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BOOK INFO
Title: Problem Child
Author: Victoria Helen Stone
Publisher: Lake Union
Publish Date: March 24, 2020
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Series: Jane Doe #2
My Rating 4/5
BOOK BLURB
She’s cold, calculating, and can deceive with a smile. Jane Doe is back in the Amazon Charts bestselling series—and this time she’s met her match.
After a brutal childhood, Jane Doe has been permanently wired to look after herself and only herself. Now, looking next to normal, Jane has a lover and a job. But she hasn’t lost her edge. It sharpens when she hears from her estranged family.
Jane’s deeply troubled sixteen-year-old niece, Kayla, has vanished, and no one seems to care. Neither does Jane. Until she sees a picture of Kayla and recognizes herself in the young girl’s eyes. It’s the empty stare of a sociopath.
Jane knows what vengeful and desperate things Kayla is capable of. Only Jane can help her—by being drawn into Kayla’s dark world. And no one’s more aware than Jane just how dangerous that can be.

MY REVIEW
Jane is back! She has a new job and a serious relationship. She’s trying to live a more normal life, but she’s still cold and calculating. When Jane discovers her niece is missing, she doesn’t care. Then she learns her niece may be like her… a sociopath. This intrigues Jane, so she goes in search of her.
Problem Child is the second book in the Jane Doe series. I recommend starting with the first book, Jane Doe, before reading this one. The first book is better, plus it introduces Jane and more of her story. Problem Child can be read as a standalone though.
In Jane’s work life, she’s got a coworker trying to claim her work as his own. Obviously, she needs to straighten him out. In her love life, she’s in a relationship with Luke, who’s ready to take things to the next level. Even though Jane has a lot going on, she takes a trip to her hometown to locate her missing niece, Kayla. Jane wants to help Kayla because she reminds Jane of herself.
Problem Child is a fast-paced psychological thriller. Jane’s not a likable character, but she is fun to read about. A gripping novel with dark humor, mystery, and revenge.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Books in the Jane Doe series:
- Jane Doe
- Problem Child
Other Books by Victoria Helen Stone:
- Evelyn, After
- Half Past
- False Step
- The Last One Home
- At the Quiet Edge
- The Hook
Sometimes those unlikable characters are like watching a train wreck and you can’t stop until you see what is going to happen to them. I am glad this was a fun, likable story. Great review Darinda.
Yes! Thanks, Carla! I enjoy anti-hero characters, and Jane is definitely one. 😊
I have to some day begin this series as I have heard great things about Jane Doe and now this one. Great review, Darinda!
Thank you! Jane is something else, and it makes for a fun read. 😊