I was captivated from the first chapter. This truly is a “utterly gripping psychological thriller” and Shalini Boland has really outdone herself!
The book opens with a child abduction in a busy shopping mall play area. A parent’s worst fear. As the child’s mother sits close by, chatting with her friend, grateful to have some time out of the house to have some adult interaction, the abductor makes her move. The mother, grateful her daughter is happily content and occupied in the play yard, oblivious to the dangers. Never for a minute suspecting that something was amiss. Only, the events are told from the abductors point of view, not the mothers. Not only is the synopsis relatable, but it tugged at my feelings, as a mother, and I was sucked in.
The story told in a then and now format. The “then” follows the story of the abductor, while the “now” follows the story of Rachel, the mother whose child was taken from that mall playground years before. When a new family, the Morris’, moves to town, Rachels world is turned upside down. Bella Morris, the eldest daughter of the Morris family, is the spitting image of Rachels missing daughter, Holly. This causes an internal struggle in Rachel to prove that Bella Morris is the daughter that was taken from her all those years ago. While making questionable decisions, Rachel sets out to prove that Bella Morris is her missing daughter. While some of her actions seem crazy, it is hard to say what a person would do in a situation like this. Her actions may seem poorly thought out and almost spur of the moment. As the Morris’s retreat farther from her grasp, her intent obsession with them grows. Her pain, however, is visceral and real and portrays itself well to the reader. As she focuses all her attention on this family, her personal life suffers. Her children seem oblivious. Her partner, Matt, is supportive and understanding. He is a wonderfully written and necessary part of the story. He is a wonderful reprieve to the chaos surrounding Rachel.
Just when you think you have it all figured out, BAM. Your hit with a twist that is out of left field and totally unexpected. It ties the whole story together. There is nothing is left undesired and is one of the best endings I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. The Other Daughter is well written, and well planned to line up the chain of events perfectly. Highly recommend.
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