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In the tradition of Brenda Novak and Karen Rose, the latest novel in Lisa Childs� fast-paced romantic suspense series is laden with Gothic atmosphere and brilliantly plotted twists and turns, as an exclusive resort set on a remote island off the coast of Maine becomes the setting for grisly crimes.

Drawn to the former Bainesworth Manor in the wake of a murder, reporter Edie Stone wants answers. It’s been over forty years since the psychiatric hospital on Bane Island shut down, and the mystery of women vanishing there remains unsolved. But the exclusive retreat isn’t just protected by the dark pine forests and crashing waves of Maine’s rocky coast—it’s surrounded with silence. Everyone on the island is keeping secrets.

Especially the Dr. Elijah Cooke, grandson of the man who headed Bainesworth Manor and the psychiatrist-proprietor of a new wellness resort on the same premises. His desire to help people seems at war with his fierce loyalty to his family. He’s sure the world is out to get him. And as the accidents and coincidences pile up, Edie becomes convinced someone is trying to kill them both. But if she’s close enough to be a threat, she must be close to the truth . . .

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2022

84 people are currently reading
8,357 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Childs

396books956followers
Born one dark and stormy Halloween night, Lisa Childs was predestined to write suspense novels. She loves spinning dark and twisty stories that keep readers awake because they’re either too busy turning pages or too scared to sleep. Lisa Childs is the prolific author of more than seventy published novels. In addition to romantic suspense, she also writes women’s fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance.

Lisa loves to hear from readers who can contact her on Facebook or through her website.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
3,907 reviews2,846 followers
January 8, 2023
DNF @30%

My first DNF of the year. 😞 Even though I apparently read the previous book in this series (can't remember a single thing about it), I spent a good portion of the 30% I read of this one, just confused. Too many characters, too many mentions of previous books. Can't love them all, right?

**ARC Via NetGalley**
Profile Image for Anita.
2,499 reviews211 followers
October 7, 2022
Third times the charm, or so some reader stuck in a bad series says. Oh wait, that reader is me! I was not a fan of the first two books, but the almost gothic vibe and wanting to finish what I started has me hooked for book number three, so third times the charm, I hope. How about three strikes, you're out? That is definitely the case here. The plot was good, the execution wasn't. I really liked the characters and Lisa Childs did a good job of hiding the baddie. There were just too many eye rolling times and this author just doesn't deserve to have her name in the same sentence as Karen Rose. Not to mention that this book does nothing to solve the decades old crimes committed at Bainesworth Manor and that is perhaps the thing I am most ticked about. This third book in the trilogy is by no means that end of this tale.

Edie Stone, investigative reporter, has been on Bane Island for some time now. She has seen some murders solved and made friends with the locals. Her real mission is to uncover the nasty things that happened to young girls and their babies over forty years ago when the upscale wellness spa now known as Halcyon Hall was a psychiatric sanatorium called Blainsworth Manor. Lots of mysterious happenings, disappearances and evil happened at the Manor and Edie is determined to uncover all its secrets, if she can stay alive long enough. It was not her plan to fall for the grandson of the original doctor, but Dr. Elijah Cooke is a real intelligent hottie, catnip to Edie.

Dr. Elijah Cooke wants nothing more than to erase Blainsworth Manor's memory, but he is having a tough time doing that when bodies keep dropping and employees are found to be murders. Kinda a tough rep to overcome. Now, Edie Stone has him in her sights and is determined to reveal the Manor's dark secrets. When several attempts are made on her life, Elijah is torn between family loyalty and his growing attraction to the fisty Ms. Stone. But Edie isn't the only one a would-be killer is targeting; Elijah is in the cross hairs too.

