Review by astoriareader - The Wrong Daughter

astoriareader 's review for:

The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith

5.0

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

SYNOPSIS:

-Sixteen years ago, Caitlin’s sister Olivia was kidnapped while they were home alone. Caitlin was ten, Olivia was thirteen. Olivia never came back.

-Now Caitlin is an adult, engaged, and still haunted by that night. Then one day, out of nowhere, Olivia returns with no explanation of where she’s been or what happened.

-At the same time, we also follow Elinor, a young girl living with her brother in isolation, forced to endure their cruel uncle.

-The two stories weave together into a dark, twisty mystery about family, secrets, and betrayal.

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MY THOUGHTS:

-The dual POVs kept me hooked. Elinor perspective was heartbreaking but compelling, while Caítlin’s storyline added depth and tension.

-Fact-paced. & addictive to read.

-The writing is sharp and immersive. I felt like I was right there in the house when Olivia disappeared, and later in the claustrophobic isolation of Elinor’s world.

-Some very dark topics, so definitely check out trigger warnings.

-It’s not just a mystery, it’s also about grief, guilt, and what happens when the past never really lets go.

-The ending landed perfectly for me. No dragging, no loose threads, just a satisfying conclusion that tied the two stories together in a smart way.

-Totally engrossing. This is the kind of book you can lose an entire afternoon to without realizing it.

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TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️A chilling, fast‑paced mystery with two equally gripping storylines that collide in all the right ways. Beautifully written and impossible to put down.

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THANKS: Thanks to Kensington Publishing | Kensington and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be published on August 26, 2025.

Content Warnings