Praise From Published Authors
“Fair warning! I never intended to read every word of this book, but once I started I could not stop. Neither will you. Prepare to be stunned by a master storyteller who writes with passion and power in an arena none dared enter before. A gripping story so well written you will wonder if it really happened…and pray to God it didn’t.”
—Nancy Robinson Masters, award-winning author, All My Downs Have Been Ups
“Beware: Not easy to put down… I took this book with me on vacation. I had planned to spend my time walking the beach, swimming and body-surfing; instead, I sat on a lounge chair with my face buried in PUPPET CHILD. It is one very difficult book to put down. The urgency of the story and the depths of the injustice it profiles are compelling… Although the subject matter… is grim, the writing in the book is hopeful, and the story leans heavily on the wonder of positive relationships. I found that I was not left depressed, but indignant—and eager to speak out against all that is wrong in our skewed justice system. …Kudos to Carner for having the courage to write so compellingly about judicial injustice, and for infuriating us that it exists.”
—Susan O’Neill, author of Don’t Mean Nothing: Short Stories of Viet Nam
“In a wrenching race against time, the safety of one child becomes entangled in the theatrics of New York Family Court, bottled-up family dynamics, and the pressure of the political machine. This is a sensitively crafted, solidly researched novel that carries the cold ring of truth about the judicial system and impels the reader to hang on to find out who will win in the struggle over Ellie.”
—Annie Blachley, Correspondent, The New York Times/The Los Angeles Times/The Sacramento Bee and author of Good Medicine: Four Las Vegas Doctors and the Golden Age of Medicine
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
Puppet Child sparkles with intelligence
“If you’ve ever experienced the weight of the world bearing down upon you, that feeling of utter helplessness to fight reason gone amok, then you’ll understand Rachel Belmore’s desperation. In a valiant struggle to save her toddler daughter from repeated sexual molestation by the girl’s father, Dr. Wes Belmore, Rachel is losing on every front. After a divorce and several years of legal battles, Rachel Belmore must accept that the courts, her lawyer, and even her lover have thrown up their hands in defeat. All urge her to hand over her five year old daughter to Dr. Belmore for regular and overnight visits. Rachel refuses, and takes the most risky action of her life… she cannot bear to give up the fight and put her little girl in jeopardy. Talia Carner has brilliantly exposed a sensitive subject without exploitation or treacly sentiment. PUPPET CHILD is a novel that sparkles with intelligence and is as momentous as today’s news.”
—Judith Richards, author of Summer Lightning and Too Blue To Fly
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
A Must Read
“Both compelling and entertaining, PUPPET CHILD will leave you breathless as you discover the lengths that you would go to save a child.”
—Kay Allenbaugh, author of Chocolate for a Woman’s Soul series
“A gut wrenching story of injustice, rescue and responsibility that grips you from Chapter One and never lets go. From its ‘I can’t believe I just read that’ opening scene, PUPPET CHILD delivers a gutsy heroine, a deliciously clueless and corrupt legal system, and suspense to the last page.”
—Chris Gilson, author of Crazy for Cornelia
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
A Compelling Story
“PUPPET CHILD is the compelling story of one woman’s five year struggle to save her young daughter from an abusive father and a Family Court system so crippled by judicial prejudice that justice is found, or lost, by the luck of the draw rather than through careful and mindful consideration of evidence. …Incredibly, Rachel must fight against a judge whose own prejudices against women threaten to actually deliver Rachel’s innocent five year-old daughter, Ellie, into the hands of her abusive father permanently… In the end, only political pressures can bring a glimmer of reason to the judicial process and hope for Rachel and her daughter. In PUPPET CHILD, Talia Carner has shone the light of truth into the shadowy corners of a justice system in denial, and at the same time given us hope that the pressures of a modern society can bring about change. Her characters are rich and insightful, and PUPPET CHILD is a must-read for anyone who is forced to deal with the Family Court system.”
