Member Reviews
Enter the enigmatic world of Daughter of Mine, a gripping mystery and thriller that unfurls the sinister tapestry of a vanished parent, a sunken vehicle lurking in a lake's depths, and a murder plot against the backdrop of a drought-stricken small town. Adding to the intrigue, familial bonds shatter when the late patriarch's will discloses an unexpected inheritance plan, leaving the family home solely to his daughter and sidelining his two sons.
Hazel Holt, offspring of the departed Perry, reluctantly returns to Mirror Lake for her father's final rites. Strained ties with her brothers and the longstanding mystery of her missing mother cast shadows over her homecoming. The revelation that Hazel is the sole heir to Perry's estate becomes a catalyst for family turmoil. As Hazel delves into the task of organizing her father's estate, hidden secrets emerge, intertwining with a puzzling missing person's case that unravels everything she thought she knew.
In the realm of psychological suspense and intricate character development, Daughter of Mine aligns with the conventions of a compelling mystery thriller. What sets it apart is its distinctive narrative structure and profound exploration of family dynamics. Divided into four parts, each chapter opens with a temporal marker, counting the days since the onset of the drought. The arid backdrop mirrors the ebb and flow of suspense, with the narrative gaining momentum as precipitation finally graces the landscape. The Holt family relationships, initially seemingly straightforward, reveal depths of complexity.
The atmospheric richness of the novel is a testament to its immersive storytelling. From the vivid portrayal of the lake and the town to the parched landscape, the narrative not only encapsulates the impact of the drought on the environment but also vividly reflects its resonance in the lives of Mirror Lake's inhabitants.
This is an understated yet tense thriller, unfolding at a deliberate pace, particularly in its early stages. Hazel, the primary narrator, may not be instantly memorable, but the unfolding mystery and the revelation of the murderer overshadow any initial reservations. The palpable atmosphere and the tumultuous dynamics within the Holt family make Daughter of Mine an absorbing and enthralling read.
“Daughter, though. Daughters are different.” We sure are.
I had a really tough time getting into this book. It seemed to be for me so slow at the beginning and I didn't have any investment in the characters. The story felt scattered. In the last 20-25% of the story did pick up and came to an interesting resolution but for me it just took to long to get there. It just did not work for me unfortunately.
This was my very first time reading a book from this author Megan Miranda. Let’s just say I will be checking out her back list. This book is more mystery than thriller which I prefer. I found the twist settle but impactful. The twist had a purpose/ added to the story unlike other books where they have a twist that doesn’t make sense to the story; it’s just a twist for the sake of it. This is a strong 4/5 stars. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I just finished reading "Daughter of Mine" by Megan Miranda. Thanks you NetGalley and SImon ELement for an advancec copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I have read many books by this author. They are always filled with unique conflicts and surprises as well as characters. You can never quite tell where the story is going and the characters often are developed in a way that makes the story mysterious and revealing. This book is no different. The mystery involves two women, married to the same man, who disappeared mysteriously. The man dies and leaves his home andits possesions to his "daugher" , the reason being a mystery. When the daugher (Hazel) returns for her fathers funeral, she is thrust into the mystery when a car mysteriously is found in the lake by her family home. Hazel is confronted with questions and is told that she can't trust anyone and everyone seems to be hiding something, including her brothers Caden and Gage. The characters in ths story are all flawed and their flaws are reviealed throughout the book. Even though there are many characters they are all integral to the development of the story.
What I liked about this story is that the characters are human, complicated and filled with emotions and secrets, but at the base of this story is a family that is trying to stick together and protect each other...or are they? There were some surprises that I didn't see coming at first (like who is the real bad guy...or girl). But overall I found this book to be entertaining. This book started slow but it paid off with excellent story telling and suspensful action. I really wanted to know the truth and it did not disappoint.
This is a great choice for those who like mystery, suspense, long lost love, and famil drama. A well written story with a well explained ending.