My thanks to the Publisher and the author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Profile Image for Kimberly R .
318 reviews
August 29, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reporter Edie Stone investigates vanishing women at Bainesworth Manor a psychiatric hospital from 40 years ago. She also investigates the present day murder of Erica Korlinsky with owner Elijah Cooke who has remodeled the manor into Halcyon Hall a spa and wellness retreat.
Romance blooms and secrets come out.
I liked this creepy gothic mystery and hope to read more by this author.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Books and Lisa Childs!
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,083 reviews63 followers
October 26, 2022
This is a gothic mystery with an creepy atmosphere and some very secretive characters. Baineworth Manor is the perfect setting for this book, on an island that is accessible only by one bridge that may or may not be safe to cross depending on the weather. The sheriff, a man named Deacon, who was featured prominently in a previous book, becomes almost a secondary character in this one as Dr. Elijah Cooke, the manager of the manor, and Edie Stone, a determined reporter, come front and center in this third book of the trilogy. After reading the first two books, I had no idea that there were so many secrets left to be revealed, but there were a multitude of them. Dr. Cooke is protecting his own reputation and that of the manor by refusing to cooperate with Edie but as she begins to unravel the truth, both of their lives are endangered. There is a touch of romance here but most of the book is centered around Edie’s quest for the truth about the young women who disappeared at the manor, their horrific treatment that bordered on Nazi tactics of mind control and the babies that they supposedly had who also disappeared. I did not feel close to any of the characters but I did feel empathy for Edie and for the ladies at the B & B, one of whom was a “guest� at the manor and her mind was irrevocably damaged because of her stay there and the loss of her baby. There are a lot of twists and turns, several switchbacks and more than a few red herrings thrown out there to keep me engaged and interested in finishing the book. I enjoyed the methodical and persuasive way that Edie went about her investigation, but I must say that I was a little disappointed that everything was not totally explained by the end of the book. However, I am delighted that another book is coming, so I look forward to more revelations in that one. The thrills were real, the chills were uncomfortably realistic and the characters were so well portrayed that I found myself giving them advice based on the clues that I was following as I read. This book can be read as a standalone but I think the entire trilogy should be enjoyed as they all tell one fantastic story of a man and his experiments that went out of control and affected an entire community. I will warn other readers that there are some disturbing scenes as well as references to abuse and violence against women, so if that is a trigger for you, then this book may not be for you. Since I have no such triggers, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute that I spent with this dynamic and brilliantly written novel.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington via Netgalley and also an autographed copy from the author via KBS Consultant. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.�
Profile Image for Denise Wilbanks | This Is My Everybody.
283 reviews80 followers
November 10, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: The Missing by Lisa Childs
Series: Bane Island Trilogy | Book 3
2022 Publication Date: October 25

⭐️⭐️

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
When things are going from bad to worse, sometimes it is best to just leave...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
This is a cumulative series� Unfortunately, I jumped into this series with Book 3 � which I am certain influenced my reading experience and T.I.M.E. Book Review Rating.

I struggled to gain my footing with the characters and story since I had not read the first two books in the series... That's on me...

So, I highly recommend starting with Book 1 for an optimal reading experience.

Lisa Childs is a well-reviewed author (as well as this particular series) and popular amongst thriller book fans. I feel confident you will be in good hands...

As for me, I fully intend to follow that plan in the future and look forward to giving Lisa another go beginning with Book 1 of her next series... ✨😎✨

Pages: 320
Genre: Thriller
Sub-Genre: Locked Room Mystery
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:� 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Maine (US)

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY�
Book: The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon
Movie: And Then There Were None

PUBLISHER BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Laden with Gothic atmosphere, Halcyon Hall, a former insane asylum-turned-luxury resort on a remote island off the coast of Maine, becomes the setting for a rash of grisly crimes�

Drawn to the former Bainesworth Manor in the wake of a murder, reporter Edie Stone wants answers. It’s been over forty years since the psychiatric hospital on Bane Island shut down, and the mystery of women vanishing there remains unsolved. But the exclusive retreat isn’t just protected by the dark pine forests and crashing waves of Maine’s rocky coast � it’s surrounded with silence. Everyone on the island is keeping secrets.

Especially Dr. Elijah Cooke, grandson of the man who headed Bainesworth Manor and the psychiatrist-proprietor of a new wellness resort on the same premises. His desire to help people seems at war with his fierce loyalty to his family. He’s sure the world is out to get him. And as the accidents and coincidences pile up, Edie becomes convinced someone is trying to kill them both. But if she’s close enough to be a threat, she must be close to the truth...

