Book Review ~ Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas

 

Title: Missing Melissa

Author: Alretha Thomas

Release Date: May 5th 2015

Page Amount: 301 pages, Paperback

GoodReads Blurb:

Twenty-two years old with a journalism degree from UCLA and a promising entry level position at a television station, Madeline Patterson is ready to take on the Universe. Raised by two loving parents, adored by her grandmother, protected by her dog, Pepper, and supported by her best friend—Madeline has it all. There’s only one thing missing—literally missing—her identical twin, Melissa.

When Madeline and Melissa were three-years-old, their mother was carjacked in broad daylight while taking them to a doctor’s appointment. She was able to get away with Madeline in tow, but the assailants left the scene before she could rescue Melissa. A long and massive search ensued, but Melissa was never found and is believed to be dead. However, a dream Madeline has on her twenty-second birthday, wherein Melissa appears to her as a grown woman pleading for help, convinces her Melissa is still alive. Against her parents’ wishes, Madeline vows to find her twin. However, in doing so, she unknowingly stumbles upon a series of startling clues that point to her parents’ possible involvement in Melissa’s disappearance. Paralyzed by fear, Madeline doesn’t want to face what could possibly be the ugly and grim truth about her parents. However, her desire to find Melissa propels her forward—but nothing could prepare her for what she discovers.

Review:

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I'm normally not a huge fan of reading mysteries but lately I have been getting more interested in doing so. The author of this book reached out to me. One of the things that really drew me in was that the protagonist had a journalism degree. Part of my major in college was Journalism. That was what first drew me in but the rest of it intrigued me as well. So, I decided that I wanted to give this book a chance. A little side note: I also really like this cover a lot. 

As for the story, it was a very interesting read. There were some twists throughout it, as well. It was a very good mystery story that I really enjoyed. Part of what kept me away from reading mysteries for so long was that I felt as if they were very formulaic. This book did not feel like it had that same "formula" applied to it. I was kept guessing for most of the book. I also liked that it did not end with the realization of what happened all of those years ago with Madeline and Melissa. It went on to the aftermath of it, as well. It also did touch on aspects of the day to day lives of the people. With life going on, as it would. There was also a bit of romance but I don't feel like it was so much that it distracted from the mystery part of the story. 

The thing that did sort of bother me a but was that I didn't feel as if I felt the characters emotions as strongly as I should have. For some parts where it really should have made me feel for them, I just wasn't able to. 

However, this was overall a very good read. If you are a fan of Mystery or New Adult - or both - I think that giving this one a try is definitely worth it. I would rate it 3.5 quills.