Excerpt from The Throwaway Children

On Friday, I released Chloe, Between the Cracks #4. Read a sample or pick up your copy today!

And yesterday, I finished the first draft of book one of a new series: Gluten-Free Murder. My first cozy mystery. Don’t you just love the cute cover?

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules and more teasers at The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along.

I have been reading The Throwaway Children by Diney Costeloe. Set in post-WWII England and Australia, it is the story of two children in the social services system. A fascinating read, with plenty of action and emotion. As usual, a warning about language. This one is liberally sprinkled with f-bombs. Here is my teaser:

’Now what’s all this about not going home? Course you must go home. Your poor mum will be wondering where you are.’

‘I don’t want to go home,’ repeated Rita. ‘Uncle Jimmy might be there.’

Diney Costeloe, The Throwaway Children

Gritty, heartrending and unputdownable – the story of two sisters sent first to an English, then an Australian orphanage in the aftermath of World War 2.

Rita and Rosie Stevens are only nine and five years old when their widowed mother marries a violent bully called Jimmy Randall and has a baby boy by him. Under pressure from her new husband, she is persuaded to send the girls to an orphanage – not knowing that the papers she has signed will entitle them to do what they like with the children.

And it is not long before the powers that be decide to send a consignment of orphans to their sister institution in Australia. Among them – without their family’s consent or knowledge – are Rita and Rosie, the throwaway children.

P.D. Workman Authorpreneur

P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author and multi-award winner, renowned for her prolific output of over 100 published works that span various genres. With a knack for crafting page-turners, Workman captivates readers with everything from cozy mysteries like the Auntie Clem's Bakery series to gripping young adult and suspense novels. Her stories resonate deeply as she masterfully weaves sensitive themes—such as childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction—into compelling narratives that evoke a powerful emotional response. Readers are drawn to her unique voice and empathetic portrayal of complex issues. With each new release, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling blend of thought-provoking storytelling and relatable characters that define P.D. Workman’s brand as an author of unforgettable page-turners—gripping tales that leave a lasting impact long after the last page is turned.

See Full Bio

Mystery and suspense fiction Young adult crime thrillers Character-driven storytelling Cozy Mysteries Mental health and trauma in fiction Resilience and personal growth themes Indie publishing Writing craft and novel development Obsidian for writers and authors Forensic and medical thriller research Social issues in contemporary fiction Psychological thrillers Traditional mysteries Police procedural mysteries Characters with disabilities

Eustacia Tan

January 18, 2017 at 3:12 am

Congrats on the new release!

The story sounds fascinating (but heartbreaking).

mysm2000

January 17, 2017 at 11:49 am

This sounds like it will be too sad for me. I’ll look forward to you full review when you’re done before I decide whether to read it or not. Thanks for sharing. Here’s the link to my intro/teaser for today: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-1s6

P.D. Workman
January 17, 2017 at 12:46 pm

It is sad, but not a tearjerker. Ending is bittersweet.

Laurel-Rain Snow

January 17, 2017 at 9:49 am

No matter the time period, I am always drawn to books with children removed from violent or negligent homes…now I want to know more. Here’s mine: “THE VANISHING YEAR”

ljennison

January 17, 2017 at 9:16 am

I like the cover on your new cozy. The teaser though sounds too heavy for me. Hope they had a happy ending of sorts. My Teaser

P.D. Workman
January 17, 2017 at 12:45 pm

It has a bittersweet ending. Plenty of tragedy along the way.

fuonlyknew

January 17, 2017 at 6:37 am

Sounds fascinating and emotional. This could be a hidden gem. Cute cover and title for your book. I’m a cozy addict! LOL

My TT from Sweet Lake

Kathy Martin

January 17, 2017 at 6:25 am

This does sound like a fascinating story. It makes me sad that children are so powerless. As usual, I have two this week – The Cold Eye by Laura Anne Gilman and Southern Gothic by Dale Wiley. Happy reading!