
A Child Is Torn
Whitley & Keal Mystery, Book 1
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Beth A. McIntosh
About this listen
When dependable Evan Madison fails to show up for work, police are dispatched to his home. His 10-year-old son, Brad, is discovered inside, unharmed and seemingly alone. He is stoic, sitting in front of the television playing his favorite video game, Super Mario - and he's covered in blood.
Veteran Police Officer Marty Keal is the first on the scene. With his many years of experience, he thinks he's seen it all. That is, until he discovers Brad's not really alone after all. Upstairs in their bedroom lies the brutally bludgeoned and deceased bodies of both his mother and his father. When questioned, Brad confesses to the horrific murders.
When Brad is transferred to a local mental health institution for children, Dr. Hope Rubin is brought in to evaluate and treat the child. A preliminary investigation shows no evidence of any kind of mistreatment in his past. She must determine the disturbing truth: Is Brad telling the truth? Or is he covering for someone else?
Detective Jean Whitely rounds out the investigative team and she suspects there is much more to the case than what meets the eye. The happily married mother of two is unwavering in her determination to uncover the real truth about Brad. Was he abused? Or is he the product of an evil seed born to kill?
As the layers of truth about Brad are systematically peeled away, you will be compelled to ask yourself, which is the more dominate factor in contributing to who we are - nature or nurture?
©2016 Dawn Kopman Whidden (P)2017 Dawn Kopman WhiddenListeners also enjoyed...
-
We Tell No One
- By: Daniel Hurst
- Narrated by: Jennifer Ness, Deirdra Whelan, Francesca Waite
- Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When three women head to Portugal for a long weekend in the sun, the goal is to celebrate an upcoming wedding. Jane is getting married, and Angela and Maya want to give her a good time before she does. But the carefree getaway soon goes awry, and by the time the friends board their flight home, they are all carrying a terrible secret. It's one that could ruin each of their lives, which is why they make their pact—they agree to tell no one else what happened while they were away.
-
-
Surprise story twist
- By Lisa Grace on 05-26-24
By: Daniel Hurst
-
The Dead Won't Tell
- By: S. K. Waters
- Narrated by: Christine Lakin, Will Collyer
- Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Abbie Adams, a historian-turned-journalist, is hired to investigate a cold-case murder from 1969, she jumps at the chance. But soon after she begins researching the case, she realizes that Frank Wexler, the faculty advisor who tanked her thesis and a member of a powerful family in town, is connected to the crime and is definitely not talking. As Abbie tracks down the remaining living witnesses, she slowly pieces together the events of that fateful night, and yet is not a single step closer to solving the case. Were the police back then told to stand down? To cover up the crime?
-
-
Please write more!!! Soon!!!
- By Linda on 09-26-22
By: S. K. Waters
-
Silent Child
- Silent Child, Book 1
- By: Sarah A. Denzil
- Narrated by: Joanne Froggatt
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the summer of 2006, Emma Price watched helplessly as her six-year-old son's red coat was fished out of the River Ouse. It was the tragic story of the year - a little boy, Aiden, wandered away from school during a terrible flood, fell into the river, and drowned. His body was never recovered. Ten years later Emma has finally rediscovered the joy in life...until Aiden returns.
-
-
Joanne Froggatt 💕
- By Anonymous User on 09-06-17
By: Sarah A. Denzil
-
The Stolen Baby
- By: Diney Costeloe
- Narrated by: Ella Lynch
- Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Plymouth, 1941. As sirens blare all around, the Shawbrook family take refuge in a packed shelter. Bombs have already begun to fall through the night sky when they realize their infant son, Freddie, has been forgotten in the rush, left to sleep in his crib. Terrified, Vera, his young mother, races to find him and bring him to safety. The next morning, air-raid warden David Shawbrook returns from his watch to find the shelter pulverized, and his family seemingly all dead. Dirty footprints inside their home betray the looters who have rifled through the house.