--------------------

All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at

� Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website:
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And let's be friends here on ŷ too!... ✨😎✨
Profile Image for Sheila.
2,603 reviews73 followers
July 10, 2022
I received an ARC of, The Missing, by Lisa Childs. What an intriguing story, an abandoned hospital, what happened to the people who stayed there. This is a very secretive town. Such a good read.
Profile Image for Nebulous.
343 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2022
Bainesworth Manor has been reincarnated as Halcyon Hall, a wellness spa that screams luxury. However, the ghosts of the past rise as the mystery of women vanishing remain unsolved. The Missing by Lisa Childs is a gothic, thrilling read with a dash of romance. The first few pages were overwhelming as multiple characters were introduced, and it wasn't easy to keep track of them. While the pacing of this book was good, it constantly references the previous books I haven't read. As a result, I felt a bit lost. Therefore, I believe that it is not a stand-alone book. The chemistry between Edie and Elijah was well written, and I supported them right from the start. Edie's grit, determination and perseverance, along with Elijah's observations and empathy, were woven well in this mystery read. Their dialogues made me laugh! Overall, it was a 3-star read.

A thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tammy Morse.
379 reviews47 followers
January 31, 2023
Lisa Childs
The Missing

Lisa is a incredible writer this book she showed passion, eerie, intriguing. This book took me from the beginning and kept me reading every chance I got.


Edie Stone, reporter
Dr. Elijah Cooke, psychologists -proprietor
Bode James, brother and proprietor Deacon Howell Sheriff of Bane Island, Maine

Edie Stone was on Bane Island to find the true to what happened when it was Bainesworth Manor. She will do almost anything to get her answers. Deacon was enemies in school with Elijah and David Cooke. Edie just wanted to find out what happened to women and their babies. Edie stone was falling for Elijah Cooke.
Edie tried everything to talk to Dr. Elijah Cooke.
There was alot of things that happened on Bane Island. Everyone that had or is on Bane Island say that it was cursed.
I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Christina Mages.
924 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2024
This book had so many twists and turns. I hope the killer is gone for good. Elijah and Edie are definitely a pair that are going to do whatever they can to stop all the murders. A really good book.
Profile Image for Laura A.
612 reviews76 followers
August 21, 2022
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. An idealic place in Maine is hiding many secrets. The family who owns it are being affected by the secrets that the place holds. Thus book grabbed my attention from the start.
Profile Image for Sarah Maleficent .
245 reviews17 followers
July 18, 2022
It’s my fault entirely, but I didn’t realise this was part of an established series. Entirely my fault for not checking.
With that being said. It was actually still ok. I was able to enjoy the story, the characters, the writing style, it was good.
There were references made that perhaps I would have understood more had I actually read the ones that came before.
But the author has made this work of you’re just joining it or as a stand alone.

I’ll now have to pop on and look for the previous novels.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my arc.
Profile Image for Elaine .
937 reviews60 followers
November 12, 2022
The missing.
By Lisa Childs.

We're back in Maine, Bain island.
Where things happen, Unexplainable. Dark and creepy . And a killer on the loose.


Reporter Edie stone, Is going to get her story about what happened 40 years ago where the missing babies went. So many want answers. Have gone years without knowing where their missing babies are.. Hidden secrets at the former Bainesworth manner. But danger is at every corner.
This could be One tricky job. Could cost a life.

Edie stone herself Was a missing at 1 time in her life. So she knows what it's like to be a missing..


Elijah cook, Psychiatrist and grandson of former Owner.. his Brother and him own and run the manor now. Things are done differently. But body's still seem to turn up.. There's a silent partner.
Elijah cook Gets too close to Edie stone for someone. Near death happens more than once. A killer is on the loose and must be stopped.

I personally absolutely love this series..
Thank you Lisa child for writing these books..
Profile Image for Jennifer.
12 reviews
October 13, 2022
This third book in a series by Lisa Childs has a blow-you-away premise: forty years ago, Bainsworth Manor was a psych hospital, where families committed young women. Some of those women had babies, either through illicit relationships or - it is implied - rendezvous with staff. And those babies were never seen again.

Now, Bainsworth Manor is Halycon Hall, a luxury spa. In the first two books, which I did not read, the bodies must have piled up. Because now, a reporter is looking into the spa and its horrific history. She becomes involved with Elijah, the grandson of the original operator of Bansworth Manor, who now owns Haylcon Hall, just after Elijah's cousin and best friend killed numerous people.

She's looking for the truth - what happened at Bainsworth and where are the lost babies now?

The Missing must begin immediately after the other two books end, as it felt more like a new chapter than the beginning of an entirely new book. While characters are introduced with background, so many are introduced early on that, without the benefit of the prior books, I found myself lost as to who is who.