—B. J. McCallum, author of In the Eye of Time
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
Courageous Mother Protects Child from Father and Judge
“Talia Carner tells a moving story of how too many judges respond to child molestation… PUPPET CHILD is supposed to be a fictional account of child sexual abuse, but I’ve seen Judge McGillian in too many real courtrooms.”
—Barry Goldstein, Esq., author of Scared to Leave, Afraid to Stay: Path from Family Violence to Safety
Five Stars ★★★★ ★ on Amazon
Suspenseful and enlightening!
“PUPPET CHILD is the taut and suspenseful story of a woman… whose struggle to protect her child leads her into a war of unimaginable proportions and consequences. Talia Carner’s novel is relevant and enlightening about abuses of the legal system, and the potential pitfalls a woman determined to protect her child may face. Even more, it is beautifully told, a simultaneously heartbreaking and life-affirming page-turner you won’t soon forget.”
—Ruth Knafo Setton, author of The Road To Fez
Six Amazon Top Reviews rave about this “gem,” “must read,” “well-crafted,” “amazing,” “eloquently written,” “page-turner,” and “gripping” novel!
Five Stars ★★★★★ A “Top 50 Amazon Reviewer”
Powerful and compelling
By: Roz Levine
“From the harrowing prologue to the final climactic chapter, Talia Carner’s stunning and well researched, debut novel tells a tense and powerful story in excruciating and vivid detail. Her intricate plot is eloquently written, filled with well developed, true to life, intriguing characters, and touching, often painful, riveting scenes. Ms. Carner’s in-depth knowledge and expertise in child abuse and the flawed, family court legal system adds real credibility to her story and makes this novel stand out. PUPPET CHILD examines the uncomfortable truths about child custody and our ability, within the law, to protect children from further abuse. This is a marvelous and compelling debut that shouldn’t be missed. Kudos to Ms Carner!”
Five Stars ★★★★★ A “Top 50 Amazon Reviewer”
Shocking and gripping
By lawyeraau
“This is a very strong, well written, debut novel. Taut and suspenseful, it immediately captures the reader with its absolutely shocking prologue, as it pulls no punches. This chilling and disturbing beginning grabs the reader, hook, line, and sinker. From then on, the reader will not stop turning the pages of this well crafted book, until the reader has devoured it in its entirety….The shocking subject matter is handled with great sensitivity by the author. The impact that this all has on the child, her mother, and, ultimately, her friends and family is at the crux of the story, which moves rapidly along. It is the story of a woman who had it all and risked losing it for the sake of her child. It is a well told tale with a basis in fact. Moreover, the author manages to have a few surprises in store for the reader… you will, undoubtedly, enjoy reading PUPPET CHILD. The book is an indictment of the New York Family Court system and a cry for justice for all children who are at the mercy of a sexual predator within their own family.”
Five Stars ★★★★★ A “Top 50 Amazon Reviewer”
A disturbing and suspenseful tale of injustice!
By java girl 26
“PUPPET CHILD is a novel filled with suspense from beginning to end. It is about a woman’s desperate attempts to protect her daughter: that she would flout her will, defy the law, chance the loss of her daughter simply to ensure her daughter’s safety. (Safe from what or whom, you ask? That would be a spoiler.) Talia Carner delves into the dark and corrupt legal system and leaves the reader turning the pages. There are taboo subjects in this gem. This is Carner’s first novel, and I do hope that she continues to write suspenseful tales like this one. I shall give this book the word of mouth it deserves. I highly recommend it.”
Five Stars ★★★★★ A “Top 50 Amazon Reviewer”
Powerful and riveting
By heyjudy
“From a prologue which makes the reader a witness to the crime on which this novel hinges, right to the final page, PUPPET CHILD is a riveting story. Author Talia Carner has constructed a plot with as many layers as an onion, and each of these “layers” has been thoroughly researched and impeccably reported. …PUPPET CHILD is a tale of mother love, of the occasional need for parental kidnapping when the legal system leaves no other alternatives, and of the consequences of such kidnapping. The mother, in an episode vividly—and horrifyingly—described ends up in prison for contempt of court, and the child…well, read the book! This is a novel worth considering. Carner tells the story elegantly, and she pulls together the multitude of complex issues so that the whole thing is plausible and touching. PUPPET CHILD is an impressive book.”
