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Carla Kovach
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The Next Girl: A gripping crime thriller with a heart-stopping twist (Detective Gina Harte Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Carla Kovach (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 21,661 ratings
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE BOOK THIS YEAR, MAKE IT THE NEXT GIRL... You thought he’d come to save you. You were wrong. ‘Absolutely the best thriller I’ve read this year!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I absolutely, totally and utterly LOVED reading The Next Girl… has to be one of my top reads of 2018.' Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars
‘Oh my goodness! This was gripping and fast moving from page one.’ Southern and Sassy Wine Lady, 5 stars

Deborah Jenkins pulls her coat around her for the short walk home in the pouring rain. But she never makes it home that night. And she is never seen again…

Four years later, an abandoned baby girl is found wrapped in dirty rags on a doorstep. An anonymous phone call urges the police to run a DNA test on the baby. But nobody is prepared for the results.

The newborn belongs to Deborah. She’s still alive... THE GRIPPING THRILLER EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT – if you like Lisa Gardner, Robert Bryndza or Clare Mackintosh, you will absolutely love this. A completely unputdownable page-turner with an ending that will blow your mind.

**Each Gina Harte book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone**

‘Boy oh boy… I absolutely blinking well LOVED it.’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars ‘Just wow!... FANTASTIC... I just had to keep reading.’ Bonnie’s Book Talk, 5 stars

‘I couldn’t put it down.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Wow, wow wow! Excellent book!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘OMG... gripping... I have goosebumps.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I am in love with this author.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Brilliant!... Exceptional... Thrilling... superb.’ Renita D’Silva, 5 stars

‘A fantastic book!!!!! OMG so much suspense.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I found this book unputdownable!!’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘

I was hooked from the start right to the last page.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I loved this book! Chilling, disturbing and gripping!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘DI Gina Harte is my new heroine!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘

I like to give honest reviews. If I don't like a book I will say I don't like it... So here goes my review of The Next Girl.... without a doubt this is a fantastic book!!!!! OMG... This book literally I was not able to put down it kept me captivated from the first chapter. Who left the baby on the library steps? and why? How is this baby connected to missing person Deborah Jenkins?... YOU will HAVE to read to find out!... There is nothing that I didn't like about this book. SO much suspense that kept you flipping through the pages to the end! Read today you will not be disappointed!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
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  1. Book 1 of 17
    Detective Gina Harte
  2. Print length
    302 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 2, 2018
  6. File size
    1.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 17 books in this series.

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  1. Same height, same hair colour. She could almost pass for Deborah from behind. But as the woman turned, he could tell she was no more than a cheap imitation.
    Highlighted by 516 Kindle readers
  2. Debbie shivered as she pulled the coarse blankets over her shoulders. Lying on her side in a pool of sticky wetness, she thought of the small life she’d pushed from her body a day ago.
    Highlighted by 254 Kindle readers
  3. He didn’t know what had happened or where she’d gone, but it had been four long years and Debbie hadn’t tried to contact them at all. No one had seen her and initial police investigations and appeals had come back with nothing.
    Highlighted by 249 Kindle readers
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B078S55Z34
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 2, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786813855
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 17 ‏ : ‎ Detective Gina Harte
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 21,661 ratings

About the author

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Carla Kovach

Carla Kovach

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Carla Kovach is a USA Today bestselling author from the UK and is published by Bookouture, Sphere, Boekerij and Virtualo. Her DI Gina Harte series has been translated into Dutch, German, Icelandic and Polish.

As well as novels, she has also written stage and screenplays.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
21,661 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this crime thriller for its addictive plot with many twists and turns, and find it an entertaining page-turner with a heart-stopping twist. They appreciate the well-written book with excellent dialogue, fast-paced narrative that keeps readers turning pages, and strong character development, particularly the Gina character. Customers praise the sound knowledge of police procedures, with one review noting how it relates to real-life circumstances. While many customers find the book engaging, some mention it's not very interesting.

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ReadabilityCharacter developmentWriting qualityPacingEmotion levelKnowledge of police proceduresTime spent
142 customers mention "Readability"138 positive4 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an enjoyable page-turner that kept their interest from the first page.

"I had to force myself to finish this book. It started out great, but then became fairly predictable...." Read more

"...Really good read." Read more

"This book was ok, but if you like Angela Marsons and Robert Bryndza, you are likely to be disappointed. Not in the same class...." Read more

"I enjoyed reading The Next Girl by Carla Kovach. I really liked the Gina character. I recommend it to mystery readers." Read more

63 customers mention "Character development"46 positive17 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, particularly the interesting protagonist Gina Hart, with one customer noting the good depiction of police officers.

