Girl, 11

Written by Amy Suiter Clarke

Narrated by Andi Arndt, Kevin R. Free, Michael Castillejos and 3 more

"Propulsive... Not only is the book difficult to put down, it’s also an adroit exploration of the ethical quandaries of true-crime storytelling, particularly in podcasts."
—The New York Times Book Review
 
Elle Castillo once trained as a social worker, supporting young victims of violent crime. Now she hosts a popular true crime podcast that focuses on cold cases of missing and abducted children.
 
After four seasons of successfully solving these cases in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, Elle decides to tackle her white whale: The Countdown Killer. Twenty years ago, TCK was terrorizing the community, kidnapping and ritualistically murdering three girls over seven days, each a year younger than the last. Then, after he took his eleven-year-old victim, the pattern—and the murders—abruptly stopped. No one has ever known why.
 
When Elle follows up on a listener tip only to discover the man’s dead body, she feels at fault. Then, within days, a child is abducted—a young girl who seems to fit suspiciously into the TCK sequence halted decades before. While media and law enforcement long ago concluded that TCK had suicided, Elle has never believed TCK was dead. She had hoped her investigation would lay that suspicion to rest, but her podcast seems instead to be inciting new victims.
 
“A masterful, heart-pounding suspense that ushers in an astonishing new voice in crime fiction."
—Samantha M. Bailey, internationally bestselling author of Woman on the Edge

“A tale of obsession, dark histories, and one woman’s quest to bring a terrifying killer to justice, GIRL, 11 is delivered with poise, style, and cunning - making it impossible to put down.”
—Alex Segura, acclaimed author of Miami Midnight and Blackout

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Apr 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9780358449386

Amy Suiter Clarke

Amy Suiter Clarke is the author of psychological thrillers, including her debut Girl, 11. Originally from a small town in Minnesota, she completed an undergraduate degree in theater in the Twin Cities. She then moved to London and earned an MFA in creative writing with publishing at Kingston University. She currently lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband and twin sons.

Reviews for Girl, 11

[lisa Dorr · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I thought the main character was insipid and annoying. And she never made her podcast listeners into any community other than a bad one.

[Heather Dayton Harmon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I know I would have enjoyed reading the physical book but the narration of this book made it even better. I’ve recommend it to numerous friends!

[write5review · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Revenge of the Serial Killer

In this debut suspense novel, Elle Castillo has a podcast called Justice Delayed, which she started specifically to catch a serial killer who preyed on women in Minneapolis, but who has long been inactive and presumed dead. Elle begs to differ, and when girls are again being taken and murdered in a pattern matching the modus operandi of The Countdown Killer, the recurrence reinforces her belief the killer lives. And not only lives, but is seeking her out as revenge for resurrecting his case, calling attention to him once again. This turns into something of a cat and mouse game between her and the killer, with the killer eventually striking close to her.

Clarke has structured the novel in three parts, one being Elle’s podcasts, the other being Elle’s daily life, and the third focused on the killer himself and how he came to be TCK, including why and how his pattern of murder and display of victims developed. Clarke does a good job with the podcast segments and though it feels clumsy introducing the killer segment later in the novel, it too makes for some compelling reading as readers learn the significance of his rituals, including kidnapping two girls within days of each other, his countdown by age from 21 to 11, his method of torture and murder, and his timing from taking to displaying his victims. The portions of the novel devoted to Elle herself prove the weak link, as working through her obsession and personal traumas become something of trial to wade through, and make the novel seem longer than it is. However, overall Girl, 11 proves a credible addition to the serial killer sub-genre bookshelf already weighted to groaning, testifying to the allure the subject holds for readers.

