Sometimes I get a bit confused with Net Galley! I was granted an advance review copy of this in January 2025 for publication in August 2025 – but it appears it’s been out for AGES. I can only assume it’s a different geographical market that it’s being released in next month – but I have read and reviewed it none the less – and at least if you like the sound of it you can purchase it immediately!

“In a shockingly twisty, addictively dark, engrossingly intense psychological suspense for readers of Freida McFadden, Adele Parks, and B.A. Paris, a woman’s world is shattered when her sister returns 16 years after she was abducted from their childhood bedroom.
“Do you have a sister, Ms. Fairview?” The little girl’s question, in all its buttery innocence, slices through me, and the answer catches in my throat. It isn’t as simple as yes or no. It hasn’t been, in nearly sixteen years.
The evening Caitlin and Olivia’s parents leave them to go to a dinner party, both girls are bubbling with excitement. At ages 10 and 13, they are at last old enough to stay home alone. After all, in their idyllic town no one even bothers to lock their doors.
As the summer light fades, after TV and popcorn, the sisters finally put themselves to bed. They’re unaware of the figure watching them through an open window. Or of the back door opening once they’ve fallen asleep.
When their parents return, they will find Olivia’s bed empty. Their golden-haired, long-limbed, eldest daughter gone. Never to return. Until now.
But is the woman who claims to be Olivia all she seems? Is everything Caitlin said she saw that night the whole truth? Their family have dreamed of this moment, but both sisters are keeping more than one secret. What price will they all pay if they end up believing the wrong daughter?“

The book starts around the anniversary of Caitlin’s sister Olivia being kidnapped at knifepoint 16 years ago when Caitlin was just 10, and her sister 3 years older. This has clearly changed the trajectory of the entire family’s lives – as nothing has been seen of Olivia since that night.

Then, intertwined within the chapters about Caitlin, is a story from the point of view of Elinor. She is an orphan, living with her older brother in a remote hall in the middle of the countryside, where their Uncle comes to visit them at weekends. Clearly these stories are going to have to merge at some point – otherwise it would be a very strange book!

It twists and turns hugely – in both timelines – and I was wondering for almost the entire book how and when it would be explained how they meet up! I have to say some of it was pretty far fetched, and the double / triple crossing quite confusing – but that didn’t stop me enjoying the book.

It explores Caitie’s relationships – with family / friends / boyfriend – and how easily external factors can influence these – I have to say I felt very sorry for her quite often during the storyline and was rooting for her throughout.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for my review copy – be it advanced or not!!