Your Preview Verdict: The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis

Buy a copy of The Stolen here.

Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:

I love a book that begins with a bang, hooks me in and doesn’t let go. The Stolen, by Vikki Petraitis, is exactly that kind of read. The story kicks off when a distraught mother reports her baby has been stolen from its bed and, from that moment, the tension never lets up. At the heart of the novel is Detective Antigone Pollard, who also featured in Petraitis’ earlier book The Unbelieved. Although this isn’t her first appearance, I had no trouble following the plot without having read the previous book. Having read The Stolen though, I’m now eager to go back and read it! The Stolen is atmospheric, gripping, and utterly compelling. I was pulled into the action from the very first page and stayed hooked until the end. It’s a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Amanda, QLD, 5 stars

The Stolen is a gripping Aussie thriller. I read an uncorrected proof, yet it was so polished—no corrections needed! Petraitis draws you into a chilling mystery involving the disappearance of a baby in the idyllic coastal town where nothing much happens, until now. The weaving narrative was expertly balanced with ample plot developments to keep you turning the pages long into the night. And the plot twist at the end—completely unexpected—hit just right. I genuinely didn’t see it coming. The characters—especially the women central to the narrative—are solid, nuanced, and utterly believable. The parallel story of another baby that disappeared – or was stolen – years earlier, added an additional layer to the story making you wonder what other mysteries that Deception Bay, true to its name, is hiding. Petraitis’s background in true crime lends authenticity, while her storytelling ensures you’re hooked from the very first page until the last. If you’re after a well-written, character-driven Aussie thriller, The Stolen is for you. Traci, NSW, 5 stars

The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis returns the reader to the world of Detective Antigone Pollard. While it is the sequel to the author’s debut crime fiction title The Unbelieved, The Stolen can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The book centres on the mystery of a missing baby, and highlights the sensationalism of the media during the search. I enjoyed the intertwined storylines, the investigation of the missing baby, Ethan and the unearthing of family secrets, it made me want to rush home to pick the book up! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the Australian small town setting of Deception Bay to the strong female characters (especially Detective Antigone’s family) .. Detective Antigone Pollard is my new favourite protagonist! Cas, NSW, 5 stars

This was one of those fantastic reads for me. The first page in the Prologue had me so interested in the unravelling of the story. The names of the characters and their descriptions you could picture them, It was a medium paced book with a lot going on, and it ended perfectly, not left hanging or guessing. I think Waffles stole the show sometimes, earning a soft spot from me. A well written book, and I look forward to more from this Author. Annette, NSW, 5 stars

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was full of intrigue and kept you guessing right until the end. A wonderful who dun it. Also the setting on the Peninsula, including the wonderful countryside that the book was set in. I would highly recommend this book to readers who love a good detective novel. Jan, VIC, 5 stars

The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis is a gripping crime novel set in the coastal Australian town of Deception Bay. Detective Antigone Pollard and her partner Wozza have an urgent and complex case to solve involving a missing baby while Antigone’s mother Dr Jilly Pollard visits and shares a tragic family secret. A great read. Gai, NSW, 5 stars

I’m such a big fan of Vikki Petraitis, and this second Antigone book didn’t disappoint. I love how Antigone is growing as a character — her strength and determination really shine through in this instalment. I also loved the little glimpses into her family and past, especially with her mum showing up, and the return of familiar faces — it honestly felt like stepping back into a world I know and love. Vikki writes beautifully, and the depth of research behind her stories brings a realism that’s often missing from other crime novels. The mystery of the stolen baby had me hooked and guessing right up until the very end. The twist at the conclusion is pure perfection! I’m already looking forward to the next instalment in this brilliant series. Ashley, TAS, 5 stars