Five Stars ★★★★★ A “Top 50 Amazon Reviewer”
A powerful modern day social tale that pulls no punches!
By Harriet Klausner
Amazon #1 Top Reviewer has published her enthusiastic review of PUPPET CHILD on other book review websites quoted elsewhere on this page.
Praise From Readers
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
Can’t stop reading—pulls you along.
Reviewer: rjcmd from San Francisco, CA USA
“Talia Carner takes a good grip on the emotional subject of child abuse and skillfully makes her story transcend the obvious to get to the human heart beneath. The reader is often enraged but always engaged. I found myself using my little book light late into the night, staying up to finish reading and find out what would happen to this mother and her five-year-old daughter. Add this to the books that get people working on important issues…”
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
A Good Book Club Choice
Reviewer: Frank Melody from Philadelphia, NY USA
“Having been under the weather, a visiting friend brought PUPPET CHILD to “keep me company. Our reading group has selected this novel this month and everyone is raving about it. In PUPPET CHILD, Talia Carner unfolds the legal machine, as biased as it is found in Family Court… [the case,] told in a very sensitive way, is intriguing and compelling. Rachel, the career woman, faces competition and nepotism on the job. Coping with sibling rivalry, getting support from loving parents, and a heartwarming friendship with Jacqueline, adds texture and depth to the story-line. Carner always pulls the reader back from the sad and negative to the sublime… The corporate life, the romance, and the sibling rivalry are interspersed with descriptive beach locations and moments of serenity or even fun, all of which add texture and sub-stories that fit well with the storyline. I had to keep reading. The romantic ending may not be well digested by all readers, yet I love happy endings!”
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
Could not put it down !
Reviewer: Idelle Clarke from Pasadena, CA USA
“Carner’s prose is solid and fluid. Its power in creating a riveting tale is in its being consistently visual. I was convinced that it was NOT fiction for hours of reading. What a relief that it is! This talented writer has taken a shunned subject of immense importance to our society and has woven a spell binding can’t-put-it-down-until-its-read image of every mother’s worst nightmare. The characters are so well drawn that they come off natural, familiar even—and fully understood in spite of the complexities of their world. Read it because you should. Read it because it will make you think. Childhood and motherhood have radically changed in our lifetimes and Talia Carner spellbindingly tells how. Buy this one and do our world a favor—buy a half dozen more for gifts for those you care about.”
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
Unimaginable but True
Reviewer: Fern Bortman from New York, NY USA
“Carner’s PUPPET CHILD dares to go where other stories of child abuse shrink and hide away. It is a very well-written and powerful first novel that grips the reader immediately showing the devastating frustration of a mother determined to protect her young child, and a judicial system, so poorly designed, it ultimately fails her. The story will make you think, and make you furious… how our courts that are supposed to protect, too easily feed our children back to their abusers. From the amazing gripping opening to the very end, this reader rooted for Rachel, mother and career woman, and respected her urgency as she battled to keep her daughter away from the horrific sexual abuse by the child’s own biological father. PUPPET CHILD’s author Talia Carner tells her story with shattering honesty and compassion…a story that needed to be told!”
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
A gutsy novel that breaks a taboo
Reviewer: A reader from Colorado, USA
“After a startling opening I had to know how this protagonist would tackle the challenges of her crisis… a masterful job of taking me on a ride into a world few writers, to the best of my knowledge, have ever ventured. …the prose strong and highly descriptive, the characters believable, starting with the protagonist and continuing with the judge and the young law clerk… Minor characters added to the texture of a story with a powerful plot and masterful sub-plots. The ending was a pleasant surprise. I had no idea where the author was going with it, but when things unraveled—then were put together again—I found myself holding my breath. I’ve been recommending the book to everyone. There is a lot about this novel that should be discussed with others.”
Five Stars ★★★★★ on BarnesandNobel.com
A fast-paced, excellent read!
