The Stolen Child

the gripping emotional thriller with a twist you'll never see coming

By: Carmel Harrington

Narrated by: Emer Heatley

*The Irish Times No. 1 bestseller*
*A Sunday Times best crime fiction of the year selection*

'One of the greatest twists I've ever read' CATHERINE RYAN HOWARD

'An addictive, immersive, incredibly poignant page-turner ' ANDREA MARA

It's every parent's worst nightmare. But there's no waking up from this . . .
On board a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, Kimberly wakes to discover that her two-year-old son Robert has vanished from the cabin overnight. She and her husband Jason vow to do whatever it takes to bring Robert home.

But he is never found.

Forty years later, their therapist daughter Lily welcomes a new client into her home. Zach has a shocking theory about what happened to her brother Robert years before.

If Zach is to be believed, someone out there knows what happened on that ship. And they would do anything to stop the truth getting out.

But secrets always find a way to reveal themselves . . .

PRAISE FOR CARMEL HARRINGTON'S NOVELS
'Warm, uplifting & important...a very VERY special book' MARIAN KEYES

'Beautifully moving and uplifting' CECELIA AHERN

'Storytelling at its best' SHEILA O'FLANAGAN

'We defy you not to say, just one more chapter!' BELFAST TELEGRAPH

'Beautifully written, emotionally intelligent & moving in the extreme' DAILY MAIL©2025 Carmel Harrington

Critic reviews

A compelling, extremely tender page-turner (Adele Parks)

Harrington's writing has some of Maeve Binchy's lyrical touch that enlivens everyday detail. Her skill of weaving mystery at regular intervals make this a winner

This globetrotting thriller comes with a twist you'll never see coming

An addictive read

This complex novel requires faultless plotting, and Harrington pulls it off with consummate ease

One of the greatest twists I have ever read

Clever, compelling and compulsive, a read-until-the-early-hours rollercoaster

An addictive, immersive, incredibly poignant page-turner - I flew through it. Readers will love it - an absolute triumph!

This is a mystery that unspools across decades and generations, riverine in its twists and turns, and told with insight and emotional intelligence; Carmel Harrington's legions of fans will not be disappointed! (Karen Perry)

Full of heart, The Stolen Child tackles big themes with empathy and skill. A delicately woven story of family tragedy and a compelling mystery that will have you turning the pages, The Stolen Child is a perfect holiday - or anytime - read (Catherine Kirwan)

A moreish, mind-bending read

The characters were so engaging

So good with such a great twist ending. Very good narration and the characters were so real

Excellent

Very well written and narrated. It captivates you! The story clearly tells timelines between then and now.

Incredible, Moving Story

What an incredible book. Carmel is a once in a generation talent. I am so so glad I found her work.