Vikki Petraitis is a renowned and respected true crime writer and podcaster . Her foray into fiction with the “Unbelieved” further cemented her outstanding literary status. “The stolen ” continues Antigone Pollard’s policing life in a small coastal town. She is a believable and likeable character. Though the subject matter is tough at times ( including drug use, domestic violence and assault ) there are heartwarming interactions with her colleague Wozza and his pastries, her inspirational Mum and sweet Nan that are heartfelt and warming. The main narrative is the mystery of a missing baby and the desperate hunt for him. There’s also a family secret to be solved by Antigone that proves to be central to the story. Throw in the darker side of our media and dubious characters in positions of authority…it all makes for a pacey page turner that I found highly engaging. I should add, the first book “Unbelieved” is a also an engaging read and highly recommended, but I don’t believe you need to have read it to start on ” the Stolen”. This is a great read and I’m bouyed by the possibility of more to come. Elizabeth, VIC, 5 stars

With complex characters, weaving story lines and a perfect juxtaposition of current day social issues, The Stolen is a compelling read from page one. Bianca, QLD, 5 stars

The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis kept me up late at night and was so hard to put down. It follows Detective Antigone Pollard trying to solve a missing baby case whilst also dealing with a family secret. Now going to read the authors backlist even if it is true crime. Jessica, QLD, 5 stars

I totally enjoyed The Stolen and couldn’t put it down once I started — I read right through to the last page! That said, I do wish it extended just a little further so I could see whether the kidnapped truly got their just desserts. Some of the quirky chapter titles made me smile; they were clever and really fitting for each chapter. Waffles is hands-down my favourite character, and I also really liked Mr Muir — he reminded me a lot of my own dad. The storyline, with all its subplots, is beautifully woven together. I loved how everything interlinked so seamlessly. Highly recommend The Stolen for anyone that wants a fantastic unputdownable book. Simone, WA, 5 stars

When one of your favourite true crime writers steps into the crime thriller genre and absolutely nails it. Following the success of her debut fiction The Unbelieved, Vikki Petraitis returns this September 2025 with the second in the series – The Stolen. The story begins with every parent’s nightmare: a baby stolen from his crib by his father while his mother takes a shower. Each chapter is a race against the clock as Detective Antigone Pollard fights to bring baby Ethan home alive. And while the main crust of the story is the kidnapping of 7 month old Ethan, Vikki weaves in side threads that add rich depth. Family history, previous cases, another crime committed against a fellow officer, and even a love interest. I love how unapologetic Vikki is in crafting her main character Detective Pollard. A woman who is fierce, independent and takes no nonsense from anyone. Vikki’s true crime background shines through, bringing authenticity and weight to the story. Beneath the pulse-pounding pace, Vikki weaves in the bigger issues she’s long written about in her true crime books – especially crimes against women – making The Stolen both gripping and thought-provoking. Tammy, VIC, 5 stars

The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis is a fictional story that reads like true crime, you can tell where this author got her start. I really liked how the story switched between narratives. Whilst most of the story came from Detective Antigone Pollard’s point of view, the insertion of diary snippets, poetry, radio recordings, interview recordings and reports made the story fuller, more believable and very convincing. I found the misogynistic views held by so many of the characters utterly frustrating and yet so real and believable. It’s such a timely read and we can only hope for change. Jodie, WA, 5 stars

Wow!!!!! This book was amazing! If I hadn’t have gotten flu during reading I would have been done in a day or two between work! I was hooked and invested from the very beginning! The characters so loveable (well mostly haha)! The plot line and the twists and turns along the way I never would have guessed! A real page turner, full of twists and turns that would surprise anyone! A crime fiction novel at its best! In the small town of deception bay Australia we meet Detective Pollard and her partner Wozza when small baby Ethan goes missing, taken, gone. A race against the clock to find him safely! Who on earth could have taken him? A change in their senior Sargents circumstances, return of the egotistical boss making the investigation harder, what more could make it harder to find this little baby? Little does she know there is more secrets and plot twists in her own past too brought to her by her mother and grandmother! This book was just amazing!!! Amy, ACT, 5 stars

A really interesting book that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading and not stop. The whole story read like I was watching it. Lyndel, NSW, 5 stars