Reviewer: Jan Williams, I am book club leader
“What a masterful tale! With a major plot with sub-plot weaved around it to combine a tapestry of the life of one courageous mother who seems to have no choice but forge ahead to save her daughter from the injustice inflicted upon her by a judge, Carner is treating the reader to a non-stop feast of events and emotions. This new author’s lively, descriptive prose brings to life every scene, evey dialogue, every moment of high and low in this tale. Puppet Child is a the kind of book that stimulates a lively conversation. I will recommend it to my reading group.”
As seen on… iVillage, Reading Room:
The best novel I read all year!
Reviewer: Jen from AL USA
Five Stars ★★★★★ on BarnesandNobel.com
Poetic, insightful, realistic, suspenseful—and oh, so incredibly strong!!!!
Reviewer: Vincent E. Cucci Jr. from NJ USA
“Mrs. Carner ‘s writing is graphic and yet poetic in its content and extremely insightful. Her verbal pallette is wonderful. …I will look forward to her next novel.”
Five Stars ★★★★★ on Amazon
Unimaginable!
Reviewer: Paul Haines from NY USA
“Your book ‘blew me away.’ I have not cried reading a book in a very long time. Outstanding writing.”
Praise From Independent Book Reviewers
- Book Browse
Top 10 Favorite First Novel 2002
“This is a stunning book—both gripping and thought provoking. Carner writes with an ease and impact that belies the fact that this is her first published novel. She, and it, deserve a wide audience, no, not a wide audience, a huge audience…” - Outstanding Author Award 2002
Book Review Cafe
Rating: ★★★★★
“This was a fantastic book. It made me cry, throw the book down in frustration, and feel for these characters. In a well-researched story, Talia Carner has presented a case that is very true in the real world. Her writing style is phenomenal, and I look forward to reading her next best-sellers!” - The Independent (East Hampton and South Hampton)
Feature article by Joan Baum
“…engrossing, carefully researched novel… compelling popular tale of intrigue, suspense, and romance… a narrative that is harrowing in detail and psychologically astute… Given the timeliness of the subject, the question may hover, why fiction? The answer may lie in a shrewd observation made years ago by Norman Mailer, that in nonfiction you get at the facts, in fiction, the truth. In PUPPET CHILD, Talia Carner can lay claim to having both.” - Big Apple Parent (www.ParentsKnow.com)
Parenting Bookshelf
“Carner is a masterful storyteller who has crafted a riveting plot that both entertains and brings an important social issue to the forefront. Through rich character development and constant surprises for the reader, Carner explores how Rachel’s ordeal affects the rest of her life. The protagonist is forced to take a lot of time off from her job as an advertising executive at a prestigious women’s magazine, which likely ends up costing her a promotion. She must call on family and friends to help her in ways that seem unthinkable. And, she finds herself in a romantic relationship with a very unlikely suitor. …a carefully researched, suspense-packed story!” - The Times-Beacon-Record
Feature article by Kathleen O’Sullivan
“A passionate book that is hard to put down… The book lends itself to provoking discussion… [Carner’s] style of writing is the stuff of TV dramas.” - Midwest Book Review
The Fiction Shelf, Small Press Bookwatch
“The debut novel of Talia Carner, PUPPET CHILD is a socially issues narrative revealing the weaknesses and blind ineptitude of the American family court system. Rachel Belmore is a 34-year-old advertising executive and mother who must struggle to defend her young daughter against the sexual depredations of her husband, and subsequently finds herself losing a legal battle in this emotionally compelling drama that could be found in any contemporary family court, anywhere in this country.” - BookLore, The Site For Book Lovers(UK)
An Author With The Power To Make A Difference In Society
“…while many believe that one person alone cannot make a difference, others put that belief to the test with the hope to make changes, not only in personal lives, but in society. A new author has attempted to do just that with her tale of a fallible justice system’s maltreatment of the unforgivable crime of sexual child abuse. As the reviews for this novel are gathered, one can say that this author, alone, has the power to make just such a difference. …PUPPET CHILD is author Talia Carner’s first novel; a unique and daring venture into the world of the criminal justice system… With vivid descriptions rendered in painful detail by the author, Ms. Carner has written a book that encourages a sense of outrage and a demand for justice for her tiny victim. Excellent narrative blends with compelling dialog to create a thoroughly professional tale for this new author. PUPPET CHILD is a must read.” - Dead Trees Reviews, Issue 24
