I’m not the wife you think I amJust weeks after giving birth, new mum Stephanie Henderson and her baby girl disappear.With husband Adam in despair, and the police investigation stalled, it’s up to her sister Jess to find them. But when Adam starts to behave suspiciously, Jess starts to question what really happened.Following news of a tragic accident, she suspects the worst and, in turmoil, goes … tragic accident, she suspects the worst and, in turmoil, goes in search of answers. But Jess isn t prepared for what she uncovers . . . or for what happens next.
This is a twisted psychological thriller that will make you question what is real, and whether you really can trust those you love.
‘This is a gripping suspense novel, and a powerful testament to the bond between sisters. Clear your diary and get the snacks in. Once you open this one, you won’t be putting it down.’ Cass Hunter, author of The After Wife
‘A Complex and intriguing novel that paints a dark picture of dysfunctional family relationships’ Fiona Cummins, author of Rattle
Reader reviews
‘This thought-provoking novel is full of unexpected psychological layers and twists and turns’
‘A fantastic read that had me gripped . . . I read it in one suspenseful sitting’
‘A very well written book which has you hooked from the start’more
A few weeks after giving birth, Stephanie Henderson disappears with her daughter, Natalie. Needless to say, her husband, Adam, and older daughter Jess have many questions that need answered
Police hit a dead end with no clues, no witnesses and Jess takes it upon herself to look for her missing mother and sister. It’s when her dad starts acting out of character that Jess begins to wonder what really happened the night they disappeared.
What is he hiding? Who knows the truth? Can Jess handle the truth?
This is a well written complex story involving family dynamics of all sorts. Told in three parts, the loudest voice is from Jess. There are chapters in Adam’s voice and there are also diary entries from Stephanie. There are secrets and lies and twists and turns that sometimes defy logic.
My Sister is Missing is Julia Barrett’s debut novel. This one will have you questioning what is real and what isn’t … and whether you can trust the people you love.
Many thanks to the author / RedDoor Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
My sister is missing is a complex, multi-faceted and deep read. I got a real and rare insight into a horrifying case of post-partum psychosis and how it affects people around the sufferer. There are several narrators in the book – which keeps the readers on their toes – but also gives us lots of different perspectives. I felt huge sympathy for Jess and her struggles – and I enjoyed her background story very much as well. There is a LOT in this book – its not a fluffy read – but it is entertaining and a page-turner. Recommended.
/ 5
There is nothing I like more than a great book from a debut author. Unfortunately My Sister is Missing by Julia Barrett missed the mark a bit for me.
What it’s about: Jess’s sister Stephanie seems like she’s perfectly happy. She just had a beautiful baby girl Natalie and she’s happily married to her husband Adam. But one day she disappears, taking Natalie with her. Jess can’t figure out where she would have gone or why. Sure she was a little moody, but aren’t most new moms? Plus Adam seems to be hiding something. Jess goes searching for answers, but finds out more than she ever thought possible.
I really liked the flow of this book, and I definitely think this author has a lot of potential. There are multiple POVs, short chapters, and secrets which are all things I love. However, the book got confusing at times with obscure character viewpoints, sentences that jumped between people without much sense of who was talking, and a mystery that is really not so mysterious.
My Sister is Missing seems to be marketed as a psychological thriller/suspense novel, but I would call it more of a literary/women’s fiction novel with a touch of a mystery. There are tough themes that are dealt with really well, and I think the focus was more on those than an actual mystery.
Final Thought: While I didn’t find this book twisty or that mysterious, I did enjoy reading it. I would recommend to people that read a lot of women’s fiction and enjoy books with tough themes that are well done. I would also definitely read more from this author, and will be on the lookout for her next one!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book!