-
-
Interesting Premise but unbelievable delivery
- By sharon on 11-02-21
By: Diney Costeloe
-
How to Buy a Planet
- The Cleremont Conjectures, Book 1
- By: D.A. Holdsworth
- Narrated by: Paul Woodson
- Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The location: London. The date: Very, very soon. Beset by multiple crises and buried under a growing mountain of debt, the leaders of the G7 have taken the only logical decision. They've sold the planet. When Toby, a penniless student, and his two new flatmates find out one morning on TV, they're surprised to find the Earth's new alien owners are staggeringly cute and bring the promise of a debt-free future. They're just getting ready to celebrate along with the rest of the world, when a chance encounter with a mysterious professor reveals the truth.
-
-
Awesome narrator, great story and satire for our times
- By SIMON on 07-02-23
By: D.A. Holdsworth
-
The Child Without a Home
- By: Ann Bennett
- Narrated by: Daphne Kouma
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
East Prussia, 1944. When the war comes to 12-year-old Agnes’ village, she finds herself stuck between two terrifying armies. Every man she’s ever known has been forced to fight for the Nazis, and as the Red Army approaches every innocent woman and child is made to leave their home. Then tragedy strikes and she and her brother, Dieter, find themselves alone in vast, isolated woodland, and Agnes must protect Dieter at all costs....
-
-
Not up to par
- By Felzys on 07-18-23
By: Ann Bennett
-
We Tell No One
- By: Daniel Hurst
- Narrated by: Jennifer Ness, Deirdra Whelan, Francesca Waite
- Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When three women head to Portugal for a long weekend in the sun, the goal is to celebrate an upcoming wedding. Jane is getting married, and Angela and Maya want to give her a good time before she does. But the carefree getaway soon goes awry, and by the time the friends board their flight home, they are all carrying a terrible secret. It's one that could ruin each of their lives, which is why they make their pact—they agree to tell no one else what happened while they were away.
-
-
Surprise story twist
- By Lisa Grace on 05-26-24
By: Daniel Hurst
-
The Dead Won't Tell
- By: S. K. Waters
- Narrated by: Christine Lakin, Will Collyer
- Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Abbie Adams, a historian-turned-journalist, is hired to investigate a cold-case murder from 1969, she jumps at the chance. But soon after she begins researching the case, she realizes that Frank Wexler, the faculty advisor who tanked her thesis and a member of a powerful family in town, is connected to the crime and is definitely not talking. As Abbie tracks down the remaining living witnesses, she slowly pieces together the events of that fateful night, and yet is not a single step closer to solving the case. Were the police back then told to stand down? To cover up the crime?
-
-
Please write more!!! Soon!!!
- By Linda on 09-26-22
By: S. K. Waters
-
Silent Child
- Silent Child, Book 1
- By: Sarah A. Denzil
- Narrated by: Joanne Froggatt
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the summer of 2006, Emma Price watched helplessly as her six-year-old son's red coat was fished out of the River Ouse. It was the tragic story of the year - a little boy, Aiden, wandered away from school during a terrible flood, fell into the river, and drowned. His body was never recovered. Ten years later Emma has finally rediscovered the joy in life...until Aiden returns.
-
-
Joanne Froggatt 💕
- By Anonymous User on 09-06-17
By: Sarah A. Denzil
-
The Stolen Baby
- By: Diney Costeloe
- Narrated by: Ella Lynch
- Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Plymouth, 1941. As sirens blare all around, the Shawbrook family take refuge in a packed shelter. Bombs have already begun to fall through the night sky when they realize their infant son, Freddie, has been forgotten in the rush, left to sleep in his crib. Terrified, Vera, his young mother, races to find him and bring him to safety. The next morning, air-raid warden David Shawbrook returns from his watch to find the shelter pulverized, and his family seemingly all dead. Dirty footprints inside their home betray the looters who have rifled through the house.
-
-
Interesting Premise but unbelievable delivery
- By sharon on 11-02-21
By: Diney Costeloe
-
How to Buy a Planet
- The Cleremont Conjectures, Book 1
- By: D.A. Holdsworth
- Narrated by: Paul Woodson
- Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The location: London. The date: Very, very soon. Beset by multiple crises and buried under a growing mountain of debt, the leaders of the G7 have taken the only logical decision. They've sold the planet. When Toby, a penniless student, and his two new flatmates find out one morning on TV, they're surprised to find the Earth's new alien owners are staggeringly cute and bring the promise of a debt-free future. They're just getting ready to celebrate along with the rest of the world, when a chance encounter with a mysterious professor reveals the truth.
