jbronderbookreviews

Familiar Strangers by Jackie Walsh

‘I took you, Becca. You’re not my daughter.’

Since Becca Wall’s mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, every day Becca loses a little more of the loving, caring mother who would do anything for her only daughter. But when one day Nancy Wall confesses that Becca is not her child, Becca’s world falls apart.

Becca tells herself that the words are just a cruel symptom of Nancy’s illness; after all, she has her birth certificate, and pictures of herself as a newborn along with her Mom, Dad and older brother, Danny. Becca tries to forget, to get on with her life – until the day the police question her about the whereabouts of a missing woman, Katie Collins.

Katie has disappeared without a trace, telling her husband that she is leaving to find Rebecca Wall. But Becca doesn’t know Katie, so it’s a case of mistaken identity – isn’t it? But as Becca discovers why Katie was desperate to find her, the lies that Becca has always believed come crashing down. Soon, it’s clear that someone knows the truth – and that they’ll stop at nothing to keep their secrets…

An addictive, fast-paced psychological thriller with a shocking twist that will leave you gasping. Fans of The Girl on the Train, The Wife Between Us and T.M Logan will be gripped until the very last page.

Amazon US     Amazon UK     Goodreads

About the Author

Jackie Walsh lives in Dublin with her husband Paul and dog Layla. After years spent building her own business, she decided to take time out and pursue her interest in writing. With a lot to learn, she spent years attending classes and writing groups, going to festivals and launches, writing and rewriting, until eventually sending her words out into the world.  Now she is thrilled to have landed a publisher. Especially Hera Books, a new company headed by two women who have years of experience and love a good story.

Jackie is a member of the Irish Writers Centre, The Irish Crime writers group and proof that perseverance can work.

Twitter

My Review

5 Stars

Rebeca Wall has been working two dead end jobs just to pay for her apartment and dealing with her mother’s Alzheimer’s which has gotten to the point that she has to be in around the clock care. On a visit with her mother, Becca’s mother tells her that she is not her daughter, that she was taken. Becca is shaken and is wondering if she really was someone else’s child or if this is part of the Alzheimer’s.

When Becca gets home she thinks someone has been in her house. It’s not obvious, just minor things that seem to be out of place. Then the police ask her about a missing woman, Katie Collins. Becca has only hear of that name from the television but when Katie’s body is found along with a note with Becca’s name on it the police take more of an interest in Becca.

This was an interesting read. I was instantly curious about Becca and the possibility of her being someone else’s child. But then the whole investigation into Katie’s death really had me curious. I was on the edge of my seat and turning pages as fast as possible to see what was going to happen next. I was kept guessing about the killer right to the end, which I just loved.

I do have to say that I didn’t really like Becca. She made some really stupid choices and although the mystery had me engaged I didn’t really care what happened to her. Now having said that, this is a great story and the first one of Jackie Walsh’s that I have read. I will definitely be checking out her other books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank Boon on the Bright Side for the opportunity to read and share this book.