In 1917, at the age of 14, Jessie Carr disappeared never to
be seen again. Seven years later, a man named Oliver mistakes orphan Leah for
his missing niece. He offers Leah a proposition: use your striking resemblance
to convince the Carrs you’re the missing heiress and he’ll split the million
dollars of inheritance with her. After losing her job, Leah is forced to take him
up on the offer, Jessie seems to know stuff about Jessie’s past that she
shouldn’t. To make matters worse, something isn’t right about Jessie’s cousins Leah
goes to stay with. Her suspicions deepen when one of Jessie’s acquaintances mentions
in passing Jessie’s final note saying that one of Jessie’s cousins tried to
kill her. What really happened to Jessie? Could Leah really be Jessie? Will
Leah survive to claim her prize?
Narrator, Tavia Gilbert masterfully captures the personality
and voice of Jessie/Leah. She easily draws the reader into the story with her
use of different voices and clear, distinct voice. Intriguing, well-written
plot with lots of twists and turns, Mary Miley weaves a tale that is, although
not fast-paced, a page turner nonetheless. Although the secondary characters
are not quite as developed, her main character is likeable, mysterious, and
intriguing. Perfect for fans of mysteries, historical fiction, and
suspense/thrillers. Recommended for most library collections.
4 stars, ADULT.
