HRP: Mother Daughter Sister Stranger

4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

4 stars!!!

Hank Phillippi Ryan has a way of writing a thriller that grabs you immediately and refuses to let go. Mother, Daughter, Sister, Stranger was fast-paced, captivating, and incredibly difficult to put down. I found myself completely pulled into the story, desperately trying to connect all the pieces alongside the characters.

At one point, I realized the characters had been up all night and desperately needed sleep, and honestly, so did I! The story was moving so quickly and the tension was so high that I needed a break just as much as they did.

I truly didn’t know what to think throughout this entire book. Every time I thought I had figured out what was happening, who was responsible, or where the story was going, Ryan would take it in a completely different direction. I felt like I was holding onto a tiny thread and kept pulling and pulling, desperately trying to figure out where it would lead. (In a good way!)

I especially loved the multiple storylines and characters at the center of the mystery. Somehow, even with so many things happening, the story remained easy to follow. I also loved the Boston-area setting, particularly the escape to a remote lake destination. There is something about a secluded location in a thriller that automatically makes everything feel more ominous, and Ryan uses that setting beautifully.

The overarching theme of family and the complicated connections between mothers, daughters, sisters, spouses, and strangers was one of my favorite parts of the story. The little girl was absolutely precious, and I really connected with the main character.

That said, there were moments when the sheer amount of chaos became a little stressful. The main character is constantly moving, reacting, and trying to figure everything out, which absolutely works to build the tension and keep the thriller moving. As a reader, though, I occasionally found myself wishing for just a tiny release from all that intensity.

There were also a few side storylines that I really enjoyed but wished had been developed or resolved a little more. For example, the missing clothes belonging to the sister felt like such a significant detail, and I wanted more of that storyline. This was something that didn’t get enough attention. Also, The missing husband also seemed like it should have played a larger role. I loved having these additional pieces to the puzzle, but I wanted a little more resolution with some of them.

Still, the ending was excellent. One of my biggest frustrations with psychological thrillers is when the ending becomes so complicated or unrealistic that it pulls me completely out of the story. That didn’t happen here. The resolution felt strong, satisfying, and believable.

Overall, this is an A+ example of how to write a gripping thriller. I was hooked, constantly guessing, and completely invested in finding out what would happen next.

I devoured this book in two days.

And because I listened to the audiobook, I must give a special shout-out to the narrator. The narration was fantastic and added another layer to an already incredibly compelling story.

Gripping. Fast-paced. Twisty. Complicated. Addictive.

If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Stranger is a book you to pick up.