"I enjoyed reading The Next Girl by Carla Kovach. I really liked the Gina character. I recommend it to mystery readers." Read more

"...I commend her ability to capture such rich characters and gripping stories." Read more

"I felt that the characters were poorly developed. None of the issues in the story were explained well enough and none seemed to be resolved...." Read more

"Great cast of characters in a very well thought & developed suspenseful story. Highly recommend & awaiting next in series...." Read more

52 customers mention "Writing quality"39 positive13 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as a well-written page-turner with excellent dialogue.

"Great cast of characters in a very well thought & developed suspenseful story. Highly recommend & awaiting next in series...." Read more

"Great writing, keeps the pressure on to see what will happen next. Will the police find the woman who has been missing for so long?..." Read more

"...While the narrative writing was good, the dialogue seemed stilted and unrealistic at times...." Read more

"The writer was good and told a very good crime story but... There were some holes that would have made the book better...." Read more

41 customers mention "Pacing"29 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing, describing it as fast-paced and cerebral, with one customer noting it's a great read with guessing all the way throughout.

"...I loved this book. It kept me on my toes especially after I put together the different point of views. Definitely will be reading another." Read more

"...It’s a frightening read with swift pacing and ongoing suspense to the last page." Read more

"...Some of the chapters were slow-moving and I skimmed those because I wanted to get to the end of the book...." Read more

"...This one will keep you up late or have you ignoring your chores." Read more

31 customers mention "Emotion level"27 positive4 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as a gripping thriller with a heart-stopping twist that keeps readers in deep suspense until the end.

"...I cheered for the DI and booed for the villain, so much emotion involved. Really good read." Read more

"...There was a lot of action." Read more

"...I think it is perfectly acceptable for a man to cry, but he seemed to go overboard with the tears...." Read more

"...Lots of twists and turns, nail biting edge of your seat adventure. Learned about police procedures felt like I was watching CSI...." Read more

15 customers mention "Knowledge of police procedures"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sound knowledge of police procedures and the dedication of the detective and her colleagues.

"...Detective Gina Harte is a caring dedicated detective trying to find the answers. This one will keep you up late or have you ignoring your chores." Read more

"...Strongly recommend to fans of crime fiction, police procedurals, and a book with a very strong plotline..... ***..." Read more

"Great fast read. Loved the cops, victims, all involved. Look forward to reading more of her books. Truly enjoyed it" Read more

"...Learned about police procedures felt like I was watching CSI. Disappointed that it doesn't tell you what happened to the baby...." Read more

18 customers mention "Time spent"0 positive18 negative

Customers find the book a waste of time and not very interesting.

"...the narrative writing was good, the dialogue seemed stilted and unrealistic at times. I would recommend it, but don't think it deserves 4 stars!" Read more

"...The plot was interesting, but it was repetitive at times." Read more

"Tiresome. I didn't even get halfway through before quickly skimming the rest. There was too much telling us what is obvious." Read more

"...Seemed completely irrelevant. That wasted space could have been used to elaborate on other characters or shorten the book." Read more

