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If you're looking for a crime thriller that keeps you hooked from the first episode, then look no further. Premiering on Netflix in 2023, Dear Child tells the dark story of a mysterious woman's escape from captivity. Following her escape, the police launch an investigation into a missing persons case from 13 years earlier. The story jumps between timelines as investigators dig deeper into the case, exposing a web of lies and deceit in a plot full of twists and turns. With a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this is one to add to your watchlist.

The German series stars Kim Riedle as Lena, opposite Naila Schuberth, Sammy Schrein, Haley Louise Jones, Hans Löw and Justus von Dohnányi. The six-part thriller, based on Romy Hausmann's best-selling book of the same name, received critical acclaim following its release, winning Best TV Movie or Miniseries at the International Emmy Awards in 2023.

Hausmann's novel appeared at the top of bestseller lists following its release in 2019 and helped turn her into one of Germany's most successful thriller authors. Riedle explained how the book helped her prepare for the role of Lena and how she also drew on other material to step into the shoes of the mysterious character.

She said: "In terms of preparation, I reread Romy's book a lot - because it has so much in the dialogue, it really helps to find the subtext for so many things. Just from those thoughts on the page, [you] find your own thoughts about the situations, if that makes sense.

"And there's a really great book, The Body Keeps the Score, that is written by an expert for traumatic stress disorder patients. That was very helpful for me as a way to feel myself into the character."

The show has been widely praised online, with one standout reviewer declaring: "This series is captivating from the get-go, with a perfect blend of mystery, family drama, horror, and cop procedural show. The acting is top-notch especially from the young actress playing Hannah. She is the glue to the show and all eeriness emanates from where she comes from.

"The story is well-told, with excellent cinematography blending colors and darkness with the right amount to spook you. Up until around episode 5, I consider this a 10, however, the rather mundane reveal and the somewhat anti-climactic and rushed ending put a downer on what could have been a flawless new production from Germany."

Another posted: "I started to love German productions after Dark and 1989 because they make very intelligent programs, without too much drama (which I hate) and with a lot of suspense and mystery (which I love). So I was very hopeful for this and it didn't disappoint. It was mysterious from beginning to end and very engaging. High quality thriller."

They described the actors' performances as "amazing", encouraging anyone who is into dark and psychological mysteries to give this "engaging" series a go.

Another IMDb reviewer echoed: "Once you start Dear Child you find it hard to look away. This beautifully crafted limited series is about a woman and two children who are held captive, until one day the woman escapes. I was completely entranced by this series. I beg of people not to watch it subbed. The subbing takes away from it, watch it in German with subtitles as it is meant to be watched."