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- Seven Dials
Behind Closed Doors: The true and heart-breaking story of little Nancy, who holds the secret to a terrible crime
Maggie Hartley
Child abuse, Sexual abuse & harassment, Domestic violence, Adoption & fostering
'It's okay, lovely,' I soothed. 'You let it all out.'
She sobbed and sobbed as all the fear came tumbling to the surface.
Foster carer Maggie Hartley is finally enjoying a well-earned holiday from fostering, savouring time with her brand new baby granddaughter. One night, though, the peace and quiet is interrupted by an urgent call from Social Services. A man has been stabbed, and Social Services need to find an emergency placement for his little girl.
Maggie is used to children arriving on her doorstep at all times of the day and night, but nothing can prepare her for the sight of eleven-year-old Nancy. The little girl arrives in her pyjamas, covered in blood, and mute with shock. With her mother missing and her father in intensive care, the police are desperate for answers.
Who stabbed Nancy's father? Where is her mother? And what is Nancy hiding about her seemingly perfect family? The longer Maggie spends with her little girl, the clearer it becomes that all is not as it seems. Can Maggie discover the terrible truth of what's been happening behind closed doors?
A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.
'A moving read, very well-written' 5* Amazon reader review
Maggie Hartley
Maggie Hartley has fostered more than 300 children while being a foster carer for over twenty years. Taking on the children other carers often can't cope with, Maggie helps children that are deemed 'unadoptable' because of their behaviour or the extreme trauma that they've been through. She's looked after refugees, supported children through sexual abuse and violence court cases, cared for teenagers on remand and taught young mums how to parent their newborn babies.
You can find her on Facebook at /MaggieHartleyAuthor, where she would love to hear from you.
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