What could be more enticing for the reader of Australian crime than a missing baby at the heart of the story? Lost and stolen babies are part of Australian folklore. ‘A dingo’s got my baby!’ I enjoyed Vikki’s choice of title. Without reading the blurb it raises an interesting question. Who or what has been stolen? As it turns out, the choice of title is very apposite and subtle. Not only this baby has been stolen. The characters of Antigone Pollard and her sidekick Wozza, representatives of law and order, are both appealing. Their friendly relationship is a nice change from the trope of tension between colleagues. There are some comedic exchanges that were really funny. Antigone’s secret family story was well connected with the themes of the novel. Bitter sweet. Nan, Antigone’s grandmother, is a great creation, amongst a cast of excellent characters. Some like the boss, Wheels, and the ghastly shock jock, Drew Nayle and his reporter, Lincoln Steele, are hateful. Others are much more sympathetically drawn. The town of Deception Bay feels like a real place. The warmth of community and connections between characters is one reason I think readers are attracted to the rural noir genre. Vikki’s warmth and affection for her created world and her easy writing style made this a standout read. Pauline, NSW, 5 stars

The Stolen is a gripping thriller that hooks you from the start with a stolen baby, a mysterious DNA search, and a bent cop, and that’s just the beginning! Detective Antigone, recently returned to her hometown after working in Melbourne and is called in when a baby goes missing. Teaming up with local officer Wazza, they embark on a search that uncovers more secrets than answers in their small, tight knit community. The author does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, both the ones you can’t help but love but also those you love to hate. By the end of the book, it’s clear that the title The Stolen isn’t just about a missing baby. There are hidden layers within the story, revealing that other members of the community have also had pieces of their lives stolen – whether through loss, betrayal, or grief. As a fan of thrillers and whodunnits, this book certainly ticks both boxes. But it goes beyond that, exploring themes of heartbreak and loss that resonate deeply. It’s a true page turner that I finished in one sitting, and is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Diane, SA, 5 stars

I loved this book. There were enough twists and turns to make me want to keep reading. The characters were believable and the main ones very likeable. There was a strong undercurrent in this book of how women are still often treated in society and perceived by some men in an old fashioned, stereotypical and very misogynistic way. Vikki’s writing makes you smile as the main characters often reply cleverly to these men by paraphrasing exactly what they’re saying to make them realise their actual meaning and inference. The main characters Antigone and Wozza are witty and aware. One example from a misogynist : “Women need to be more tolerant and generous towards men“. You’ll need to read the book to see how men like this got their comeuppance! Diane, NSW, 5 stars

In a sharp and gritty thriller, we walk alongside Detective Antigone Pollard as she navigates the twists and turns of seemingly disparate crimes, while dealing with the reappearance of her spiteful former boss, her former lover and her mothers agonising past loss. The secrets Anigone was integral in exposing six months ago have not yet all come to light, and Antigone continues to delve and expose to expunge danger from and protect her new-found haven and community. An authentic and absorbing read from a primo Australian crime expert and analyst. Angela, VIC, 5 stars

I loved this book from start to finish. Crime fiction is not a genre that I generally choose to read, but I’m now re-evaluating that! The plot is not so complex that keeping track of the characters is a challenge. The subplots that surround the genealogy of some of the characters were interesting and intriguing. I was initially curious about the relevance of these subplots but the author ties it all together beautifully as the story reaches its conclusion. The key characters of Antigone and Wozza were nicely developed. I loved the easy relationship between them. Wozza’s vulnerability as a male detective, his humour, and his warm relationship with Antigone was refreshing. As a person who has previously worked in the area of violence against women, I appreciated the inclusion of the ‘shock jock’ analysis of the circumstances surrounding the missing baby. Women continue to be blamed for male violence toward them and their children. The horrific radio conversations detailed in the book are a faithful representation of the ongoing narrative we continue to hear from some sectors of our community. This was a fantastic read! Joanne, QLD, 5 stars

This book was a real page-turner—I found it hard to put down and was completely hooked by chapter two. The author explores themes of misogyny, sexism, and stereotypical gender roles in a way that feels authentic and grounded, without ever becoming heavy-handed. These serious topics are handled with nuance, and the story is layered with well-placed touches of humour that offer balance and heart. A compelling, thought-provoking read that kept me turning the pages right to the end. Katie, VIC, 5 stars

