This book was pure chaos from the very first page twist after twist hits you like what did I just read it was an amazing read loved the story I will recommend
The Other Lotus Girl
Not all lives are lived the same | Available Now
The Other Lotus Girl
Not all lives are lived the same
Synopsis
She escaped the traffickers. Now the real chase begins.
It was supposed to be an ordinary Thursday evening in Guildford. But when a terrified young woman throws herself into Stuart Henderson’s car begging for help, his comfortable life shatters in an instant.
Her name is Vân. For over twenty brutal months she has been traded like property across Europe - sold in warehouses, hidden in basements, and erased by a system designed to make people disappear. She has survived by becoming invisible. Now she is running, and the men who claim to own her want her back.
Stuart, his husband Martin, and their eccentric neighbour John quickly become the only thing standing between Vân and the people hunting her. Outmatched, unarmed, and driving a battered Nissan Micra, they find an unexpected ally in seventy-three-year-old Barbara Patterson - sharp-tongued, stubborn, and haunted by ghosts of her own.
As the night spirals into violence, the group is forced to confront what courage truly looks like. Sometimes it doesn’t roar. Sometimes it is six people in a broken car refusing to give up.
Unflinching in its darkness yet disarmingly warm in its humour, The Other Lotus Girl is a story about chosen family, unexpected bravery, and the price of survival. Perfect for fans of Mick Herron’s dark humour and Denise Mina’s gritty, emotional realism.
★★★★★ "An emotional read that kept me on the edge of my seat... a roller coaster ride filled with danger, humor, and lies." – Readers' Favorite
Reviews
The Other Lotus Girl is a pulse-pounding thriller that transforms an ordinary evening into a desperate fight for survival, blending raw tension with unexpected heart.
What makes this book shine is its masterful pacing, every frantic mile in that battered Nissan Micra ramps up the stakes without ever feeling contrived, keeping me glued to the pages late into the night.
The characters leap off the page: V?n's quiet steel after unimaginable horror, Stuart and Martin's rock-solid partnership, and Barbara's razor-sharp grit at 73, all forging an instant, believable chosen family that had me rooting hard.
I loved how it tackles brutal trafficking realities with unflinching eyes yet weaves in disarming humor and humanity, delivering an emotional payoff that's as warm as it is harrowing.
This gem left me breathless and inspired.
What makes this book shine is its masterful pacing, every frantic mile in that battered Nissan Micra ramps up the stakes without ever feeling contrived, keeping me glued to the pages late into the night.
The characters leap off the page: V?n's quiet steel after unimaginable horror, Stuart and Martin's rock-solid partnership, and Barbara's razor-sharp grit at 73, all forging an instant, believable chosen family that had me rooting hard.
I loved how it tackles brutal trafficking realities with unflinching eyes yet weaves in disarming humor and humanity, delivering an emotional payoff that's as warm as it is harrowing.
This gem left me breathless and inspired.
The Other Lotus Girl is a gripping, deeply humane thriller that balances unflinching darkness with surprising warmth. Daniel A. Riddle delivers a story that is as propulsive as it is heartfelt, weaving together themes of survival, chosen family, and the quiet, stubborn forms of courage that emerge when ordinary people are pushed into extraordinary danger.
The novel opens with a jolt: a terrified young woman, V?n, hurling herself into Stuart Henderson?s car on an otherwise uneventful evening in Guildford. From that moment, the narrative never loosens its hold. V?n?s backstory?twenty brutal months of being trafficked across Europe?is handled with sensitivity and clarity, never sensationalised, yet powerful enough to shape every decision she makes. She is a remarkable character: fragile and fierce, traumatised yet determined to reclaim her life.
Stuart, his husband Martin, and their wonderfully eccentric neighbour John form an unlikely trio of protectors, and their dynamic is one of the book?s greatest strengths. They are not action heroes; they are ordinary people with ordinary fears, suddenly thrust into a nightmare. Their vulnerability makes their bravery all the more affecting. And then there is Barbara Patterson?seventy-three, sharp-tongued, and carrying her own ghosts?who steals every scene she?s in. Her presence adds both grit and unexpected humour, grounding the story in a sense of lived experience.
Riddle excels at pacing. The entire novel unfolds over a single night, giving it a breathless, cinematic quality. Yet within that urgency, he finds space for moments of tenderness, humour, and reflection. The battered Nissan Micra becomes a symbol of the book?s heart: imperfect, unlikely, but somehow still moving forward.