-
-
Awesome narrator, great story and satire for our times
- By SIMON on 07-02-23
By: D.A. Holdsworth
-
The Child Without a Home
- By: Ann Bennett
- Narrated by: Daphne Kouma
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
East Prussia, 1944. When the war comes to 12-year-old Agnes’ village, she finds herself stuck between two terrifying armies. Every man she’s ever known has been forced to fight for the Nazis, and as the Red Army approaches every innocent woman and child is made to leave their home. Then tragedy strikes and she and her brother, Dieter, find themselves alone in vast, isolated woodland, and Agnes must protect Dieter at all costs....
-
-
Not up to par
- By Felzys on 07-18-23
By: Ann Bennett
-
The Deep, Deep Snow
- By: Brian Freeman
- Narrated by: January LaVoy
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Deputy Shelby Lake was abandoned as a baby, saved by a stranger who found her in the freezing cold. Now, years later, a young boy is missing - and Shelby is the one who must rescue a child. The only evidence of what happened to 10-year-old Jeremiah Sloan is a bicycle left behind on a lonely road. After a desperate search fails to locate him, the close bonds of Shelby’s hometown begin to fray under the weight of accusations and suspicion. Everyone around her is keeping secrets.
-
-
Get this while it's the daily deal!!!!
- By shelley on 06-20-19
By: Brian Freeman
-
Deeper than the Dead
- By: Tami Hoag
- Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
- Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three children, running in the woods behind their school, stumble upon a partially buried female body, eyes and mouth glued shut. Close behind the children is their teacher, Anne Navarre, shocked by this discovery and heartbroken as she witnesses the end of their innocence. What she doesn't yet realize is that this will mark the end of innocence for an entire community, as the ties that bind families and friends are tested by secrets uncovered in the wake of a serial killer's escalating activity.
-
-
A pleasant surprise
- By John Wayne Tucker on 02-09-10
By: Tami Hoag
-
Naked in Death
- In Death, Book 1
- By: J. D. Robb
- Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
- Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she’s seen it all - and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she’s going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire - and a suspect in Eve’s murder investigation.
-
-
Don't Judge the Series by the First Book!
- By Fee on 03-10-12
By: J. D. Robb
-
Defending Jacob
- A Novel
- By: William Landay
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than 20 years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: his 14-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.
-
-
Terrific!
- By cristina on 03-12-12
By: William Landay
-
The Black Echo: Special Edition
- Harry Bosch, Book 1
- By: Michael Connelly
- Narrated by: Titus Welliver
- Length: 14 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For maverick LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch, the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal...because the murdered man was a fellow Vietnam "tunnel rat" who had fought side by side with him in a hellish underground war. Now Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam. From a dangerous maze of blind alleys to a daring criminal heist beneath the city, his survival instincts will once again be tested to their limit.
-
-
Titus Welliver has really stepped in it!
- By George Moneo on 04-08-20
By: Michael Connelly
-
Hold Tight
- By: Harlan Coben
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 12 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tia and Mike Baye never imagined they'd become the type of overprotective parents who spy on their kids. But their 16-year-old son, Adam, has been unusually distant lately, and after the suicide of his classmate, Spencer Hill they can't help but worry. They install a sophisticated spy program on Adam's computer, and within days they are jolted by a message from an unknown correspondent addressed to their son: "Just stay quiet and all safe."
Meanwhile, Betsy Hill is struck by a photo that appears to have been taken on the night of her son's death...and he wasn't alone.
-
-
Will hold your interest till the end
- By Ed on 05-09-08
By: Harlan Coben
-
Alone
- By: Lisa Gardner
- Narrated by: Anna Fields
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a sniper with the elite Massachusetts State Police SWAT Team, Bobby Dodge saved a woman and her young son by shooting her armed husband. But vicious rumors begin to circulate the next morning when Bobby loses his gun and his privileges. It turns out the dead man was the son of a prominent Boston judge and had accused his wife of poisoning their son.