I loved the second book about Det Antigone Pollard in Deception Bay. She’s still facing opposition from some male stalwarts of the police, but she’s committed and thorough, ploughing through another investigation. There are references to her previous book, The Unbelieved, but a prior reading isn’t necessary. A family secret is also revealed. Enjoy this great book! Cheryl, NSW, 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well written, and the way the media incites the public to blame the female victims was sadly very realistic. I had no idea who was the “bad guy” until right at the end. I immediately ordered the first book in the series as soon as I was finished. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Leanne, NSW, 5 stars

Having previously loved Vikki Petraitis’ first foray into fiction with The Unbelieved, I was excited to dive into The Stolen. I was not disappointed. I loved this engaging story of family connections, secrets, relationships and the underbelly of a small-town. It felt like catching up with old friends, revisiting protagonist Detective Antigone Pollard and her cohort. I enjoyed the strong female voices in a work that expertly wound in some weighty themes. So often Police characters are written in a single dimension. It was so refreshing and clever to give those in this story such a realistic and relatable feel, full of complexities and depth. Giving the majority of them a level of empathy and kindness, I think was important in the successful telling of this story. The plot took twists and unexpected turns that kept me guessing. The cast of characters were painted wonderfully and the small-town setting was once again an important element in the unfolding drama. The only thing that concerned me was the amount of cake and pastries consumed by the leading pair! A compelling, solid Australian thriller that I would happily recommend to others. Jill, VIC, 5 stars

Every mother’s nightmare is played out in this novel of a baby kidnapped and vanishing in a small town. The story weaves a web of suspicion and conflicting community views on the why’s and motives surrounding the crime. Maddy, the young mother is consumed with angst and also guilt after her treatment of the father and his fate. The detective in this case has her own family history and secrets to unravel along with her future away from the man she loves. An engrossing story and one that will keep you page turning to the end. Wendy, SA, 5 stars

Finally – a crime novel for feminists! I normally avoid crime fiction as it can tend to sexualise rapes and attacks on women, and make a mythical hero of the perpetrators and the male detectives that hunt them down. These male detectives are usually curt and snarky but somehow ensnare the lust of either their junior colleague or the beautiful woman who serves them their coffee before they save the town from evil. Ugh! But, I’m so pleased to say that The Stolen by Vicki Petraitis uses none of these tired old tropes. Instead, we meet the dynamic Senior Detective Antigone Pollard, a woman we can all both admire and relate to. She’s smart, she’s strong and she is costantly faced with mysogyny yet is able to stand her ground and call it out. She’s a master of judo and comes as a package pair with her loyal police dog, the deceptively sweetly-named Waffles. For those of you that don’t know, this is the second in the Antigone series, and I’d recommend you read number one The Unbelieved first, otherwise The Stolen will spoil some of The Unbelieved’s plotlines. Both novel kept me on the edge of my seat. In The Stolen, Antigone is searching for a missing baby and in doing so undercovers so much more in the small town of Deception Bay. Vikki Petraitis’ writing is intelligent and emotive, and I love the way she focuses on the females in the story, giving a voice to the victims which is so often overlooked in this genre. If you’ve loved Petraitis’ non-fiction crime novels or follow her podcast, this is a must. And if, like me, you usually avoid this genre, I highly recommend you give The Stolen (and The Unbelieved) a go. I will definitely be reading what Vikki Petraitis publishes next. An excellent read exploring the multitude of ways women can be overlooked in the law. Heidi, VIC, 5 stars

A gripping read right from the first page. As a mother and grandmother the loss of babies really created emotional feelings for me. I had to keep reading to discover the mysteries involved. Vikki Petraitis created characters which were believable and interesting. It was certainly an enjoyable read with twists and turns to keep you involved. Lorraine, VIC, 5 stars