Great fast paced story
5 out of 5 stars
Great fast paced story
I enjoyed this book. it started fast and kept right on going. I couldn't wait to confront reading to see what happened too the mom and baby
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Tina L
    5.0 out of 5 stars Does not weigh up to his Debbie... and she gets extinguished for this
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Then he must go on to get his Debbie, he must have her... he loves her so much, and nothing will take away that love.
    This story is one that had me rooting for all the people who have been through any horrid ordeal that is against their will. As this story shows, sometimes things can always get worse, even when you think you are doing things right, bad things can happen.
    I have to say that this shines a light on the abuse that can go on, even though a person may think it is the right thing to do, because their feelings lead them.
    I was terrified for and rooting for Debbie, for her family, the kids too, because they all are a part of this.
    There are many triggers in this story. I found myself wondering many times, but I kept reading, as, for me, it was triumphant.
    Thank you, Carla Kovach, for writing such a story to tell us all to 'Never Give Up'!
    I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
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  • Janet Ayers
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice and lovely
    Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    He loved her so much. This book is really worth it
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  • susie
    3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Predictable
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I had to force myself to finish this book. It started out great, but then became fairly predictable. several side stories only served to muddy up the plot. While the narrative writing was good, the dialogue seemed stilted and unrealistic at times.
    I would recommend it, but don't think it deserves 4 stars!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Johnna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Johnna started reading
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I was so engulfed in the story, I almost forgot it was merely a story. I even started speaking the dialect to my husband. I cheered for the DI and booed for the villain, so much emotion involved. Really good read.
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  • Chanel
    4.0 out of 5 stars chilling
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It was a good plot with a hard and chilling twist. Though the ending felt unfinished and rushed. Also as for Brooke, she was so cringe for not realizing this man was hurting and still mourning his wife’s disappearance.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Karla Wright
    5.0 out of 5 stars The next girl
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a sad story but it kept you interested with the twists and suspense. The kidnapper was Avery cruel mentally disturbed person. The police hunt was pretty intense and they kept getting close but detoured by the killers actions. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Slow start but great ending
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I almost stopped reading the book within the first four chapters but kept going and was rewarded once the story picked up! Whoa!
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  • Baylor Mom
    3.0 out of 5 stars It's ok but it's no Marsons or Bryndza
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was ok, but if you like Angela Marsons and Robert Bryndza, you are likely to be disappointed. Not in the same class. This review is necessarily vague because I am trying to avoid spoilers.

    First. The abandoned baby. Makes perfect sense WHY the baby was abandoned. The reason for the change of heart is never truly explained, and the circumstances around the DNA test are just crazy. I cannot believe the biological father would fall for this explanation -- or lack thereof.

    Second. The female police officer at the heart of the story had a truly abusive husband who passed away when her daughter was only 2. In the story, the daughter is a grown woman with a baby of her own, and she cannot understand why her mom refuses to shell out 2K for a memorial for what would have been the deceased's 50th birthday. The daughter seems to think the deceased was a paragon of virtue. The police officer has never bothered to tell her daughter that the deceased was a monster who beat the crap out of mom and tried to kill her. WHY NOT???? I cannot understand this.

    Third: The husband of the missing woman does nothing but cry, sob, lose it at every scene except one. I don't have a problem with men crying, but this is way over the top. I was ready to smack him myself. Seriously? every single scene? and he's got two young kids depending on him?

    I'm not saying don't read it. I'm saying that I did read it all the way to the end but if I knew at the beginning what I knew at the end I probably would have passed on it.
    70 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Diane Harris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping. Excellent.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 28, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really liked the way this story started so quickly. The characters are all so believable. A lot of thought has gone in to the personal life of the main character. She is very, very secretive about a certain historical aspect of her life which takes its toll on her relationship with other family members. This is added to by her devotion to her job. It's a multi layered story and kept my interest from beginning to end. Superb.
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  • Marion Tomlinson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Turn Paging Novel. Fantastic Read.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 8, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Thanks to the Author’s Generosity, Book 1, Was Free. I was That Engrossed in this Book, I Ordered The Next 2 Books in this Series and No Doubt, Probably Many More. Well Done To this Amazing Author, It’s So Realistic, You Feel like you’re There. Please Do Yourself a Favour, Give This Freebie a Go. What do You have To Lose. Except Biting a Few Fingernails. What a Talented Author. Regards Marion.
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  • Erin Michelle Ross
    4.0 out of 5 stars Kept me interested
    Reviewed in Canada on May 7, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The case was interesting. The characters well developed, especially the main protagonist Gina Harte. It's a huge series so I will be on the lookout for the other in the secondhand shops.
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  • Lullz
    4.0 out of 5 stars Suspenseful and gripping
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on September 28, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "The Next Girl by Carla Kovach is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The plot is well-paced, with just the right amount of twists to keep you guessing without feeling overdone. Detective Gina Harte is a compelling protagonist—flawed yet determined, which makes her journey all the more engaging. The only reason I’m not giving it a full 5 stars is that some parts felt a bit predictable. However, the strong character development and the chilling atmosphere more than make up for it. A solid read for anyone who loves a good, edge-of-your-seat mystery."
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  • Pedro
    4.0 out of 5 stars Uma boa leitura para quem quer aprender inglês
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 6, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    prende sua atenção mas algumas situações são previsíveis, mas bom para aprender inglês. No final as coisas se resolvem muito rápido, o que deixa um pouco a desejar, mas não consegui parar de ler até saber se o que pensei realmente aconteceria.
    Report

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