“…this is a gripping and plausible page-turner that is very highly recommended. The next time a woman makes an accusation of child sexual abuse, she may just be telling the truth.” - Book Loons Book Reviews (www.BookLoons.com)
★★★ Top Marks by Mary Ann Smyth
“Talia Carner writes knowingly and believably… Her action-packed novel (hard to believe it’s her first) kept me turning the pages long after I should have turned off my bedside light… This is a fast-paced, breath-holding novel told mostly through crisp dialogue and Rachel’s dark thoughts… The reader (meaning me) wanted to rant at the system and rave at the torture of the child. PUPPET CHILD is written without wails of pity for the mother and child. It tells its story as it might have happened. The emotion comes from the reader. This is a book that will not be finished, put down and forgotten. It lives with you…. It’s a dynamic book that should be read and then handed around to friends…” - The Best Reviews
A Powerful Read
“PUPPET CHILD is a powerful modern day social tale that pulls no punches as Talia Carner wastes no words to describe the pedophile and his clever machinations and the desperation of a lioness to keep her cub safe from a jungle of knowing do-gooders. This book is a powerhouse that opens ones eyes to the evil around them.” - Huntress Book Reviews
Five Stars ★★★★★ “Top 100 Reviewers” — Detra Fitch
I cannot express how great this is.
“Author Talia Carner has woven an intricate story from a sensitive subject that all parents fear! It showed the horrors, in detail, that many women have had to deal with, as well as, our judicial system that forces the mothers into failure and the children into the arms of their abusers… From the amazing opening until the very last page, I was hooked! I often found myself holding my breath…. I cannot say anything more without ruining the startling ending. I hope MANY workers in our legal system reads this book! The author researched so well, that I had to remind myself that this was a work of fiction… I strongly recommend this book to everyone.” - Rebecca Reads Book Reviews (India)
Rating: ★★★★
“This one’s a keeper! A rich, topnotch read. Feeds the mind, warms the heart, tickles the soul. Sets all the bells ringing! The kind of book you want to give to your friends. This one could become an Old Friend. …PUPPET CHILD is a good legal story that is not a legal thriller, but one that provides enthralling, “thinking” reading for courtroom buffs and legal thriller lovers. It is a solid, well–researched commentary on the state of the contemporary legal system. …Talia Carner takes us through the case as seen from the point of the mother, the media, the lawyers, the judge and, most importantly, the girl herself… PUPPET CHILD provides poignant and topnotch suspense reading…. The protagonist, Rachel Belmore, commands admiration. She is a strong character who will remain in our minds for a long time… A topnotch novel about the fine line between law and justice.” - Blether, The Book Review Site (Scotland)
A Silver Award, a book which exemplifies a genre
“…Talia Carner wastes no words… This book is a powerhouse that opens one’s eyes to the evil around them.” - California NOW: Arts and Culture
“PUPPET CHILD is a work of fiction, but will ring with truth for many protective parents who have experienced unfair treatment… Readers will see several sides of Rachel’s struggle—scenes in court, consultations with lawyers, her home life with Ellie, the fluctuations of her romantic life, and struggles at work. We also see behind the scenes into the judge’s chambers for a look at how well-meaning people can make harmful judgements. Rachel’s story shows many of the extremes of Family Law struggles …The book ends in many ways unresolved, but with a positive note that may bring hope to others going through similar cases.” - Anton News: Boulevard, the Arts and Culture supplement
“PUPPET CHILD is Carner’s first book, but it has the impact of a seasoned author… This book is definitely a page turner filled with action, surprise and suspense, and the reader is compelled to find out the fate of an innocent child in the hands of so many who are not listening.” - Timeless Tales
Reviewed by Sandra Ray