What an absolutely amazing read. Perfect in every way, keeps you wanting more and some twists and turns that just fit beautifully and make it a definite hard to put down book. A wonderfully written mix book, from crime, suspense and drama. You will never be disappointed with a Vikki Petraitis book, but a Vikki fiction novel is just as enthralling and so easy to fall into as if it is a true story. The characters are very relatable and make you want so much more from them. Loved it! Jessica, VIC, 5 stars

The Stolen is a gripping and powerfully written novel that had me hooked from the very first page. Vikki Petraitis wastes no time pulling readers into the heart of the story — the prologue alone was so compelling I nearly canceled dinner plans just to keep reading. It’s that good. What struck me most was the realism. The circumstances surrounding the kidnapping felt chillingly authentic, tapping into fears that feel all too plausible. I found myself holding my breath as the story unfolded, caught in the emotional current of a plot that felt both urgent and disturbingly believable. Petraitis also shines in her portrayal of the media — particularly the sensationalist kind. The depiction of clickbait headlines, exploitative commentary, and the morally murky world of radio shock jocks was spot-on. It’s a searing reflection of the way real-life tragedies are often twisted into entertainment, and it added another layer of depth and commentary to an already riveting story. This was my first book by Vikki Petraitis, but it certainly won’t be my last. Her storytelling is taut, her characters fully realized, and the tension never lets up. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, thought-provoking thriller that mirrors society’s darker obsessions, The Stolen is a must-read. An easy five stars. Stephanie, WA, 5 stars

What a clever and intriguing novel! I loved Vikki Petraitis’ The Stolen! Antigone, the main character, and her off sider, Wozza made the perfect detective duo. The novel touched on domestic violence, abuse as well as how the media can twist the truth just to sensationalise events. The Australian landscape added an almost other character to the mix. And…I was kept guessing right to the very end. Highly recommended. Denise, NSW, 5 stars

Antigone is a tough detective and has a judo belt under her sleeve. She has her trusty canine and she’s out to save the world. One day a baby goes missing and all hell breaks loose. Her mother a doctor comes to visit Antigone with a mystery to solve and Antigone’s life is turned upside down. A brilliant read. A unforgettable story that you can’t put down. Noeleen, WA, 5 stars

In The Stolen, a 7 month old baby is stolen from its bed by his father. Detective Antigone Pollard must investigate and find out who has stolen baby Ethan and bring him home. The theme of domestic violence and community’s views are evident in the novel, with parts of the community turning against the mother for having separated from the father. Detective Pollard must investigate the disappearance with fellow detective Wozza to bring the baby back home. The novel is an enjoyable read, keeping the reader engaged the whole time. The book has a lot of suspense and Detective Pollard is a strong character. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and its pace. 4 stars! Brenda, NSW, 4 stars

The Stolen is the second Vikki Petraitis book that I have read and I really enjoyed this one. There are some parts that would be helpful to have read the first book, however this can be read as a stand-alone novel. I really enjoyed how the storyline of the missing baby occurred parallel to the story of Antigone’s mother, as well as the use of the media (news articles and radio transcripts) to understand how the story was playing out in public. It appears that Vikki Petraitis has settled into this second novel and I was engrossed in the book from start to finish, where the first book felt more like a lesson in some parts. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for number 3 to see what Antigone does next. Rebecca, ACT, 4 stars

The Stolen tells the story of a former metropolitan police officer, now working in a rural community and responding to a case of a reported kidnapped baby. The story of course has many layers and suspicions around the kidnapping, motive and the under currents that run through the community. Brings into mind some of the domestic violence issues that we have all be hearing in the media. Also the importance of family and how all families are different but not any less important than the next. I really enjoyed this book, a page turner for definite. Chapter structure made you want to keep reading to hear different perspectives and character growth. Julie, VIC, 4 stars

Great plotting – plots and subplots weave well together and then a quite unexpected plot line emerges. While the reader’s main focus is on Senior Detective Antigone Pollard’s investigation into a missing baby, there is much going on below the surface. Misogyny, deliberate and provocative or ignorant and casual, is a major theme. Luckily, there are some trustworthy male characters including Senior Detective Warren Harvey, affectionately known as Wozza. Set in Deception Bay, the small-town feel and the fact that everyone knows everyone else, adds an extra tension to the narrative. Lesley, NSW, 4 stars

