There was much to enjoy here, but I found I couldn't connect with it. I'd read more from this author in the future though.

When Julie Whitaker, kidnapped from her home when she was only thirteen years old, seemingly returns to her family, it seems her parents and sister can finally begin to heal. But then a private detective begins to feed the flames of doubt Julie's mother, Anna, has already been feeling. If this woman isn't her daughter, who is she? And why would she be pretending to be Julie?

Gentry has created a very suspenseful story. From the first chapter, when readers witness Julie's kidnapping through the eyes of her younger sister, Jane, we are given a look into a tale both tragic and twisted. While one aspect of the story moves forward, the other moves back in time, multiple perspectives upping the mystery.

The one downside of these clever writing choices is that the book can occasionally get confusing. I had a hard time sometimes keeping track of what was happening and to whom. But I think this confusion was purposeful, and makes sense given what readers later learn about the characters and their lives up to that point.

This is the second book in a row I have read dealing with child abduction, and one among many out there that have offered a fictionalized take on an all-too-real subject. But Gentry has created a unique story that will keep you guessing and have you unable to stop turning pages.

Julie is kidnapped from her home at the age of 13. The only witness is her little sister who is too afraid to say anything for a few yours. As the years go by, the family goes on in the only way it can with one part missing. Eight years later, her mother Anna opens the door to find a young woman at her door. Julie is home! She tells the story of being sold as a sex slave, first in their home state of Texas and ending up in Mexico, where she eventually escapes. When Anna finds out that Julie has missed some therapy appointments, she begins to feel a twinge of doubt. That twinge becomes a lot bigger when a private investigator calls her and tells her he doesn’t think that Julie is really Julie. He thinks she is someone named Gretchen. We then learn Gretchen’s story and all the other personas this person has used to survive.

I can’t say too much because I don’t want to give away everything but this is one of those books that I did not want to put down! As you could tell if you saw the bags under my eyes this morning. I thought I knew everything that was happening but I really didn’t. I did figure it out before it was over but that was perfectly fine. It is extremely suspenseful and has got enough twists to make you think. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more from Amy Gentry.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Julie Whitaker is kidnapped at age 13. Years later a young woman who claims to be her appears at her parents door. Julie's mother has doubts. This psychological thriller delivers on its promise.