Chilling, twisty, and emotionally charged — this gripping thriller asks: what if the girl who came back isn’t the one who left? Told with a haunting sense of nostalgia and dread, it peels back the layers of memory, trauma, and sisterhood to reveal a truth you won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of The Push and Then She Was Gone.
4.5/5 — unputdownable and deeply unsettling.

3 stars--I liked the book.

This book is completely bonkers, in the best way. Plot? Bananas. Characters? Wild. I love this in a suspense novel--nothing keeps me reading more than wondering what surreal plot twist is coming up next.

I definitely stayed up too late to finish, because I had to know how it ended. (I wasn't disappointed.)

I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!

I loved this book!! This book hooked me from the first chapter and just continued to get better. The twists were surprising and kept me wanting to read more. This is definitely one of my favorite books. I loved the two perspectives and was shocked when the truth came out!

Dandy Smith knows how to pull you in—The Wrong Daughter kicks off with tension, atmosphere, and a mystery that keeps you guessing. The unreliable narrator vibe is strong (which I love), and right when you think you’ve got a handle on things—boom. The twists come fast, some totally wild, some a little “wait… what?” but definitely entertaining.

The dual POV adds to the intrigue, though I found myself way more invested in Caitlin’s chapters. Elinor’s were slower for me, but they serve a purpose once it all clicks into place.

The writing is heavy on metaphors—some I really liked, some had me side-eyeing a bit—but overall, it kept the mood dark and off-kilter. And fair warning: the themes here get dark. Uncomfortable, disturbing, not for everyone.

If you’re into thrillers that go off the rails in bold and bizarre ways, this one’s a ride. It’s messy, twisty, and definitely memorable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC of this book!

If you're looking for a quick, fast-paced thriller, this one delivers. For readers who are seasoned thriller fans, some parts might feel a bit predictable, and the additional storyline alongside the main plot may not have been entirely necessary. That said, I’d still recommend this book if you're in the mood for a gripping, quick read!

The pacing is well-balanced, drawing readers in with just enough clues to keep them intrigued, while holding back enough to maintain the suspense. The characters are complex and believable, with motivations that add depth to the narrative. Whether it’s the determined protagonist, the shady side characters, or the unseen antagonist, each figure plays a vital role in the story’s unfolding drama

This book is intense, beautifully written and filled with suspense. Dandy Smith does an amazing job of pulling you into a twisted, emotional world. I felt for Caitlin while she went through her ordeal—losing her friends, family and fiancé who by the way, is a selfish, cold hearted duche who only cares about money. If he were real, I might’ve wished Olivia’s nightmares on him too.

I recommend this book to everyone. Doesn’t matter your favorite genre. A perfect 10 out of 10.

Read the full review on my blog: https://obasinaomi.wordpress.com/2025/04/17/book-review-the-wrong-daughter-by-dandy-smith/

This book was a little “slow” for me, it took it a bit until it was a “thriller”. At first I felt like I was reading an awkward romance book , but about 3/4 in is when the book took the turn. I definitely wasn’t predicting the ending or how the story took a turn.

I didn’t realize this book was already published as I found an audiobook in my library that I had forgotten about. So I started out listening to it, but it was going at such a fast pace that I switched to reading the book because I can read faster than listen. I felt so bad for Caitlin the whole book, she was a good character and easy to root for. No one was listening to her and it was infuriating. Olivia was infuriating as well. I knew she was not the girl who went missing 16 years ago.
The storyline for Elinor was giving gothic, creepy vibes. Especially with the siblings in love, all alone in their big manor lol it did get a little tiresome halfway through the book, like we get it. You’re in love with your brother! Who is scary so like I’m not sure why you are.
Caitlin and Olivia’s parents were soo frustrating, I kind of feel like they got what they deserved in the end.
The major twist was absolutely heartbreaking. I didn’t. See it coming, it was so good.
I’m not sure I can say more without spoilers lol

Quite an interesting premise for a novel. I like the style of writing and the characters. I was really quite enjoying the first couple of chapters and the authentic way that the characters interact with each other.

I didn't enjoy the main twist. I didn't enjoy the messed up family dynamics and I didn't enjoy how much of a doormat each main character is.

I spent the whole time being annoyed at both of the main characters in each storyline. Grow a backbone. Stand up for yourself. Be honest.

It was well written, but I don't like the plot.

Thank you to Netgalley for the E ARC

This book had me shaking my head a lot, but it wasn't because of how good it was sadly. Between characters being extremely unlikeable, several chapters being filled with long-winded speeches on how things look, or how people felt, and plot lines so far-fetched to the point they were both obvious and laughable, I struggled to finish this one.

