worth the wait. The main thing that I love about this series is the fact that DI Amy Winter is the daughter of a serial Killer you can't get no more original than that.

So what did I think of the second book in the series you must be wondering?! Well just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, the author has totally excelled herself this book is sure to blow your socks off!

Caroline has clearly used her CID experience and brings us another unputdownable read when we follow Amy on a case on the hunt for a sadistic killer when a four year old is taken and mother Nicole receives a threatening note….with the sender to claiming to be someone that is dead. With chapters that take us back to the past, I am thinking is this Luka dead or not! The suspense was killing me. I couldn't read this fast enough to find out the answers, the more i read the more I wanted to know.

Not forgetting that the author has weaved this plot into the fact that Amy is still coming to terms with the discovery that she is the daughter of a serial killer….so we get to know more about her past…...bloody love it!

This is one hell of a nail biting read that ticked all the boxes for me giving it all the stars.

Thank you to Caroline Mitchell and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a honest unbiased review.

Love all of Caroline's books. This is no exception. Hooked from the start! .





.... .

This is a brilliant follow up to book 1 of the DI Amy Winter series and honestly I felt this series has gotten better after reading this book. The characters created by Caroline Mitchell feel real and the writing just elevated them. And oh, I just hate Lillian Grimes. She's an evil person, a proper psychopath! The fact that she's actively trying to destroy Amy Winter (Poppy Grimes) makes her even more evil. But Amy is holding strong and fighting back with all her strength and also with the people rallying around her makes this book just better. But in my opinion, the most hateful character in this book is Adam Rossi. He is the character I detest the most in this book. And the fact that Amy is not only fighting Lillian but also fighting the resurfacing Polly Grimes from taking over her completely makes this book a very compelling read.
If you haven’t read the first book I would urge you to do that and then read this one as it’s a fabulous series and one not to missed if you love a good thriller. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book.
And a big thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer (Amazon Publishing UK) and the wonderful Caroline Mitchell for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am a big fan of Caroline Mitchell books, especially the police procedurals. DI Amy Winter is such a complex character and one that I truly can't get enough of. I am really looking forward to seeing where she goes in the next books in this brilliant series. I did not want to put this book down, completely sucked into the story.

Amy is still trying to come to terms with the bombshell revelations from the first book. She is trying to keep it a secret from her colleges and the public but it has changed the way that she sees the world. She is single again and throws herself into her work. The case is is time is challenging, 2 kids have been taken and the kidnapper will only talk to Amy. As the investigation continues it seems that the parents are hiding deep dark secrets from their past. The book jumps from the present to the past as we learn about these secrets and find out who would want to hurt these families.

If you haven't read any of these books then I strongly suggest that you grab them now. Thanks to Amazon UK Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased

I really enjoyed this. It’s clear that this is part of a series, but I was able to follow everything as a new reader - plus, I want to go back and read the previous novel. The author did well conveying a sense of urgency, particularly at the beginning when describing the intruder. I felt some of the descriptions were long and winding, but overall, it was a good story.