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Member Reviews

This was really hard to get into, but once read it definitely picked up! This isn’t my preferred writing style which is why I felt it was slow at first. But definitely gives spooky vibes and a cliffhanger I didn’t expect! I’d say get past the first 100 pages.

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The Wrong Daughter
By Dandy Smith

A thoroughly intense, keep you on the edge of your seat thriller of a book. I could not read it fast enough once I was started because I could not guess the ending and it was nothing like I expected. I must admit I was reading it so fast that I missed some critical points and had to re-read some chapters. It was that good. Every time I thought I had it down, something else happened. I don’t know how the author came up with this storyline, but it is totally consuming, and you will never guess the ending. This is the way a thriller should be written. If you enjoy Stephen King, Dean Koontz or Nora Roberts you will thoroughly enjoy this read.

I will never give away the story in a review, but I will say that people change when they are exposed to untold trauma and Stockholm syndrome is a real thing. Sometimes it’s easier to adjust and move on and sometimes it can be deadly. Even though I am more inclined to read historical fiction I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will follow this author and read any book she puts out as I love the way her mind thinks. I am shocked and surprised by my love of reading this book and patiently await the next this author has coming. A definite must for your TBR list.

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This is the first I’ve read by this author and it will not be my last. Recently, I’ve been trying to branch out in my reading genres since I’ve been in such a slump. Primarily I listen to audios due to lack of time, however I saw this book on NetGalley and randomly applied. I was approved but somehow didn’t download it in time. I found it on KU and immediately read it. Normally I don’t have time to sit and read for hours but I flew through this book.
I was intrigued and captivated by the plot… maybe even a little anxious. As mentioned before, this is a new genre to me but I was blown away by how quickly I devoured this book. Ms. Smiths writing style was top-tier and kept me turning page after page.

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This book was twisted and a little dark. I never saw the ending coming! Dandy Smith is an auto-read for me and this one was great!!

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I had such a good time reading this book! The dual storylines had me wondering where the story was going and the whole time, I was trying to figure out how they were going to relate. I was not disappointed!

I generally pride myself on being able to sniff out the twists in books, but this one got me, and in the best way. The big reveal had my jaw on the ground while simultaneously shaking my head at myself for not picking up on those subtle hints along the way. My favorite combo *chef’s kiss*.

My only criticism is that I wish I were questioning Caitlin’s sanity as much as all of the characters were, as an added layer of ‘but is she losing it?’.

Overall, I would recommend this book!

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This was a thriller, indeed! Usually when a book goes back and forth in place and time, with different characters involved, I can easily figure out why. This time it took me awhile to realize why the author chose to do this. It definitely did add to the mystery involved! There are twists and turns galore. And the ending was really powerful. I cannot say that I loved the novel, but I did like it a lot. And I do recommend it to thriller enthusiasts.

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I received an ARC of this book from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. I loved this one! I tore through it and could not wait to see what happened next.

The chapters in Elinor's viewpoint - I think the author was trying to lead the reader toward a particular conclusion that wasn't the actual situation. I appreciated this as I definitely prefer when I don't figure out the twist! However, I did guess something suspicious based on a single sentence near the beginning. But the story involved a lot more than the little portion I guessed so that still worked for me!

This is a pretty emotional read with some situations that could be triggering, and even parts that are not necessarily triggering are just plain sad.

I didn't really find most of it predictable or implausible, as I saw in some other reviews.

Looking forward to reading more by this author!

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this was a strong psychological thriller novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I wanted in this and had that secrets that I was expecting. It was a strong psychological element that I wanted and was engaged with the suspenseful atmosphere that I was hoping for. Dandy Smith wrote this well and was glad I got to read this.

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My favorite book of the year so far! I finished this reading in less than a week.. just couldn't stop! The characters and the whole story was so well thought making this a VERY exciting book from page one!

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This was good but don’t know if I would read it again. It deserves 3/5 stars, thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book to read!

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The Wrong Daughter is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the complexities of familial bonds. The story is told via Caitlin, who was just 10 years old when her sister Olivia was abducted, and Elinor, a neighboring sibling with her own dark past. Sixteen years later, Olivia mysteriously returns, but Caitlin harbors doubts about the woman's true identity. As the story progresses, secrets unravel, and the lines between truth and deception blur, leading to a series of unexpected twists that kept me hooked, reading anywhere and everywhere!

