What do you think?
Rate this book
Missing Sister
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26Revenge. It's all relative.
Born three minutes apart, Penny and Nix Albright grew up doing everything together, close as only twins can be. But when Nix dies in a tragic accident soon after college, she leaves behind a cryptic voicemail that has Penny guilt-ridden and desperate for justice.
Five Years Later
Penny has found new purpose as a rookie cop. She’s working to fulfill Nix’s dream of making the world a safer place, but following that dream becomes a nightmare when she’s called to her first murder scene. When she sees the victim, she knows him instantly. It’s Danny Bowery—one of three men she’s long blamed for Nix’s death—splayed in a pool of blood outside a posh Atlanta shopping center, almost as if she’d wished it so.
Stunned, Penny steps away to catch her breath and discovers a blonde in blood-drenched clothes gripping a box cutter. Before Penny can arrest her, the woman reveals that Bowery’s murder is part of a larger story that is far from over. A story about sisters. And with that, the killer disappears.
Now, Penny will stop at nothing to pursue this dangerous woman and learn why she’s avenging Nix’s death. The deeper she dives into the mystery, the less clear it becomes who is hunting whom in this captivating page-turner of hidden motives and deadly consequences.
Born three minutes apart, Penny and Nix Albright grew up doing everything together, close as only twins can be. But when Nix dies in a tragic accident soon after college, she leaves behind a cryptic voicemail that has Penny guilt-ridden and desperate for justice.
Five Years Later
Penny has found new purpose as a rookie cop. She’s working to fulfill Nix’s dream of making the world a safer place, but following that dream becomes a nightmare when she’s called to her first murder scene. When she sees the victim, she knows him instantly. It’s Danny Bowery—one of three men she’s long blamed for Nix’s death—splayed in a pool of blood outside a posh Atlanta shopping center, almost as if she’d wished it so.
Stunned, Penny steps away to catch her breath and discovers a blonde in blood-drenched clothes gripping a box cutter. Before Penny can arrest her, the woman reveals that Bowery’s murder is part of a larger story that is far from over. A story about sisters. And with that, the killer disappears.
Now, Penny will stop at nothing to pursue this dangerous woman and learn why she’s avenging Nix’s death. The deeper she dives into the mystery, the less clear it becomes who is hunting whom in this captivating page-turner of hidden motives and deadly consequences.
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 3, 2026
40 people are currently reading
12118 people want to read
About the author
Joshilyn Jackson
32 books6,742 followersJackson's latest, MISSING SISTER, pubs MARCH, 3, 2026. Pre-order now!
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson writes both page-turning domestic suspense and Southern book club novels that revolve around timely women’s issues, raising questions about justice, motherhood, career, class, and the thorny mechanics of redemption. Her critically acclaimed work has been translated into more than a dozen languages, and Jackson is also an award-winning audiobook narrator. She lives in a gently haunted 150-year-old Victorian Rowhouse in upstate New York with her family.
A recent expat from the American South, she lives in a mildly haunted Victorian row house in upstate New York.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson writes both page-turning domestic suspense and Southern book club novels that revolve around timely women’s issues, raising questions about justice, motherhood, career, class, and the thorny mechanics of redemption. Her critically acclaimed work has been translated into more than a dozen languages, and Jackson is also an award-winning audiobook narrator. She lives in a gently haunted 150-year-old Victorian Rowhouse in upstate New York with her family.
A recent expat from the American South, she lives in a mildly haunted Victorian row house in upstate New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
September 5, 2025
Now available for pre-order! MISSING SISTER launches March 3, 2026.
“Deliciously sinister, this exploration of the uniquely intense bond only twins share is a winner. Joshilyn Jackson’s twisty storytelling is not to be missed.” — #1 NYT bestselling author, Karin Slaughter on Missing Sister
"Penny is the perfect narrator: Whip smart, funny, flawed, big-hearted, and caught up in a wild ride of a story that kept me up way past my bedtime." — Sara Gruen, #1 NYT bestselling author on Missing Sister
"A thrill ride that kept surprising me, but the real treasure is the family at the heart of this fast-paced tale of sisters and revenge. I loved every breathless minute of it." — Abbott Kahler, NYT bestselling author of Where You End on Missing Sister
“Deliciously sinister, this exploration of the uniquely intense bond only twins share is a winner. Joshilyn Jackson’s twisty storytelling is not to be missed.” — #1 NYT bestselling author, Karin Slaughter on Missing Sister
"Penny is the perfect narrator: Whip smart, funny, flawed, big-hearted, and caught up in a wild ride of a story that kept me up way past my bedtime." — Sara Gruen, #1 NYT bestselling author on Missing Sister
"A thrill ride that kept surprising me, but the real treasure is the family at the heart of this fast-paced tale of sisters and revenge. I loved every breathless minute of it." — Abbott Kahler, NYT bestselling author of Where You End on Missing Sister
October 25, 2025
I received a free copy of, Missing Sister, by Joshilyn Jackson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Penny and Nix are twins, Nix was murdered and the killer was never caught. This was a dark and heavy read, with unlikable characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
review to come
September 22, 2025
SYNOPSIS
-Penny and her twin, Nix, were inseparable until Nix died of an overdose shortly after college.
