Book Review: Not Our Daughter by [Author’s Name]
If you’ve ever found yourself glued to the screen during a high-stakes chase scene, reminiscent of the heart-pounding thrills in The Fugitive, then you might just want to dive into Not Our Daughter. This newly released thriller really caught my attention with its promises of action, sacrifice, and a family at the heart of a harrowing tale. With an engaging premise and relatable characters, author [Author’s Name] delivers a fast-paced narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat, even if it leaned a bit on the predictable side.
From the get-go, we meet Cole and Lisa—parents who will go to extraordinary lengths to protect their daughter, Jade, despite the secrets from their past. The tension in their lives escalates when they find themselves dodging bullets and outsmarting the FBI, led by the relatable Mark Burns. One of my favorite moments in the book captures that blend of desperation and humor: “If I’ve broken any laws, it’s only to protect my family." It’s that heartbeat of familial love that really draws readers in, reminding us how far we’d go for our loved ones.
The narrative flows with an easy rhythm, making it a quick read. The upbeat pace mirrors the urgency of the characters’ plight—every ticking second adds to the tension. I found myself completely absorbed, popcorn in hand, rooting for this family on the run, fully invested in how they would maneuver through the challenges ahead. Yet, as thrilling as the plot was, the twists felt somewhat predictable. I often found myself spotting the breadcrumbs too early, which diluted some of the suspense. It would have been nice to see a few surprises that would have made the chase even more exhilarating.
That said, there’s a charm in the writing that compensates for these predictable turns. [Author’s Name] has a knack for character development. Cole’s relationship with Jade is both sincere and heartfelt. Their dynamic felt genuine—reflected poignantly in the line, “No one is to blame. We’re all in this together.” I loved the honesty within their family unit, despite the chaos that envelops them. Even as Cole makes questionable decisions, some intuitively rooted in concern, it’s easy to empathize with him. After all, how can one truly plan for a crisis while racing against time?
Mark Burns, the tenacious FBI agent, adds another layer to the narrative. I couldn’t help but think of Tommy Lee Jones as I read his candor and his gradual questioning of his own motives—another highlight that felt like a nod to my beloved Fugitive. His teenage daughter troubles made him relatable and humanized the ‘bad guy’ in this chase.
In conclusion, Not Our Daughter doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it certainly delivers a fast-paced thrill ride perfect for readers who enjoy action-packed narratives filled with family stakes. It’s a delightful escape that proves that while life may force us into chaos, love can still shine through the panic. If you’re a fan of heart-racing stories about sacrifice and determination, then this book is worth your time. As for me, I appreciated the adrenaline rush after a long day, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, entertaining read. ✨
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.