What truly elevates The Other Lotus Girl is its emotional intelligence. Beneath the tension and violence lies a story about connection?about strangers choosing to stand together when it would be easier, safer, to look away. It?s a reminder that courage doesn?t always roar; sometimes it?s simply refusing to abandon someone who has already been abandoned too many times.
Dark, gripping, and unexpectedly uplifting, The Other Lotus Girl is a standout thriller with real emotional depth. Perfect for readers who appreciate the sharp humour of Mick Herron and the gritty realism of Denise Mina, but want a story that ultimately believes in the resilience of the human spirit.
A powerful, unforgettable read.
With thanks to Daniel A Riddle, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The novel opens with a jolt: a terrified young woman, V?n, hurling herself into Stuart Henderson?s car on an otherwise uneventful evening in Guildford. From that moment, the narrative never loosens its hold. V?n?s backstory?twenty brutal months of being trafficked across Europe?is handled with sensitivity and clarity, never sensationalised, yet powerful enough to shape every decision she makes. She is a remarkable character: fragile and fierce, traumatised yet determined to reclaim her life.
Stuart, his husband Martin, and their wonderfully eccentric neighbour John form an unlikely trio of protectors, and their dynamic is one of the book?s greatest strengths. They are not action heroes; they are ordinary people with ordinary fears, suddenly thrust into a nightmare. Their vulnerability makes their bravery all the more affecting. And then there is Barbara Patterson?seventy-three, sharp-tongued, and carrying her own ghosts?who steals every scene she?s in. Her presence adds both grit and unexpected humour, grounding the story in a sense of lived experience.
Riddle excels at pacing. The entire novel unfolds over a single night, giving it a breathless, cinematic quality. Yet within that urgency, he finds space for moments of tenderness, humour, and reflection. The battered Nissan Micra becomes a symbol of the book?s heart: imperfect, unlikely, but somehow still moving forward.
What truly elevates The Other Lotus Girl is its emotional intelligence. Beneath the tension and violence lies a story about connection?about strangers choosing to stand together when it would be easier, safer, to look away. It?s a reminder that courage doesn?t always roar; sometimes it?s simply refusing to abandon someone who has already been abandoned too many times.
Dark, gripping, and unexpectedly uplifting, The Other Lotus Girl is a standout thriller with real emotional depth. Perfect for readers who appreciate the sharp humour of Mick Herron and the gritty realism of Denise Mina, but want a story that ultimately believes in the resilience of the human spirit.
A powerful, unforgettable read.
With thanks to Daniel A Riddle, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
If you're looking for a suspenseful book with a unique storyline, this is it!
The book alternates between the past, when Vân was traveling, and the present, when she attempted to escape.
Vân's journey to Europe definitely gave Auschwitz vibes. I found Mai to be an annoying character. The way she treated her sister, even after Vân did everything in her power to protect her, was frustrating.
It hurts my heart to know that even though this is a work of fiction, there are actually trafficking rings active in the world today.
While I really wanted to give this book five stars, I just couldn't. The ending seemed really rushed, and there wasn't much closure. So much happened that was just left dangling.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Vân's journey to Europe definitely gave Auschwitz vibes. I found Mai to be an annoying character. The way she treated her sister, even after Vân did everything in her power to protect her, was frustrating.
It hurts my heart to know that even though this is a work of fiction, there are actually trafficking rings active in the world today.
While I really wanted to give this book five stars, I just couldn't. The ending seemed really rushed, and there wasn't much closure. So much happened that was just left dangling.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Damaged, overloaded, and heading north through the October night. Five people bound together by secrets and fear, in search of something they hoped was hope.
When I started this, I thought I was reading a thriller about a small group of people stuffed into a Nissan Micra traveling from one dead end of a chase to the next dead end in an attempt to rescue a young woman from human trafficking. And I was… but there was so much more to the story.
This isn’t so much a story of two men trying to rescue a woman in need, it is more of a story of what people are willing to go through to protect family and to help a stranger in need. I’ve needed a little time to digest what I read. There should be content warnings for human trafficking, sexual assault/trauma, violence, and familial homophobia. However, I feel like this is done as respectfully as possible to the characters and to the reader.