[nicx27 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Podcasts have risen so much in popularity lately and when I saw that Girl, 11 featured a true-crime podcaster investigating a serial killer I was hooked on the premise. Did the book live up to the premise? Most certainly it did. I thought it was a brilliant read.Elle Castillo is a podcaster focusing on the victims of unsolved crimes. Her latest series looks at The Countdown Killer who, 20 years earlier, started to kill women, counting down in age from 20 backwards. Those murders came to an abrupt stop but Elle is bringing a new interest to the case and her investigations are leading her to wonder if TCK is back.Isn't it a fantastic idea for a book? The podcast is 'aired' in between chapters where we follow Elle in her investigations and I thought it was a really clever way of telling the story, interlinking events of the past and what's unfolding in the present. The podcasts consist of Elle's voiceovers and also her interviews with key people such as cops, medical examiners and people linked to the victims. I loved Elle who is courageous and smart. I could see one of her future podcasts maybe making it into book form too. I'd love to see more of her.This book is so fast-paced but also a book that I needed to concentrate carefully on. That's not a criticism, it's just the kind of book that I didn't want to miss a moment or detail of. It had me turning amateur detective, suspecting everyone, right up to the very tense finale. Throw in a couple of cunning twists in the tale and this book was quite the ride. Girl, 11 is a thrilling and disturbing tale of a twisted serial killer and the woman who fully intends to bring him down. It felt so original and inventive. If you like podcasts, true crime, or simply exciting and addictive thrillers then this is one for you.

[shelleyraec · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“The cases have gone cold. The perpetrators think they’re safe. But with your help, I’ll make sure that even though justice has been delayed, it will no longer be denied. I’m Elle Castillo, and this is Justice Delayed.”A former children’s social worker, Elle Castillo now hosts a popular podcast focusing on cold cases involving missing or murdered children. After four successful seasons where Elle proved instrumental in solving several crimes, she has opted to take on her most challenging case - identifying the elusive ‘Countdown Killer’, responsible for the ritualistic abduction and deaths of at least nine women and girls, each a year younger than the other, before disappearing when his 11 year old quarry escaped.Girl, 11 unfolds through transcripts of Elle’s podcast, and a third person narrative. It’s an effective presentation, because it allows Clarke to share details from multiple perspectives, and both the past and present, in an organic way. It also supports an immediacy that contributes to the momentum of the narrative and the build up of suspense.Elle is a few episodes into her examination of TCK when she is contacted by a man claiming to have information and evidence that will expose the serial killer, but before they can meet, he is shot dead in his apartment. Shortly after an eleven year old girl is brazenly abducted, and as details emerge and suspects are discounted, Elle begins to suspect that the Countdown Killer has returned. Clarke’s portrayal of Elle, as her crusade tips into obsession, is done well. While her drive to close the case is admirable, Elle can be quite alienating at times, especially as her decisions grow more reckless and it’s not clear if she’s motivated by altruistic or selfish reasons. It’s hinted at early on that Elle has a personal connection to the case, but when her secret is revealed, it invites both sympathy and pity, simultaneously weakening, and strengthening her credibility.There’s also some interesting commentary on society’s obsession with serial killers and they way in which their victims are overshadowed, as well as how that interest may play into the behaviour of a budding, or active murderer, who craves similar notoriety. The Countdown Killer is a chilling adversary, and I think Clarke crafts a clever game of cat and mouse. I had some inkling of what to expect as the story unfolded, and correctly guessed the two big reveals, but I was surprised by other twists. And as the stakes rose personally for Elle, the tension had me in its thrall.An impressive debut novel, Girl, 11 is a gripping psychological thriller with a premise that I think will particularly appeal to the many fans of true crime podcasts

