I enjoyed this book because i wasn’t sure where it was going. It kept me thinking as it back and forth between 2 families that seemed unrelated. Until they weren’t. When I hit the second half and realized what was going on, I had to retrace my thoughts backwards. It had a lot of points where I couldn’t wait to see what happened but there were some times where it dragged on and I found myself skimming the pages quickly. I would recommend this book but it wasn’t my favorite.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I first read The Wrong Daughter last year on another platform, and I recently received a new copy from NetGalley.

This novel is a profoundly heartbreaking narrative that continues to resonate with me even on a second reading within 12 months. Dandy Smith has crafted a story that is as tragic as it is captivating, delving deep into the emotional terrain of family, loss, and the bonds that both connect and divide us. The tale of two sisters torn apart is rendered with such poignant realism that every page feels like an intimate exploration of grief and longing.

What particularly stands out is the seamless integration of the side mystery involving the Ledbury siblings. This subplot not only adds a compelling layer of intrigue but also enriches the overall narrative, providing a counterbalance to the pervasive sorrow. The mystery unfolds gradually, inviting the reader to piece together clues while simultaneously navigating the emotional complexities of the characters’ relationships.

Smith’s prose is both lyrical and accessible, making the story an easy yet immersive read despite its heavy subject matter. The emotional cadence of the writing pulls you into the narrative, ensuring that even the moments of subtle sadness are delivered with profound impact. In revisiting the book, I found new depths in the characters and themes that I hadn’t fully appreciated during my first encounter.

Overall, The Wrong Daughter is a testament to the power of storytelling—a beautifully tragic and thoughtfully constructed work that invites reflection on the fragility of life and the ties that define us.

In this thriller, Caitlin’s life is thrown for a loop when her sister who was abducted years ago suddenly returns, bringing relief but also new tensions. Something isn’t right.

I enjoy this author’s writing voice and she did a good job of making me suspicious of everyone. The characters felt real. It pulled me forward and made me want to figure it out. Toward the end though, things got a little over dramatic and I’m just not sold on the resolution. I couldn’t fully believe it. The conclusion also felt too short and quick.

An enjoyable read with lots of twists.
I had a hard time seeing how the two plots were intertwined until the very end and thought the ending was too rushed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced copy.

The premise of this book was very appealing to me but something about it just didn’t keep my attention. The twists were there and the plot was good, it just wasn’t my favorite.

The Wrong Daughter, by Dandy Smith is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story revolves around sisters Caitlin and Olivia, who, when left alone one evening, experience a life-altering event: Olivia disappears without a trace. Years later, a woman claiming to be Olivia returns, but her reappearance raises unsettling questions about her true identity and the events of that fateful night.

This novel masterfully intertwines two compelling storylines, each filled with diabolical manipulation and suspense. The characters are well-developed, drawing readers into their complex world. The narrative’s twists and turns are reminiscent of classic thrillers like “Flowers in the Attic.” This story kept me guessing and eager to uncover the connections between the parallel plots.

As the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself constantly trying to piece together the puzzle, only to be blindsided by unexpected revelations. The themes explored can be unsettling, but they add depth to the narrative, making it all the more compelling. Overall, “The Wrong Daughter” exceeded expectations, delivering a suspenseful and engaging read. It’s a solid 3.75-star book, rounded up to 4 for its ability to keep readers hooked until the very end.

This way very different from my usual selection of books and the ending surprised me a lot. I guess this is what happens when you veer outside your comfort zone :)

The change in POVs between chapters was refreshing and I'm glad we had chapters with differing POVs.

This book had me hooked with the description and definitely has the vibes to hook a reader in from the very beginning, but the storyline could have unfolded a little bit differently in my opinion.

It was a decent read! I was glad to read it, but the ending was different from what I expected as the reader. It might not have worked for me, but it doesn't mean that it won't work for anyone else.

Thank you to Dandy Smith, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this arc! 💕

Manipulation and deception make you constantly wonder what is true and what is a lie. There are some unexpected surprises, but the characters are not as relatable as I'd like and overall the story seems a bit farfetched.

3.5 Stars

A dual timeline introduces readers to Elinor and Heath Ledbury, a couple with a secret so objectionable it refutes societal norms. Their very existence ruled by a cruel and overbearing uncle, they count the minutes until they come of age and become master and mistress of Ledbury Hall.

Witnessing her sister Olivia’s kidnapping at an impressionable age, Caitlin Arden struggles with both the terrifying memory and the desperate need to fill Olivia’s shoes. Setting aside her own ambitions, choosing instead a path sanctioned by her parents, she slugs through life burdened by a crushing sensation of inadequacy, all the while grieving the loss of the sibling she considered her best friend.

Grief turns to shock then to suspicion when Olivia returns with little explanation sixteen years later, and Caitlin’s world spins out of control. Her uneasiness multiplies when Olivia doesn’t remember monumental events and appears determined to destroy her life and every relationship she holds dear.

At times, the chapters involving the Ledburys subtly lend themselves to a gothic aesthetic. While some readers will undoubtedly find issue with the characters’ unconventional lifestyle, most will have a difficult time forgetting either Elinor or Heath.