Happy Reading
I loved this book! A perfectly paced mystery thriller that will have you hooked. Protagonist Hazel’s complicated family history will keep you guessing at the plot twists until the very end. At times emotional, at times hair raising this book has it all. A perfect light or summer read.
I am a huge fan of a slow burn thriller, as long as the ending pays off. In my opinion, no one does this type of book like Megan Miranda. I’ve been a big fan of her books for a while, and so far this one is my favourite!
Daughter of Mine is the story of Hazel who returns to her childhood home after her father passes away. She is met with open arms from one brother and hostility from the other.
As her father’s affairs get straightened out, it only strains her relationship with her family further. This is all during the time that 2 cars are discovered in the lake and questions about Hazel’s past and the disappearance of her Mother a decade earlier are brought up.
This book does the perfect job of providing bits and pieces of the puzzle slowly, which creates an incredibly enjoyable reading experience. For me, her books are anxiety in print form. Megan creates the most atmospheric reads and the setting is a character in itself.
The only negative I had about this book is that I don’t know if I could completely buy the ending, but even with that I still loved it. It wasn’t far fetched enough for me to not be able to accept it.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves slow burns and/or atmospheric thriller/mystery/suspense novels
Rounded up from 4.5 stars
This book was full of twists! The setting for this book was absolutely incredible and drew me in from the very beginning. I loved the complicated family dynamics of this story. I remember the first time the niece said Hazel wasn't her aunt I was like 'what?!' At times, I did feel like thr outsiders were a bit much...the high school kids, the web guys, Jamie and her mom...it did feel like there was alot going on which didn't always feel necessary, however it was all really good! Very enjoyable read!
What I love most about Megan Miranda's books is how clearly you can feel the setting impacting the plot. You can FEEL New England in this one, including the secluded nature of this ritzy lake everyone wants to live on. The water dropping makes readers feel like they are watching the clock countdown to finding out the killer. As a reader that reads a lot of thrillers throughout the year, it takes a lot to shock me, and the lightbulb scene gave me literal chills--something I haven't got in a while.
Hazel Sharp, the daughter of Mirror Lake’s local deceive, inherits her childhood home, and she’s drawn back to the town she left behind a decade earlier. During her return, a drought is occurring, and the water levels in the lake drops which reveals long-hidden secrets, including evidence that may help to explain her mother’s disappearance.
I really enjoyed this one! It had a slow start for me, but it did pick up. Miranda created a great atmosphere. It was very suspenseful and had some great tension and unease. You didn’t know who to trust, and you learn twists at the same time as the characters with the puzzle pieces slowly falling in place over the novel.
The complex family dynamics was very compelling for me, and I loved the complicated nature of the family relationships.
Overall, this was a very suspenseful and tense read that will keep you guessing until the end. I really liked how it was laid out in parts and that it got more intense as the drought got longer and as the impending rain comes.
I was pleased to receive an early copy of Megan Miranda’s latest novel, as I believe I have read all her previous books. This one wasn’t my absolute favourite of hers story-wise but it still had a solid storyline and intrigue. I did feel some parts were dragged out and the end wrapped up rather quickly, but I was glad I read it.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for e review based upon my honest opinion.
This book started at 62 days without rain in a lake town, and when the water levels get so low secrets are uncovered. Hazel has finally come home, her father has passed and it is time to return. Hazel and her brothers, Caden and Gage don’t always see eye to eye, and their father’s death makes that even more so.
As the water level lowers and the days without rain continue, the town is on edge, when a car emerges from the bottom of the lake, what secrets will it hold, how will it impact the small village of Mirror Lake?
I liked the format if the story and the characters. There were a few great twists, I did guess the ending but still enjoyed reading it. This author writes some great books. I always watch out for her new releases.
Once again, Megan Miranda delivers another flawless thriller, so rich in atmosphere and character development. I did accurately guess pretty early on the ending, however, the ride to the end was full of intrigue and adventure.
4.5⭐️ Considering this was a slow burn I actually really enjoyed it. It was full of atmosphere and impending dread and twists I wasn’t expecting.