I really enjoyed The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis. It takes a simple story, a baby abduction, and turns it into an unputdownable book. Set in a small town, with a female lead who is recovering from a relationship and a violent event, she must pull out all the stops to find said child. I really liked the relationship between her and her work partner. Mutual respect and a love of food. It also shines a big light on the media and male attitudes to women. Highly recommend this book. Paula, QLD, 4 stars

Great Australian rural noir – cracked through this one while on holiday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Well-developed, likeable characters, and a story that sucked me in and kept me turning the pages. Jen, TAS, 4 stars

A captivating read following Antigone and Wozza who are desperately trying to find a missing baby boy and solve who took him in the first place. Throw in a family secret and a painful ex boss who it seems has a mission to upset the investigation, can this become anymore difficult for the team?! Sarah, QLD, 4 stars

I love this book more than Wozza loves pastries from Angie’s cafe. This is the second book in the series by this author and I have very much enjoyed both of them. Antigone is a strong, funny, loyal character and in this book you meet the women who have helped shape her. The writing style is easy to read and I have a soft spot for the star of the show, Waffles. The author shows her strength in the research of and empathy toward violence against women that is still an issue in today’s society and has created a fantastic cast of characters who fight against this. Looking forward to more from Vikki Petraitis. Celia, SA, 4 stars

Easy reading style and the chapters follow on in real time which I prefer to read. Vikki dangles the baby’s disappearance till the very end resulting in a page turner of a story. Country style Aussie speech and the fact that everyone knows each other in small towns, kept the story homegrown. As the story evolves and the advances in DNA testing were revealed, I was very moved by Andy’s line”I never felt like I really belonged.” As an adopted child myself, I resonated with the characters feelings and reactions. A feel good read and looking forward to the next book. Shelley, QLD, 4 stars

The Stolen is a heart-breaking story of a race to find a missing baby. Detective Antigone Pollard is a well respected officer in Deception Bay who fights fearlessly to uncover the mystery. She is a strong, forthright woman who stands up to bullying and meets it head on. She is an advocate for women’s rights and I found her character very likeable and worthy of emulation. In The Stolen, Vikki Petraitis weaves other through-lines into the novel, some of which get solved and some which don’t by the end of the novel. This keeps the reader interested while the search for baby Ethan continues. As a stand alone novel, it still works but I personally like to have all threads tied up. The novel is fast paced, well written and easy reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey to find Baby Ethan and the other complications in Antigone’s life that lend authenticity to her character. Maree, ACT, 4 stars

The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis is a well-written, highly readable, Australian crime novel about the abduction of a 7 month old baby. The story is emotional, mysterious and suspenseful. I found most of the characters to be believable and relatable, although some of the secondary characters seemed somewhat one-dimensional and stereotypical. The pace of the story kept me engaged, and while some of the plot twists were predictable, many surprised me and kept me interested. Overall, the novel’s atmosphere and tension made it an enjoyable read. Charlene, WA, 3 stars

Senior Detective Antigone Pollard has a race against the clock to find a stolen baby. Was the baby thrown from the accident that claimed the life of his father? The investigation is hindered at every turn by misogyny in the media and the police force. She is accused of being a misandrist, an extreme man hater that denied the father access. By victim blaming the single mother of the stolen child, the media encourages a vein of toxic masculinity in the local community. This small Victorian town has experienced its share of drink spiking, drug use and premature deaths. But are they ready for the secrets, hidden for decades by prominent community figures, to be exposed? Antigone has the razor sharp instincts of a first responder, assisted by Wozza, a patient and warm detective who knows the town well. Antigone also discovers family secrets and who you can truly trust. Award winning author Vikki Petraitis tackles important issues in this novel of Outback Noir. Debbie, NSW, 3 stars

Buy a copy of The Stolen here.