This is a quick read. If you are in the mood for a thriller with lots of character growth and can stomach violence of nearly every form (not a criticism, just a warning for tender hearts), there is beautiful language and writing to be found within this. The chapters alternate between flashbacks of Vân’s life and how she came to be in London and to the present-day chase through London and Manchester. Though I’m a thriller groupie, I quickly became more interested in Vân’s story and relationships between Mrs. Patterson and her son and son-in-law than I was in the car chases and fights. I was constantly highlighting several passages because they were so poignant I didn’t want to forget them.
I’m not sure there is more to come for these characters in additional books. Even if there isn’t, it still feels enough. After all the gut-wrenching experiences and personal growth they all experienced, is it fair to ask more of them?
Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This isn’t so much a story of two men trying to rescue a woman in need, it is more of a story of what people are willing to go through to protect family and to help a stranger in need. I’ve needed a little time to digest what I read. There should be content warnings for human trafficking, sexual assault/trauma, violence, and familial homophobia. However, I feel like this is done as respectfully as possible to the characters and to the reader.
This is a quick read. If you are in the mood for a thriller with lots of character growth and can stomach violence of nearly every form (not a criticism, just a warning for tender hearts), there is beautiful language and writing to be found within this. The chapters alternate between flashbacks of Vân’s life and how she came to be in London and to the present-day chase through London and Manchester. Though I’m a thriller groupie, I quickly became more interested in Vân’s story and relationships between Mrs. Patterson and her son and son-in-law than I was in the car chases and fights. I was constantly highlighting several passages because they were so poignant I didn’t want to forget them.
I’m not sure there is more to come for these characters in additional books. Even if there isn’t, it still feels enough. After all the gut-wrenching experiences and personal growth they all experienced, is it fair to ask more of them?
Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Perfect for Fans Of
Liane Moriarty
For the domestic setting spiraling into high-stakes chaos
Sophie Hannah
For the UK-based psychological thriller/moral dilemma
Chris Whitaker
For the Literary Crime element - poignant, character-focused stories that deal with deep pain
Lionel Shriver
For the sharp, often cynical social observation and distinctive narrator voice
Chris Cleave
For the literary exploration of serious, real-world issues like human trafficking with an intimate focus
Christopher Brookmyre
For UK crime that incorporates sharp wit and dark comedy
What to Expect
Desperate Flight
A midnight race through ordinary British streets as traffickers hunt their escaped victim with ruthless determination.
Dual Timeline
Present-day tension interweaves with Van's harrowing 20-month journey from hopeful student to exploited worker.
Moral Complexity
Ordinary people face impossible choices when confronted with the dark realities hidden beneath everyday life.
Social Realism
Kitchen sink drama meets genuine danger in a story that doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths about modern society.
A Standalone Story in the Janus Origin Universe
While The Other Lotus Girl is a complete standalone novel requiring no prior knowledge of the Janus Origin series, it exists within the same universe. The story will later intersect with the main Janus Origin narrative, but it maintains its own satisfying conclusion and can be read independently.
This approach allows readers to experience Van's story on its own terms - a gripping thriller about survival, identity, and the hidden lives that exist parallel to our own - while also enriching the larger Janus Origin world for those following the series.
Editorial Reviews
The Other Lotus Girl by Daniel A. Riddle is about an Asian girl who was trafficked to pay off her parents’ debt. Vân and her sister were promised jobs at a nail salon, but instead were forced into sexual exploitation. For nearly two years, Vân was transported across Europe, doing whatever she had to in hopes of protecting her sister. When Stuart is on his way to buy Earl Grey tea for his mother-in-law, Vân suddenly dives into his car after fleeing her handler. Terrified and begging for safety, Vân gives Stuart no chance to hesitate. Stuart’s decision to help Vân immediately puts him, his husband, Martin, and Martin’s mother in danger. Vân insists they contact Sandra Marsh, a journalist who frequents the salon and suspects what is happening behind the scenes. Sandra is determined to expose the trafficking ring, and with the help of the others, they try to bring it down.
The Other Lotus Girl by Daniel A. Riddle was an emotional read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was hooked from the beginning with the fast-paced plot and all the action that started in the beginning. The story was a roller coaster ride filled with danger, humor, and lies. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what turn the plot would take. I could not put the book down and was turning the pages as fast as I could; I had to know what would happen next. The writing style is engaging, and the theme of human trafficking is handled with great care. The characters were well-developed, and I enjoyed the humor between them. The book is excellently written, and I was surprised by the ending.