I loved this book. It was incredibly well written as usual. I've loved this author ever since her first book. I have purchased a physical copy.
3.5 Stars My expectations for Daughter of Mine were high as I am a longtime fan of Megan Miranda. I liked the mystery aspect of it, but I wasn't hanging on the edge of my seat in anticipation and couldn't become fully immersed in the story as a whole. I also didn't connect with the main character and secondary characters. The ending was abrupt and underwhelming, and the pacing was too slow. Also, the countdown of the days of the drought as a header at the beginning of each chapter was annoying. A few moments were suspenseful, and IMO it was underwhelming and short-lived. I enjoyed reading her last ADC of The Only Survivors more than Daughter of Mine, but I will anxiously await her next book.
"When Perry Holt, a longtime resident of Mirror Lake and local detective, dies suddenly from a heart attack, his daughter Hazel Sharp becomes drawn back to the town she left behind almost a decade earlier and to her family and friends she left behind to attend her father's memorial. She receives unexpected news from her uncle Roy, a lawyer, who informs her that she has solely inherited the family home and all its contents. Her brothers, especially Caden, are shocked upon hearing this. But Hazel's not the only relic of the past to return: a drought has descended on the region, and as the water level in the lake drops and exposes long-hidden secrets, buried begin to emerge, including evidence that may help finally explain the mystery of her mother's disappearance." and dark family secrets, betrayal: Is her mother alive? Was she murdered by someone close to her? Will the answers tear this family apart or bring them closer together?
I want to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ADC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Daughter of Mine is now available to buy.
This is my second book by the author, and it was an okay read for me. I liked the book, but I wasn't in love with it.
There were some things I really liked about the book, while a few things irked me.
For example, most of the characters were unlikable and made questionable decisions.
Another thing that I didn't care for too much was the rushed ending. To me it felt as if the author had a few pages to wrap it up, and managed to tie everything nicely to fit the required number of words. A tad too convenient for my liking.
Now, some of the things i did enjoy:
The author has a way of weaving the story that gets me hooked from the first page. The chapters are short and there's a nice flow to the narration. I flew by the book in a couple of days, which is always a positive thing, in my opinion.
All in all a solid three stars, but it won't make my top faves of the year, unfortunately.
4.5/ 5 stars
Daughter of Mine is a Family drama/suspense thriller. It is my eighth book by this author.
The book is divided into four parts: Father, Mother, Sons, Daughter.
The story takes place over 10 days. Hazel had left the small town of Mirror Lake. But she returns for her dad's memorial (Detective Perry Holt). At the same time the town is having a drought. And as the water in the lake drops secrets emerge.
Hazel has two brothers Caden and Gage. Her mom left her when she was 14.
I really liked this book. It is eerie and creepy. And I had no idea who Hazel could trust. Her brother Caden was so mean to her. And I could not figure out who was good and who was bad.
I really enjoyed the mystery and I could not put this book down. It was so riveting and at the end I could not turn the pages fast enough to see how it would end. Such a great thriller!
Packed full of tension and mystery, this thriller delivers it all! Just what I expect from a Megan Miranda book!
Definitely recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Daughter of Mine is a tangled web of a mystery that slowly ratchets up the tension chapter by chapter. The first half is a bit slower than I would have liked but the second half really picks things up and it all comes together in the final pages, as any good mystery does. I loved the small town setting, the complicated family dynamics and the overall tone of the book but would have liked the pacing to be a bit more swift. Not the most memorable thriller/mystery I've ever read but fans of the genre and fans of Miranda's other work won't be disappointed. I'd recommend.
“… A drought has descended on the region, and as the water level in the lake drops, long-hidden secrets begin to emerge.”
This book was SO good. I had so many theories and NONE of them were right. Although some people thought the book was slow-paced, I found it the opposite. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, eating up every little bread crumb, and it kept me guessing until the very end.
I’m definitely going to be recommending this to everyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.