I am admittedly no prude, but I found one sentence particularly offensive, gratuitous, and joltingly out of character, another descriptive sentence frustratingly repetitive. Brimming with unlikeable characters, as well as a predictable plot, readers may wish to instead invest precious time in Smith’s A PERFECT MATCH or ONE SMALL MISTAKE, I wish I had thoroughly enjoyed THE WRONG DAUGHTER as candid reviews are sometimes difficult. Much appreciation to Dandy Smith, NetGalley, and Embla Books for the ARC.

I read a review where a reviewer said if you like criminal minds, then you’d like this book. I can’t agree more. The prologue along had me hooked. The author’s visual style had me thinking I was watching a crime show episode that could very well be a part of several criminal mind episodes.
I needed a little notepad to keep track of everything because at the 65% ish in, I was wracked my brain to figure out how everything was connected. It was a great ending.
This is dual POV which I love and adds more depth to the book as well.
Rounding up to a solid 4 ⭐️

If you're a fan of Criminal Minds, this book is for you. It focuses on two sisters who aren't as they seem. The story is far fetched as any good thriller is. I especially loved the dual pov that had me guessing until the end.

This was a decent read with some crazy plot twists. It wasn't a great read but it was entertaining. It had kind of a predictable story because of the way it eventually pieced together with the dual POVs of characters. Yet, it was still a good read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC to preview.

Rounded up to 4 stars.
I wanted this book to pull me in more! Still a good "suspenseful" read, but none of the twists and turns kept me on my feet.

Years after her abduction, Caitlin's sister Olivia returns. But quickly Caitlin starts questioning who Olivia really is. Is she really her sister or some imposter, and why?

The most interesting part of the book that kept me guessing was the back-and-forth narrative between Caitlin and another girl, who I could not figure out the relevancy behind her story. While it all comes together in the end, the overall plot is a bit far fetched for me. Nonetheless, it was still a good read!

Thanks NetGalley for the read!

Dandy Smith delivers a masterclass in psychological suspense with The Wrong Daughter—a dark, twist-filled thriller that will leave you breathless.

✨ The Wrong Daughter by @dandysmithauthor✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

📅 Pub Date: Aug 26, 2025
📖 Huge thanks to @netgalley & @kensington.parties ublishing for the ARC!

SIX HOURS. That’s all it took for me to devour this book, sacrificing my sleep because The Wrong Daughter is that unputdownable! My stomach was in knots, goosebumps covered my skin, and the final twists had me SHOOK. This is a superhit thriller—fresh, gripping, and absolutely haunting!

Caitlin and Olivia were just kids when Olivia was taken from their bedroom. Sixteen years later, the family is still shattered—until Olivia returns. But is she really Olivia? Or is something far more sinister at play? Caitlin has lived her whole life under the weight of that night, drowning in guilt, secrets, and whispers. What she has endured because of others’ choices broke my heart. Watching her unravel the truth while facing suspicion, fear, and betrayal was emotionally intense!

Dandy Smith crafts an electrifying, dark, and twisty psychological thriller where nothing is as it seems. Every chapter peels back a new layer, making you second-guess everything. The eerie atmosphere, the emotional depth, the shocking revelations—PERFECTION. I need everyone to read this ASAP!

#TheWrongDaughter #PsychologicalThriller #Unputdownable #SuperHitThriller #GoosebumpsRead #Bookstagram #NetGalley #ThrillerAddict #goodreads #Oscar #adamslandar

Dandy Smith's 'The Wrong Daughter' offers a quick and easy read, perfect for those looking for a light thriller to pass the time. While the characters and their connections didn't fully resonate with me, the book does deliver on its promise of dramatic plot twists, which keep the pages turning. If you enjoy a story with unexpected turns and a fast-paced narrative, this might be a good pick for a casual reading session. While it didn't fully capture my emotional investment, it provides a well-paced and digestible mystery with an ending that wraps things up nicely, that readers will find entertaining.

I was drawn to this book because of it being about sisters. The beginning of the read really gets you into the book but towards the end it started to fall short. This is my first book by Dandy Smith and I am willing to try another book to see if this is just the type of writing it is.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advance reader.

Really decent read and didnt take me long to get through the book, full of twists and had me on the edge of my seat more than once. Thoroughly enjoyed ready this and I will definitely be exploring more of this author xx

Most of the plot was predictable and the parts that weren’t were bizarre, none of the characters were likable and it was confusing for most of the book as to how the two storylines were linked.

This book had me questioning everything. If you love psychological thrillers that make you second-guess every character, their motives, and even your own ability to trust anyone, The Wrong Daughter is for you.

Caitlin’s sister, Olivia, was abducted sixteen years ago. And now? She’s back. But something is off. The tension builds like a slow-burning fire—every glance, every conversation, every little inconsistency adds another layer of unease. The family reunion should be cathartic, but instead, it feels like walking into a trap.

This is one of those books where you think you have it all figured out—until you don’t. And then you really don’t. Twisty, unsettling, and deeply addictive, this is the kind of thriller that will have you flipping pages at 2 AM and texting your friends, “I NEED YOU TO READ THIS SO WE CAN SCREAM TOGETHER.”

thank you net galley for the arc. so there are part that i like and there are parts i don't like .do like there is plot twist,kidnapping,mystery. i just don't like elinors pov. also the story just felt drawn out.