Jessica’s Promise by Jill Childs (Book Review)

‘You wouldn’t trust a stranger with your wallet. Or your house keys. So why your little girl, the most precious thing you have?’

Teresa’s heart stops when she enters her daughter’s bedroom to find that her sweet, trusting little girl is gone.

Teresa can’t bear to think who would snatch a terrified three-year-old from her mother in the middle of the night, but all the signs point to someone close to home. Hasn’t Jessica’s stepfather been acting a little oddly? Or is it, as Teresa is beginning to fear, something to do with Angie, her daughter’s babysitter who lives next door…?

Gentle, retired Angie – she must be lonely, with only her memories to keep her company in that big, old house. And she’s always had a special connection with Jessica… was trusting Angie with her precious daughter the biggest mistake of Teresa’s life?

What do we really know about those who watch our children? Jessica’s Promise is a compelling domestic drama for fans of Jodi Picoult, Lisa Wingate and Kerry Fisher.

Buy Here

My Review

Jessicas Promise is an absolute page turner, totally compelling, well written with plenty of shocks along the way!

I know I am reading a book by an immensely talented author when I am totally transfixed despite not liking any of the characters. Jill Childs has done a wonderful job on this thriller, the short chapters fly by, no-one is trustworthy, everyone could be guilty!

I have rewritten this review three times now, the truth is I just can’t find the right words. I have never felt so much anger and hatred in a book before. Part of me wanted to smash my e-reader with sheer utter frustration, and yet another part had both hands gripped tightly to it. Questions raged in my mind for several of the characters, one made me  angry, another chilled me to the bone!

Is it scary, gruesome, graphic?….not at all!

I think the emotion came from reading about children who are not given the love that they deserve, and are treated like a massive inconvenience.

Who would leave their child with a complete stranger?

So what did I love about this book?

The writing is clear, concise and completely engaging. The plot is cleverly written, your mind is awash with theories, suspicions, and ideas. The characters are flawed but show great emotion. You find yourself pitying and despising them all at the same time.

The author has tremendous insight into the mind of a young child. She describes a beautiful make believe world and she shows how an adult can truly engage a child through play.

I found myself feeling guilty for possibly having a misconception about someone who could be innocent. Then the anger would flood back and questions stabbed away at my poor frazzled brain. The ending surprised me and the loose ends tied up well.

If you like domestic thrillers, emotion-packed drama, and a gripping storyline, this book is definitely for you.