-
-
I know I'm not Alone . . .
- By Sherry on 02-06-05
By: Lisa Gardner
-
The Pact
- By: Jodi Picoult
- Narrated by: George Guidall
- Length: 16 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Hartes and the Golds have been neighbors for 18 years and are very close. So when Chris and Emily's friendship reaches the next level, nobody is surprised. Then one night, the hospital calls. Seventeen-year-old Emily is dead - shot in the head by a gun Chris took from his father's cabinet. One bullet remains in the chamber, and Chris tells of his suicide pact with Emily. But the police have questions, and soon Chris is on trial for murder.
-
-
A little less drama, a lot more substance, please
- By Karen on 02-02-08
By: Jodi Picoult
-
What She Knew
- A Novel
- By: Gilly Macmillan
- Narrated by: Penelope Rawlins, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart
- Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rachel Jenner is walking in a Bristol park with her eight-year-old son, Ben, when he asks if he can run ahead. It's an ordinary request on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, and Rachel has no reason to worry - until Ben vanishes. Police are called, search parties go out, and Rachel, already insecure after her recent divorce, feels herself coming undone. As hours and then days pass without a sign of Ben, everyone who knew him is called into question, from Rachel's newly married ex-husband to her mother-of-the-year sister.
-
-
4 hours and 42 minutes left and I just can't do it
- By Alicia on 12-17-15
By: Gilly Macmillan
-
Never Too Late
- By: Robyn Carr
- Narrated by: Therese Plummer
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Clare Wilson is starting over. She's had it with her marriage to a charming serial cheater. Even her own son thinks she's given his father too many chances. With the support of her sisters, Maggie and Sarah, she's ready to move on. Facing her fortieth birthday, Clare is finally feeling the rush of unadulterated freedom. But when a near-fatal car accident lands Clare in the hospital, her life takes another detour. While recovering, Clare realizes she has the power to choose her life's path. With enthusiasm and a little envy, her sisters watch her bloom.
-
-
15 Years Too Late
- By Rusty on 07-28-15
By: Robyn Carr
-
The Next Girl: Detective Gina Harte, Book 1
- By: Carla Kovach
- Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Deborah Jenkins pulls her coat around her as she sets out on her short walk home in the pouring rain. But she never makes it home that night. And she is never seen again.
Four years later, an abandoned baby girl is found wrapped in dirty rags on a doorstep. An anonymous phone call urges the police to run a DNA test on the baby. But nobody is prepared for the results. The newborn belongs to Deborah. She’s still alive.
-
-
possibly the worst book on earth
- By lacey on 05-17-18
By: Carla Kovach
-
A Willing Murder
- By: Jude Deveraux
- Narrated by: Susan Bennett
- Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When two skeletons are accidentally uncovered in the quiet town, an unlikely trio is suddenly thrust together by a common goal: to solve a mystery everyone else seems eager to keep under wraps. United by a sense of justice and the desire to right old wrongs, Sara, Kate, and Jack will have to dig into Lachlan's murky past to unravel the small town's dark secrets and work to bring the awful truth to light.
-
-
Beyond wonderful
- By GSKM in sc on 01-29-19
By: Jude Deveraux
What listeners say about A Child Is Torn
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jesse
- 05-17-19
Interesting look at child psychology and crime
First of all: "This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
I found this book to be quite interesting. Though the writing is not always elegant, and sometimes the plot wanders a little, the story at the center of the plot is very intriguing, and shows the author's obvious interest in and knowledge of child psychology.
The story moves back and forth between the investigation of a horrific crime and the relationships of those who are trying to figure out what happened. To me, some aspects of the crime at the center of the case stretched credulity a little, and while the narrative acknowledged this, I don't feel like it was completely explained or supported. That being said, the story remains quite interesting and mysterious.
The characters ion the novel are quite realistic, their relationships are plausible and natural. This aspect of the book seemed to take over sometimes, but I found that I didn't care.