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Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Trigger warnings: violence, kidnapping

I had a number of mystery/thrillers on my NetGalley approved list, and The Wrong Daughter turned out to be one of the better ones. Full of family secrets and psychological tension, I finished this book in one sitting.

The Wrong Daughter posits that Caitlin’s sister, who disappeared when they were tweens, has returned. Everyone is overjoyed, but Caitlin is not as sure the woman named Olivia is her long-lost sister. The issue of sibling dynamics is explored, as well as buried truths. The darker theme may turn off some people, but compared to some other thrillers I have read recently, this book was not as bad.

The book would be considered a psychological thriller, since a lot of time is spent with Caitlin, who is not sure it’s really her sister, Olivia, that has returned. If it isn’t Olivia, then who would know all of the girls’ secrets, and what is the endgame?

I appreciated that The Wrong Daughter’s family-driven mystery, but I really didn’t appreciate the violence. I like my thrillers to be a little softer. That’s not saying the book is not good! It held my interest, and I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars, but I think it’s time to get back to other genres like cozy mysteries!

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If you read just one book this year let it be this one. OMG a real page turner with lots of twists and turns. Just when you think that you have guessed the outcome you are wrong, it keeps you guessing until the bitter end.
Caitlin's sister Olivia was abducted. Many years later she returns, but is it really her.....

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This was a solid 4 star until about 85% of the way through and then it got a little weird, rushed and far fetched. I had no idea where this was going the entire time but kept me on my toes.

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This was my first book by Dandy Smith and I greatly enjoyed it! It took a while to figure out the two point of views and how they related to each other, but the book kept me guessing for a while. I appreciate the ARC.

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This Story Involves 2 Sisters, 1 was missing and suddenly comes back as an adult. It does seem strange at times that certain questions aren’t asked or that it’s like nothing seriously tragic happened for the last decade. Then there is another section which have no idea what it means. That could turn out to be interesting or fall apart. Think this one some will rate really good or really bad. I am in the Camp that this was a winner. It was fast paced and many of the scenerios were farfetched. I found the sister’s relationship to be intense and did not ever know who was reliable or who could be trusted. A good thriller works that way for me. The last part of the book dragged on a little bit too much. I certainly got the point and it parts thought could have been a little shorter. Overall though, I liked this Book, as it came together and all the loose ends were wrapped up. So, Solid 4 Star Read for Me. Got into Reading It and did Not Want to Stop. The premise was a little different and appreciated that. Kept my attention and couldn’t stop until I got to the end. If that is what you look for in a Thriller, think you will like this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishingbfor a Copy of this book. I leave reviews of all books I read.

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I absolutely enjoyes reading this. Will definitely be recommending. Kept me really hooked I'll love to reread again

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The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith is a gripping and emotional read! This book is a perfect blend of suspense and heartfelt family drama. Dandy Smith delivers a story that is both captivating and poignant, with characters you'll become deeply invested in and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. It's a compelling exploration of secrets, lies, and the enduring power of a mother's love.

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The Wrong Daughter
@dandysmithauthor
🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book is unlike anything I've read before.

The story: Unique
The plot: Twisty 😂
The characters: Equal parts lovable and hate-able

They were all embedded in my head, whether good or bad.

~
I rarely read stories about family. Maybe because they hit too close to home. I can't read without reflecting on how my family is. But this one is captivating throughout.

Caitie lost her sister years ago, and she has been living in the shadow of her missing sister ever since. So when she came back, Caitie should be happy, right? But things are not what she expected them to be.

~
The only thing I dislike about the story is the slow transition in Caitie's story because of doubt. If it were up to me, I'd fight so hard to be heard. I understand it gets tiring, though. I know I did 😂

What I love most about the book is that it always proved me wrong. When I thought I had the story right, the next chapter would say, "NOPE!" The twist at the end was crazy worth it.

~
I definitely recommend this book for those looking for psychological thrillers. Fair warning: a huge amount of second-guessing and a bit of gaslighting here and there.

US release is in August! Add to wishlist now ✨️

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This book had a good plot but something fell short in the execution. It was a fun and fast read with an interesting mix of characters.

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