Further, Ms. Childs's writing over-relies on cliché. Edie comes across as a snazzy girl reporter from a 1960s detective novel, and characters are constantly smirking, shrugging, groaning, grimacing, and - multiple times - wiggling their eyebrows to make points. The male characters don't have the depth I'd expect either, and often their decisions come across as contrived and their motivation hollow.

Much like a soap-opera, The Missing is filled with twists, bends and romance. If you're looking for an escapist read, it will most likely keep you reading late into the night.

Thank you #NetGalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,112 reviews136 followers
October 28, 2022
A very creepy story about a former asylum on a remote island in Maine. Though it is now known as a “wellness� center, it still has a dark history to overcome. But, can it?????
Secrets, murder, lies and romance.
Overall, a ok read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
806 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2023
The Bane Island series, book 3, follows reporter Edie Stone as she tries to unravel the history of Bainesworth Manor. Characters from the previous 2 books & the ongoing mystery of the manor being it all together in an atmospheric thriller that gives all the clues without giving anything away.
I am enjoying this series so much. However book 4 is not out yet. Argh!
151 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2022
Probably would be better if you read the first two books in the series
109 reviews
December 25, 2022
I thought I might actually read this but gave up after part way through chapter 4 - it managed to be both endlessly repetitive and utterly confusing at one go.
1,097 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2023
Fast paced suspense with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
860 reviews13 followers
January 13, 2025
I loved this book,probably my favorite out of the 3 …now on to book #4 thanks Lisa Childs for entertaining me 💞
97 reviews
August 5, 2022
This is my first book from this author. When I realized this book was the 3rd in a series (Bane Island Novel), I decided to read the previous 2 books first. I am so happy I did as it would have made my enjoyment of this book not so complete. This is a great mystery series with a romance entwinned which is my favourite combination. It is well written and very enjoyable to read. The characters are very likable, all in all, great book :)
384 reviews21 followers
October 29, 2022
I love the Bane Island Series it is intriging and haunting. Attempts are made on Edie Stones life it seems no one can be trusted and murders unsolved
and Elijah Cook seems to be falling for Edie but can she trust him. I hope there will be a fourth book in the series.
Profile Image for Barbara Lack.
1,534 reviews18 followers
August 1, 2022
Twists and turns abound in this latest book by Lisa Childs. More secrets are revealed. There’s another murder and it all centers around Halcyon Hall. The romance in this storyline is between Edie and Elijah. I love the banter between these two. The attraction between the two of them is electric. The writing is terrific. I spent the day reading this book and just loved it.
Profile Image for Kaitlin Danziger.
10 reviews
January 24, 2023
Did not finish. First several pages involved the introduction of way too many characters and a lot of references to previous books in the series that I didn’t read, so I didn’t understand them. Word choice is repetitive to the point I was rereading sentences thinking I had skipped an extra line in the paragraph.
78 reviews
February 20, 2025
I just couldn't get into this book. I didn't read the original two, and the beginning is very messy, introducing too many (unfamiliar) names into the mix. I gave up. Too many good books out there. Time to move on.
Profile Image for Marissa.
66 reviews52 followers
February 11, 2025
Did not finish. Got to about page 80 or so. Agree with other reviews� too many characters and slowly moving parts. Couldn’t follow.
1,901 reviews8 followers
August 28, 2022
Is your family cursed? Elijah Cooke knew that coming back to his home town would only lead to problems. Even though his cousin David admitted to the murders he knows that more answers are needed as the reporter Edie Stone won't stop digging for the truth. But what is the truth about what happened all those years ago?
Edie wants answers about the missing women & the babies where did they all go? And she knows that she needs to speak to his grandfather but Elijah doesn't think that is a good idea. He knows that his grandfather has many dark secrets about what happened at the manor. Is he really that monster that Edie makes him out to be?
The local trooper has made it clear that she that Elijah's brother Bode killed a woman that worked for them but he doesn't believe that for one moment as Bode has to bring up his daughter by himself.
Can Edie really help him find out the truth as he can't let Bode go to prison?
Edie & Elijah give in to their attraction but someone isn't too happy about that and they want them both dead. But why them and can they find the killer before it is too late?
Will Edie be able to find out the truth and bring justice for the victims? Do her & Elijah have a future together?
A good read. The family really does have some dark secrets.
Edie is a fierce woman that has gone through her own dark times and I like that she only wants justice and she isn't interested in local gossip.
Elijah is a good man that will do anything to protect his family but he also won't allow his grandfather to take advantage of his family. They make a good couple as they balance each other out.
I liked the other characters as well as they each had a part to play in making this an enjoyable read.
The ending left me wanting more as we never got the answers that I was looking for.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC copy. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Christina Rodrigues.
444 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2022
The Missing is the third book in Lisa Childs� Bane Island Series. This book is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel with a happily ever after. It was written in third person from the point of view of many of the characters, and this allowed the reader to see all sides but also helped to build the drama and suspense. This book can be read as a stand alone, but reading it in order will give the reader a better appreciation for the characters and the series itself.