-Five years later, Penny’s a rookie cop trying to carry out Nix’s dream of making the world safer.
-On her very first murder scene, the victim turns out to be one of the guys she blames for Nix’s death.
-A blonde woman shows up covered in blood, hints that this killing is part of a bigger story about sisters and revenge, then disappears.
⸻
MY THOUGHTS
-Being in Penny’s head the whole time made it feel super personal.
-The mix of revenge, justice, and messy family stuff worked really well.
-Super easy writing style, which made it a quick read even when the plot got heavy.
-I stayed hooked and didn’t want to put it down.
-The ending actually paid off and felt worth the ride.
⸻
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars. Fast, juicy, and all about sisters, revenge, and justice. I flew through it and liked the way it wrapped up.
⸻
THANKS: Thanks to William Morrow and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be published on March 3, 2026.
-Penny and her twin, Nix, were inseparable until Nix died of an overdose shortly after college.
-Five years later, Penny’s a rookie cop trying to carry out Nix’s dream of making the world safer.
-On her very first murder scene, the victim turns out to be one of the guys she blames for Nix’s death.
-A blonde woman shows up covered in blood, hints that this killing is part of a bigger story about sisters and revenge, then disappears.
⸻
MY THOUGHTS
-Being in Penny’s head the whole time made it feel super personal.
-The mix of revenge, justice, and messy family stuff worked really well.
-Super easy writing style, which made it a quick read even when the plot got heavy.
-I stayed hooked and didn’t want to put it down.
-The ending actually paid off and felt worth the ride.
⸻
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars. Fast, juicy, and all about sisters, revenge, and justice. I flew through it and liked the way it wrapped up.
⸻
THANKS: Thanks to William Morrow and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be published on March 3, 2026.
Read
August 29, 2025DNF @ 20%. I tried, but I found it slow and really hated the main character. Also, nothing about how the police work read as authentic. Not for me.
November 2, 2025
I am so mixed on this one. I love Joslyn Jackson’s books, did not like the first half of this book at all - The plot revolves around Penny and Penny’s life revolves around the fact that she lost her twin to a drug overdose. Penny is a rookie police officer who lets murder suspect “Thalia” walk because she “feels a connection” with Thalia and steals the evidence in order to let Thalia go free. Just no.
Penny’s department then executes a search warrant on her residence - with no probable cause. Another rookie reported hearing Penny talking to someone at the crime scene and - tada! - that was enough to get a warrant. Ugh!!!! I even checked the credits and it stated Jackson consulted with a police department on this one…. Yes I know it’s fiction, but if you’re going to write crime, get it right.
However, once we are past that nonsense, the second half was a great story. The characters develop and become interesting and the pace picks up quite a bit. Penny discovers the murderer’s true identity, the motive, and the truth about her twin. I flew through the second half and would not be surprised to see a sequel. I would love a sequel focusing on Thalia (aka Polly, aka Clio) as I found her character much more compelling.
Big thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy!
Penny’s department then executes a search warrant on her residence - with no probable cause. Another rookie reported hearing Penny talking to someone at the crime scene and - tada! - that was enough to get a warrant. Ugh!!!! I even checked the credits and it stated Jackson consulted with a police department on this one…. Yes I know it’s fiction, but if you’re going to write crime, get it right.
However, once we are past that nonsense, the second half was a great story. The characters develop and become interesting and the pace picks up quite a bit. Penny discovers the murderer’s true identity, the motive, and the truth about her twin. I flew through the second half and would not be surprised to see a sequel. I would love a sequel focusing on Thalia (aka Polly, aka Clio) as I found her character much more compelling.
Big thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy!
September 20, 2025
I really wanted to like this book but had to DNF at 50%. The story line is there but I kept getting bored with the extra chunkiness of it. Why did I need to know a page and a half of her dating experience, I understand its unedited, and I've read enough thrillers/mysteries and police procedural. I feel like this could be a really good book. Also excessive on the full name of Thalia was a lot. I got lost in the excess details and I couldn't keep engaged.
October 25, 2025
I’m going go have to DNF this one at 50%. I’ve enjoyed a couple other thrillers by this author, but this one is really dragging for me and I don’t feel connected with the main character. I tried putting it down and coming back to it, and I just can’t make progress. I hope others like it more than me!
Thank you very much to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 4, 2025
pardon my french but FUCK this is such a good book, so absurdly well written, so unique and original and unpredictable and overall amazing. First thriller i’ve loved in a while, 5 stars through and through
November 26, 2025
Thank you to the author, Joshilyn Jackson, and her publisher for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
How would you feel if the people that ruined your sister's life, turned up dead? What would you do if you came face to face with the person responsible for those deaths? Would you do the right thing and turn them in? Or would you look the other way and let them carry on their mission? This book was so full of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. It had me hooked pretty much immediately. It was different from any of the thrillers that I have read recently. It made me think of what I would do if something happened to my sister. I highly recommend this book when it comes out on March 3rd, 2026.