The narrator of the audio edition that I listened to was pretty good. Her tone and inflection added to the mystery and intrigue, and her voice was quite pleasing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
- Anita Ewing
- 09-14-17
Nature vs. Nurture.
Wow, a heart-breaking story of what's stronger, Nature or Nurture. I didn't want to stop until the book was done. A absolute must. I received this audio book for free at my request and voluntarily reviewed.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Taj-Marie Lingofelter
- 09-11-17
Amazing
I was given this free review audiobook at my request and have voluntarily given my review.
This book was amazing! I can't wait to listen to the next one! Made me think and feel for the small child! Would so listen to it again and I don't do that for many books.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- PJ Williams
- 08-31-19
A rare 5 star book
The narrator bugged me at the beginning so I adjusted the speed to get something my ear found likeable. The story drew me in from the beginning and never let go. Once I got into the story, the narration wasn’t as important as learning more about this little boy. The story and characters are so well developed that nothing else matters for a while. The author, Dawn Kopman Whidden, is they type of writer that will make you lose sleep and forget appointments can’t wait to get into the next book
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- NC
- 06-10-19
Thriller with a romance
The beginning of this book was a little hard for me, with the scene of a double murder involving a young boy. However, as the story progressed, the other characters developed and relationships between them helped make the story enjoyable. The narrator had an interesting voice quality, and I couldn't ever decide if her voice fit the story or not.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- blue_river @AudiobookObsession
- 05-16-19
A Child is Torn
A heartbreaking story that will keep you on your toes until the end when you will finally get some answers. Anyone who loves mystery or suspense will really enjoy this book as well as the series. I have listened to three books in this series and they can all be read as a stand-alone.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- BookLover
- 07-12-19
Nature vs Nuture
I literally had such a hard time putting this story away. If I did not have to get up and go to work the next day, I feel that I could have finished it in one sitting.
When Brad, a 10yr, is found at his home, covered in blood and playing video games by officer Keal, the story begins. As the officer begins to search the home, he finds 2 bodies, of which are the parents of the young boy. Brad is then place in a mental health physicality, where he is observed by Dr. Hope Rubin.
Dr Hope Rubin, is having a challenging time with the thought that this small, fragile looking boy could have done something so brutal as killing his parents with a baseball bat. She feels as if there has to have been something such as abuse that would have triggered this kind of reaction, but only once she and Detective Jean Whitely interview family members do they find out the truth about the family and the demons that lay ahead.
I am excited to also have FACELESS, which is Book 2 in the series and am positive that Dawn Kipman Whidden has done a fantastic job on this one as well.....Stay tuned
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Joan
- 07-09-19
I really enjoyed this story
I really enjoyed this story and it had me hooked from the very beginning. The characters were great and the twist was unexpected, and had me guessing the whole time.
I would have liked a bit more of the detective side of the story in stead of the romance part, but it is a first in the series and the characters had to be introduced to us and linked up in some way so I guess it makes sense to focus on them in the first book.
I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in this series and see in what situation Whitley and Keal find themselves next.
The narrator was a bit slow, so I listened to this audiobook on 1.5x speed which was easily followed, but other than that she was really good.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Katharoo
- 12-02-19
Heartbreaking and eye opening mystery
This was my second book by this author, but the first was a children’s book so quite different. Dawn certainly knows how to write a detailed, enthralling well weaved story. My heart goes out to her for writing about such a horrific event in a little boy’s life. It certainly was unlike anything I had ever read/heard before and it will remain in my head for some time afterwards. I really liked all the characters and look forward to hearing or reading the other books in the series.
I thought the narrator was great for Hope and Jean but wished for more distinguished voices for the characters and felt her pace was too slow. I believe that it’s a different narrator for the next book in the series and will hope for more variations in the characters voices.
I will say that you will definitely be impressed with the writing and the mind of the author in the storyline and how such a horrific act was dealt with in this book. Not a surprise that it was awarded for its content.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- sherry Christenson
- 01-16-20
Intense
Murder mystery intrigue with a little romance. Well written the narration was just ok for me
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!