The Guilty Daughter by Victoria Jenkins
3/23/26; 264 pages
Bookouture
The Guilty Daughter by Victoria Jenkins is a recommended domestic drama and popcorn thriller that purely plays on shocking twists and emotions to keep the pages quickly turning.
Natasha (Tasha) is a criminal barrister who works long hours while her husband Damien's work allows him more flexibility to be there for their fifteen-year-old daughter Ellie. After a recent move, Ellie is exhibiting some teenage rebellion and pushing boundaries. When Tasha returns home one evening to emergency vehicles and an ambulance at a teen party being held across the street, she immediately is concerned that Ellie may be somehow involved. Ellie had been at the party and left abruptly. Now the police want to question her. Ellie, however, isn't the only one with secrets.
This is an uneven novel with a fast pace, plenty of shocking revelations, and a plot that requires you to set a great deal of disbelief aside while reading. It will hold your attention, however, due to the many unexpected turns the plot takes. The short page count also ensures rapid progress through the novel. This makes it a very entertaining novel full of chaotic family drama even while the plot and twists stretch credulity.
None of the characters are likable or developed enough to garner the level of sympathy required to overlook all of the over-the-top scenes. Perhaps with more depth and backstory the various machinations embedded in the narrative would be more believable and overcome the soapy, popcorn thriller overtones. It's worth mentioning that men are the bad guys throughout the plot, which is a plot element that is becoming clichéd.
The Guilty Daughter is a good choice for those who enjoy domestic popcorn thrillers. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an
advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and
expresses my honest opinion.
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