The Nowhere Girls- Blog Tour

 

Author: Carmel Harrington

Publisher: Headline Books 

Publishing Date: 29th January 2026

Many thanks to the publishing team and Random Things Tours for my physical copy of the book and a spot on the tour

Blurb 

On a cold afternoon in December 1995, two young girls are found abandoned on a platform at Pearse Station in Dublin.

Thirty years later, investigative journalist Vega is determined to find out what happened to the so-called 'Nowhere Girls'. Where did their mother go? Why did no one come forward to claim them? And where are they now?

Searching for answers takes her on a journey with twists she never could have imagined. And one that could put everything else she knows at risk; including her new relationship, her career, and her life as she knows it.

My Thoughts 

The blurb immediately caught my attention, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It turned out to be an engaging and emotional story that kept me invested from start to finish.

The story follows two sisters who are abandoned by their mother and then cruelly separated from each other. If that alone wasn’t traumatic enough, the lasting impact of that separation shapes both of their lives in very different ways. Nova and Vega grow up as completely different people, each carrying their own emotional scars. Their need to understand what happened in their past, and why it happened, varies greatly and holds different meaning for each of them, which adds depth to the story.

The narrative primarily focuses on Vega, who appears to have built a stable life for herself with a career and a sense of independence. However, this stability comes at a cost. Her need to uncover the truth about her past—and her sister—begins to take over her life. Vega is a guarded character who constantly questions everyone’s intentions, clearly shaped by her fear of being hurt or abandoned again. This emotional distance feels realistic and makes her character feel layered and believable.

The character development throughout the book is well done and never feels overly rushed. The author provides enough detail to help you understand the characters’ motivations and emotional struggles without overwhelming the reader. As the story progresses, you gain a deeper understanding of who these characters are and why they behave the way they do, which makes their decisions feel meaningful and justified.

The pacing of the book is strong, with information revealed at just the right moments to keep the tension building. The twist at the end was particularly well executed. There are multiple points where you think you understand what’s going on, only for another detail or connection to emerge and change your perspective. This kept the suspense high and made the payoff very satisfying.

Overall, this was a solid and enjoyable thriller with emotional depth and a compelling mystery at its core. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, family secrets, and stories that explore the lasting effects of trauma.