“…The final chapters mount the suspense, bringing the work to a dramatic conclusion. Rachel learns more about herself and her friends and family along the way, teaching her hard lessons in who is able to help her. The ending leaves the reader satisfied with the overall story… the story ties together nicely, despite the uncomfortable nature of the subject.” - United for Justice
Essential Reading: “A new must-read novel.” - SA Report
By Joan Zorza
“Though we don’t usually review fiction, this book will help those who have never had to face such an unfortunate situation to understand the terrible ordeal and the fears faced by non-perpetrating mothers involved in incest cases. The story is compelling… Carner is unusual in having done a large amount of research… As a result, the legal aspects of this book are far more accurate than in most accounts (including many non-fiction ones by lawyers.) …The story is exciting and mostly realistic, making it a book we recommend. The judge is highly realistic, as are many of the other characters… A series of questions for reading groups are provided at the end of the book to encourage readers to think through what went wrong and how to improve the system.” - IndoLink Book Review
“In a wrenching race against time, the safety of one child becomes entangled in the theatrics of New York Family Court, bottled-up family dynamics, and the pressure of the political machine. This is a sensitively crafted, solidly researched novel that carries the cold ring of truth about the judicial system and impels the reader to hang on to find out who will win in the struggle over Ellie.” - Books n’ Bytes
Reviewed by Jennifer Jordan
“PUPPET CHILD is a story fraught with tension… the story grips you and dares you to read further. The book is painful, raw and revealing… tension grows with each turning of the page.” - Sensual Romance Reviews
“A powerful read!” - Footle, reviews, views and comments (UK)
Ratings: 9
“A powerful modern day social tale that pulls no punches.” - ReviewsOfBooks
Review by Jacqueline Bradway
“…The story unfolds with many twists and turns, and I found it difficult to put down, despite the heartbreaking subject matter. Talia Carner has written a book that is easy to read and believable in its depictions of the family court system at its worst. The story disturbed me immensely and a week later I can still feel Rachel’s frustration and feelings of helplessness. In that sense, the author has succeeded admirably.” - Under the Covers Book Reviews: Books Worth Reading Past Bedtime
Highly recommended!
“Talia Carner wastes no words… This book is a powerhouse.” - BookReview.com
Rating: ★★★ Excellent! - Curled Up With A Good Book
“… [Carner] has chosen to write a novel of almost pure suspense that happens to have as its impetus the abuse of a beloved child. The court system as given to us fulfills the part of a co-villain, acting to aid the true villain, Ellie’s father. This is a well-written, gut-wrenching, heart-breaking novel that is almost impossible to put down until the last page is read.” - Metal-e-Zine
“…A gripping and plausible page-turner that is highly recommended.” - Women On Writing
Talia Carner skillfully depicts the myriad laws and politics that shape our family courts… PUPPET CHILD is a heart wrenching tale of a court system that has forgotten compassion and justice. Talia Carner expertly weaves the story of Rachel’s quest to protect Ellie even if she never sees her again. PUPPET CHILD provides the reader with a view of Family Court from those who need its support.” - Team Prescription / Child Abuse
“Talia Carner takes a good grip on the emotional subject of child abuse and skillfully makes her story transcend the obvious to get to the human heart beneath. The reader is often enraged but always engaged. I found myself using my little book light late into the night, staying up to finish reading and find out what would happen to this mother and her five-year-old daughter…” - Team Prescription / Divorce
“It is well-written, action-packed and full of suspense. The characters are brought to life in such a way that you feel like you know them. It is like a good movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat.I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book to get immersed in.” - The EZine Dot Net
“PUPPET CHILD has been praised as ‘relevant and enlightening,’ ‘taut and suspenseful,’ ‘moving,’ ‘gripping,’ ‘a gut wrenching story’ that ‘will leave you breathless.'” - ViewReviews
By Paul Lappen
“…A gripping and plausible page-turner that is highly recommended.”
