In Alretha Thomas’s gripping psychological thriller, THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM, the lives of two mothers converge as long-held secrets are slowly revealed. Set in dual timelines a decade apart, the story alternates between Leslie, a respected journalist, and Barbara, a nurse. Leslie is on the verge of a major promotion when she receives a distressing call from the police that her daughters, Jillian and Rhonda, have been in a serious car accident. Ten years earlier, Barbara Morris frantically searches for her missing seven-year-old daughter, Nancy, while navigating the challenges of her troubled marriage and the suspicions surrounding her own involvement in the disappearance. As Leslie’s past catches up with her and the threats mount, she’s forced to confront the shocking truth about what really happened to Nancy and the role she may have played. The novel contains twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM is clearly the work of an author at the top of their game. With over a dozen published titles, Thomas has honed her craft since her acclaimed 2008 debut (Daughter Denied) and is no stranger to crafting edge-of-the-seat suspense. Writing a dual-narrative story that maintains clarity and balance is no easy feat, but the perspectives of Leslie and Barbara are skillfully interwoven, resulting in a seamless, captivating narrative. Chapters often end on tantalizing cliffhangers, and, as the two timelines converge, the tension builds to a fever pitch.
Thomas has also successfully created a cast of characters who feel authentic and relatable. Leslie and Barbara are compelling protagonists, each grappling with their own demons. As their stories unfold, Thomas delves into weighty themes of motherhood, mental illness, and the lasting impact of trauma—handling these sensitive topics with grace and empathy. As Leslie reflects, she realizes she needs to clean up her past in order to have a happy life with her girls going forward.
Barbara is equally complex, struggling with a potent mix of self-rationalization and inner turmoil: “Her shoulder-length, sandy brown hair is in twists, and her chestnut eyes, which used to sparkle, are now flooded with sadness. I cringe at the thought that I’m still a source of pain for her.” While THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM is undoubtedly a page-turner, it’s also a deeply emotional story. Thomas’s insights into the human condition elevate this novel from a straightforward thriller to a nuanced exploration of the complexities of motherhood.
An expertly crafted plot, richly drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes help Alretha Thomas’s THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM stand out in the crowded thriller genre.
~James Weiskittel for IndieReader