[twink_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ready for another addictive suspense read? Amy Suiter Clarke's debut novel - Girl,11 - is a great choice!I love novels told in an epistolary fashion. In Girl, 11, much of the book is told through a podcast. (I love podcasts!) Elle is the host and the investigator behind a true crime podcast called Justice Delayed. Season Five focuses on the Countdown Killer. It's been twenty years since the last death and he's never been caught. Is he dead? But within days of Elle's podcast, there's a new kidnapping - and death. Could he be back? Is there a copycat using the podcast as a template?The podcast style rings true - interviews, monologues from the host and more. (I bet the audiobook version would be good to listen to.) Elle is a great lead character and I quite liked her. She's intelligent and driven. But that drive to find the killer is verging on obsessive, damaging her reputation, taking a toll on her marriage and friendships and her own wellbeing. The supporting cast was good as well.Clarke's plotting is not straight forward. (Yay! I like not being able to guess.) There are a number of times Elle is sure she has nailed some fact or clue down, only to be proven wrong. There are a number of suspects - all worthy of being 'the one'. The tension and action gets tighter and more urgent as the hours and days pass. Clarke inserts a really great twist that caught me off guard in the last third of the book. I did find the extent of Elle's involvement with the police investigating the crime to be a bit of a stretch.There are many points of view in Girl, 11 - Elle's, the killer and one of the captives. The killer is quite disturbing. And the young captive's are nerve wracking.This was an impressive debut and I will be watching for Clarke's next book. I'm kinda hoping Elle and her podcast might return with a new case?

[cathygeha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Girl, 11 by Amy Suiter ClarkeAlternating between podcast transcripts and real time events this story immersed me in the life of Elle and the cold case she was presenting to her listeners. It drew me in, held my interest, and was utterly compelling. Dark and gritty and real…and so much more. What I liked: * Elle: complicated and complex with a backstory that impacted her in many ways. I found her intriguing. She was dedicated, focused, loving and smart…a woman I could see having as a friend. * Martin: Elle’s husband, medical examiner, loving, kind, intelligent, anchor and support for his wife. A good man and great partner for Elle.* Sash: Elle’s friend, single mother of Natalie, lawyer.* Natalie: smart, strong, wise, young, great potential for the future.* The setting, plot, pacing and way the story was written.* Wondering if I should look for some podcasts to listen to…and where to find them. * The police procedural aspect of the story * Some of the people that were supporting characters: Ayaan, Sam, Tina* Reading the backstory of the serial killer * The podcast information and how it all tied into what was happening in the present* The way math played into the killings* Finding out who the TCK killer was and the confrontation scene * Getting to read a debut author that I believe has a brilliant future* Wondering what book will be next by this author and whether or not this will be the first in a series or a standalone book/story. What I didn’t like: * The TCK killer * Knowing that such evil people exist in real lifeDid I enjoy this book? YesWould I read more by this author? DefinitelyThank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the ARC – This is my honest review.4-5 Stars

[miss.mesmerized · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Elle Castillo’s podcast on unsolved murder cases has gone through the ceiling since she started talking about Minnesota’s famous The Countdown Killer, short TCK. Two decades before, a series of missing and then found murdered girls shock the area of Twin Cities, obviously, they were chosen for their age thus forming a countdown. Only one girl could escape and in this way, the place where she had been hold captive was detected just as two dead bodies. The police believed that the killer was one of them even though both persons have never been identified but the fact that no more kidnapping happened seemed to prove it. However, the new popularity seems to have triggered him to restart - or is it just a very good copycat? No matter who, when Elle’s best friend’s daughter is abducted, Elle knows that she is responsible and in charge of finding the girl.I really liked the perspective of the podcaster who goes through old materials and builds her own theories on what could have happened. A big fan of true crime podcasts myself, I enjoy listening to podcasts - no matter if the case has been solved or not - and I find it interesting how at times a new perspective of somebody without formal training in investigation can lead to new clues. Amy Suiter Clarke’s protagonist Elle in “Girl, 11” is therefore quite some sympathetic character whom I liked to follow from the start in her quest to find TCK.All cases of young persons being abducted and killed are followed by the public impatiently, if it happens to be a whole series, people are even more into it. The character of TCK was interestingly created since he did not chose random victims but acted meticulously, even obsessively, to a strict programme. Elle’s investigation is led by her gut feeling, but from the start, you know that there is much more behind it, the author thus creates double suspense, on the one hand, the hunt for the killer, ln the other the question why Elle herself is that obsessed with especially this case.A suspenseful thriller which accelerates its pace increasingly and also has some fascinating psychological aspects on both sides - the killer and the investigator - to offer.