Let's start with the characters shall we? First we have Caitlin, who for sixteen long years has blamed herself for her sister going missing because on the night in question she was too terrified to get out of bed and call the police. It doesn't help that she once overheard her father telling her mother that it was all her fault either. So over the course of her life, she has put her own dreams and life on hold to try and mold herself into being the perfect daughter. The parents of course, are polar opposites of each other. Where her father treats her with cold disdain and practically blames everything on her at all times, her mother is overbearing to the point I was starting to feel suffocated by her. Then we have Olivia, whose mood swings practically gave me whiplash. One minute she is the sweet and caring sister who Caitlin has been missing, and the next she is a chaos causing viper intent on ruining Caitlin's life, with apparently no reason whatsoever. One scene that immediately springs to mind is when Caitlin finds out that Olivia wants her to move back in to their parents home as she thinks it will help her to better adjust, and Caitlin tells her sister no. To start with, she doesn't feel welcome in the family home due to her relationship with her father, and secondly, she has a home of her own that she shares with her fiancé. So Olivia gives her the cold shoulder, alienating her from spending with one of their now mutual friends. And wouldn't you know it, shortly after that Olivia calls Caitlin because she's "having a panic attack", but it just so happens to be near the exact location Caitlin's fiancé Oscar is currently having a secret meeting with another woman driving a wedge in their relationship that sends her doing exactly what Olivia wanted in the first place and moving back home.

Sadly, the other characters in this novel such as they are don't really seem to matter other than as pawns to move things along and/or isolate Caitlin even more. In fact, I can barely remember the names of the women that Caitlin was meant to be friends with (and that's pretty bad considering she ruined the wedding of one of them due to Olivia's twisted behavior).

And then on the other side of the story, you have Heath and Elinor Ledbury. A brother and sister duo who live a very isolated life in a large manor house under the conservatorship of their uncle until they come of age and gain access to the fortune left to them by their parents. Except this brother and sister are a lot closer than any brother and sister should be, if you get my drift. And that was something that I really could have done without.

On the whole, one half of the plot (the part involving Olivia and her kidnapper) reminds me heavily of the movie "Deinfluencer" as the reason for the abductions were the same even if the methods and outcome were very different. The other half of the plot was just a jumbled mess of plot-points that bounced back and forth enough to give you a headache with a very unhealthy dose of Stockholm Syndrome mixed in.

In the end, this book just didn't work for me. I read to find enjoyment not to have to muddle through so much that either just doesn't make sense at all, or is so obvious even a blind man could see it.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I really loved this book. Great story but a bit lacking for me in the ending. In my head, I came up with my own alternate ending. It is a compliment to the author as this book engaged me enough to actually think of my ideal ending.

All 3 women survive and all are pregnant. They inherit the mansion and decide to try to patch up friendships, bonding over the past trauma. They decide to live in the mansion together, and bring their children up as siblings. That will be the plot of Book 2.

At first I was reluctant to begin this story as I was afraid it would center on the missing sister, but I was so glad I did not let this incorrect perception sway me in reading this story. Although we begin with the disappearance of Olivia when she is 13 years old, the story really focuses on the aftermath of her disappearance on her sister Caitlin and their family. After 16 years, Caitlin lives a life dedicated to her family and their whims so as to make up for her sister's kidnapping so long ago. Is Caitlin happy living in the shadow of the missing Olivia? On the eve of the 16th year anniversary, Olivia is finishing up the school term and meeting with her best friend who was previously her sister's best friend when her frantic mother calls to say Olivia has returned! What should be a happy reunion is fraught with jealousy and suspicion after their initial joyful meeting.
Is this really Olivia and if so why do so many odd things begin to happen to Caitlin to upend her her life. You will not see the ending coming in this gripping thriller.

Okay the cold open in this book fully gripped me! I lived the story through Caitie, I fet like I was her. The other characters not believing her infuriated me, I felt the same fear she did whenever the masked man showed up.
This books makes you suspicious of pretty much everyone, so guessing was almost impossible. I even didn't trust Caitlyn in some parts, believing she might actually being things that aren't there. I felt kinda bad for thinking that way, cause she has been wronged in so many ways.

Till about half of the book I wasn't sure about the relevance of the second POV and then I started seeing the similarities and connections between both POV's.

This book is twisted, unexpected, a bit vile, emotional, exciting and infuriating all at the same time. I haven't felt this many emotions in the span of less than 400 pages in a while.

I want to thank NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this as an advanced readers copy.

𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Sixteen years after Olivia is kidnapped, she suddenly returns - but her sister Caitlin harbors growing doubts about whether it’s really her. Meanwhile, in a parallel storyline, Elinor Ledbury shares a deeply unsettling relationship with her brother, Heath, under the oppressive control of their uncle.

𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡
This book blends two genres, so it’s bound to thrill some and throw others.

On one side, you’ve got Caitlin, dealing with the sudden reappearance of her sister Olivia - who vanished 16 years ago. On the other, there’s Elinor and her brother Heath - borderline incestuous Flowers in the Attic siblings - living under the thumb of their creepy, controlling uncle who oversees their estate.

The contrast between Caitlin’s grounded, “real” world and Elinor’s eerie, gothic one is wild. The writing is super smooth and genuinely gripping. But I kept asking what in the what is happening?

Eventually it all becomes clear and I’m not gonna lie, the reveal was a bit of a letdown - not quite as clever as I hoped. But the genre mash-up and easy, compelling writing definitely make this a stand out read.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If you’re in the mood for a wackadoo thriller/gothic mash-up - with a reappearing sister and some seriously weird sibling dynamics - this one’s got you covered.

Thanks to @Netgalley and
@kensingtonbooks for access to this advanced readers copy

I just finished The Wrong Daughter, and I needed some time to process my thoughts before writing this review. This book felt like nothing I’ve ever read before. It’s essentially two stories woven into one, and while they seem separate at first, they eventually collide in unexpected ways. The first story follows Catie and her sister Olivia, whom she witnessed being kidnapped as a child. The second centers around a wealthy brother and sister, on the brink of adulthood, who are under the care of their uncle after their parents' tragic deaths.

The connection between the two storylines isn’t obvious at first, which kept me hooked. I’d describe this as a slow burn, and for most of the book, I was on the edge of my seat. I do remember pausing about three-quarters of the way through, wondering if there was going to be some outlandish, over-the-top ending. While there was certainly more action and a suspension of disbelief toward the conclusion than I would’ve preferred, I still found the book engaging. The tension and suspense kept me so engrossed in the story that I just couldn’t put it down.

The author did a fantastic job creating angst and building a sense of unease. I’ll definitely be picking up another book by this author in the future. Rounded up to 5 stars from 4.5.

This was a miss for me. However, thankful for NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith is a gripping psychological thriller that captivates with its dark, unsettling themes and unexpected twists. The narrative opens with a family shattered by the harrowing abduction of their 13-year-old daughter at knifepoint, witnessed by her younger sister, who is just 10 at the time. After being missing for sixteen years, Olivia reappears, leaving Caitlin, her sister, questioning the authenticity of the woman claiming to be her long-lost sibling. Additionally, the story features an alternate plotline exploring a peculiar relationship between another brother and sister, which adds to the overall darkness of the tale. This novel is an exceptional read for fans of suspenseful psychological thrillers.

I extend my gratitude to Net Galley and the publisher for providing the ARC. This review reflects my genuine impressions.

The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith is a gripping psychological suspense novel that masterfully weaves two seemingly disparate narratives into a chilling and twist-filled thriller. The story centres on Caitlin, whose life is irrevocably altered when her older sister Olivia is abducted from their home. Sixteen years later, Olivia mysteriously reappears, but Caitlin begins to question the woman’s true identity.

Smith’s ability to create unreliable narrators and morally ambiguous characters contributes to the book’s unsettling atmosphere. The author skillfully employs red herrings and unexpected plot twists, ensuring that the reader remains engaged and invested in the unfolding mystery. The emotional depth of the characters, particularly Caitlin’s desperation to uncover the truth, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple thriller.

The unexpected revelations and the skilful weaving of the two narratives make this book standout in the genre. Readers who enjoy thrillers with complex characters and intricate plots will be captivated by this unsettling and thought-provoking novel.

Caitlin and her older sister Olivia’s lives are forever changed one faithful night while home alone when their parents left them to go to dinner. A masked man comes into their home and kidnaps Olivia. There was no trace of her for over 10 years until a phone call changes everything. Caitlin, now in her 20s, settle into her career as a schoolteacher and engaged, is informed by their mother that Olivia has returned. She is very closed off and secretive about her whereabouts all of these years. What unfolds after is a mysterious undoing of Caitlin’s quiet and peaceful life. Olivia is nothing like the big sister she adored, and a terrible chain of events begin. Is Caitlin sure this is her sister?
There’s also a dual story that adds to the mystery of the 2 sisters that eventually becomes intertwined and leads to an explosive conclusion.
This was a 4*read, thank you to Kensington for the E-Arc and the chance to review it!