Reporter, Edie Stone is searching for answers to the forty year old unsolved disappearances of women from Bainesworth Manor, psychiatric hospital. Dr. Elijah Cooke, grandson of the man who headed hospital, also wants to discover the truth of what happened, especially since various incidents and accidents on the premises of the new wellness spa proves that the past isn’t buried and forgotten. Edie and Elijah struggle with trust issues and the need to protect, as they work together to discover the truth. But will they survive the darkness when it comes from them? Read it and find out!

Another great addition to this series! It hints at a book four. Will this be Bode’s story? Can’t wait to find out!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.
Profile Image for April.
603 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2023
I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
I am pretty sure this is the first book by Lisa Childs that I've read. I loved the cover of it and am partial to any Kensington author - especially cozies and mysteries.
Bainesworth Manor is full of mysteries and so are the characters in this story. It used to be a psychiatric hospital and is now a spa run by two of the Bainesworth grandsons. Like the blurb on the back of the book says - "everyone on the island is keeping secrets".
Edie Stone, a reporter is determined to solve the old mystery of what really happened at Bainesworth Manor. Dr. Elijah Cooke, one of the grandsons, just wants the past to remain as the past. They were my two favorite characters. I don't give away spoilers but I will say they are an interesting pair and I hope they are in other books of Ms. Childs' as well.
The only problem I had with The Missing is the number of characters. I can usually follow aloong pretty well but I felt like there were a couple too many characters in this book. If the intention is to set them up for other books in a series, I understand that. It just made it a little hard to follow at times. The main story was great and easy to follow.
Profile Image for zasou.reads.
1,553 reviews10 followers
October 27, 2022
Four decades ago, Bainsworth Manor was a psychiatric hospital where families committed young women, some of whose had babies that were never seen again. Now it's a luxury spa, and Edie, a reporter, is looking into it and its horrific story. She and the original manor's owner's grand-son and new owner, Elijah, get involved just after his cousin and best friend, David, kills many people.
I can only define this as a romantic mystery, perfect for the spooky season! There were many twists and turns, a lot of red herrings that will keep you guessing. This is the 3rd book int he Bane Island series, and the ending hints at a 4th book. It took me a while to get into it as I did not know there were 2 books before (my bad for not doing my homework), I kept thinking I was missing a few chapters before the beginning of the story, or at least a prologue. I could eventually get a grasp, but maybe it would've been better to read the other books first. The story was good, so were the characters (if maybe a little too cliché), and the banter and attraction were great.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Book Nerdy 2020.
623 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2023

THE MISSING By Lisa Childs

Edie Stone is drawn to the former Bainesworth Manor that is now a wellness resort run by Dr. Elijah Cooke who is the grandson of the Man who had headed the Manor that was once a psychiatric hospital.

😊What i liked -

� Thriller/Locked Room Mystery.
� I liked Edie's character, she has a sad and complicated past that makes her want to search for the truth.
� I liked the banter between Edie and Evelyn. It added a bit of humour in a somewhat tense setting.
� The chemistry between Elijah and Edie was well written.

🤔What could have been better -

� I was quite a bit lost with connecting the dots with the characters and story. (but i guess that can be because i have not read the first two parts in the series)
� There were times the story just fell flat after a super high twist.


📚Who Should read :

👶𲵾ԲԱ
🕵Thriller Lovers

📈My Rating : 2.5/5

P.S- as i wrote above i jumped into the series with the third book, that's why experience may have not been good. That being said i am so going to go and start with the first book in the series soon.(Fingers Crossed)


Thank you, Lisa Childs and Kensington Books for a copy
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