How would you feel if the people that ruined your sister's life, turned up dead? What would you do if you came face to face with the person responsible for those deaths? Would you do the right thing and turn them in? Or would you look the other way and let them carry on their mission? This book was so full of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. It had me hooked pretty much immediately. It was different from any of the thrillers that I have read recently. It made me think of what I would do if something happened to my sister. I highly recommend this book when it comes out on March 3rd, 2026.
February 2, 2026
Joshilyn Jackson, renowned Southern storyteller and "Queen of Twists," masterfully weaves a propulsive, gritty, and intricately layered psychological thriller in her latest work, MISSING SISTER, that delves deep into the complex relationship between twin sisters and revenge.
This compelling narrative plunges into the labyrinthine dynamics of twin sisters, unraveling their complex relationship with a blend of raw emotion and unforeseen plot turns. Jackson's masterful storytelling pulls readers into a gritty world where secrets lurk beneath the surface, leaving them breathless with each suspenseful twist and layered revelation.
Exploring themes of generational trauma, the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, and a rookie cop’s relentless quest for vigilante justice. From the echoes of the past to the unfolding present, Jackson deftly prompts readers to grapple with the nuanced shades of morality on the often treacherous path toward redemption.
As always, the author skillfully crafts a tale that compels you to turn the pages voraciously, eager to uncover the choices her protagonist will ultimately confront.
Highlights...
My thoughts...
Twisty, provocative, gritty, and thought-provoking, the author cleverly uses short, sharp scenes to weave together past and present with a multi-layered mystery that moves the plot along with heart-pounding suspense.
As a devoted admirer of the author, for years, I have eagerly immersed myself in every one of her works. Each book is a delightful journey through her vibrant Southern storytelling, brimming with sharp wit, captivating suspense, and heartfelt emotions that linger long after the final page is turned.
Penny is an intriguing character and continues her investigation despite being suspended from operating as a private citizen who knows exactly where to look for clues that other police are ignoring.
Instead of hunting Thalia to arrest her, Penny seeks her out to understand her motives and the "sister story" she mentioned at the murder scene. With the help of her family, Grand (brother) and Shadow (niece), with her hacking skills.
Thalia is a complex character, a systematic killer who targets men involved in past assaults, framing her actions as a "story about sisters". Her character is built around themes of trauma-driven revenge rather than traditional villainy. She is highly intelligent and manipulative, using cryptic messages to convince Penny to let her go while at the first crime scene.
Despite her cold exterior, her motives are rooted in a fierce, protective sense of sisterhood. Both women have been "shaped by unfair and unjust life experiences," and their character arcs revolve around realizing they are not as alone as they believe.
As the mystery unfolds, it is revealed that "Thalia Grey" may be one of several aliases, including Polly and Clio, reflecting her ability to move through the world undetected. Penny is drawn to Thalia because she recognizes a shared loneliness and trauma. Thalia represents the path of violent justice that Penny—as a cop—is forced to choose between supporting or stopping.
In MISSING SISTER, the narrative focuses on the moral "gray areas" of justice and the messy bond between siblings. Penny carries immense guilt for not "saving" Nix. Her investigation is less about solving a crime and more about finding a way to forgive herself for being the twin who survived.
Themes...
~The Weight of Sisterhood
~Vigilantism vs. Legal Justice
~Generational Trauma
~The Cost of Secrecy
~Redemption and Absolution
~The Dangers of Addiction
~Grief and Guilt
~Morality in a "Broken World."
The relationship between Penny and her niece Shadow (Nix’s daughter) serves as a mirror for Penny’s unresolved grief and a warning about the cycle of trauma. Penny’s major choice and the identity of the third attacker bring her journey from "rule-following cop" to "avenger" to a head. The climax forces Penny to reconcile her oath as a police officer with her personal need for retribution.
Sinister, chilling, and powerful!
The author focuses on the dark side of human nature, skillfully examining the "shades of morality" involved when good people make questionable decisions in the face of deep injustice. The duo finds common ground in their shared experiences of being shaped by an "unfair and unjust" world.
Jackson fans will eagerly immerse themselves in the gripping suspense of MISSING SISTER, a thrilling narrative that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats. As you delve into the story, you will be captivated by the dynamic duo of Penny and Thalia—two distinct characters whose extraordinary talents shine through in their quest for justice.
The anticipation of a potential sequel only heightens the excitement, leaving readers longing for further adventures with these compelling characters as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
The title...
The title is significant because it functions on multiple levels, referring not only to the physical absence of Penny's deceased twin, Nix, but also to the metaphorical missing parts of their lives and the introduction of a new, unknown "sister" in the form of the killer Thalia. The title, therefore, also refers to the universal, powerful, and sometimes dark bond that all sisters share, and the lengths they will go to for one another, even after death.
Recs...
If you’re digging the gritty, morally complex vibe of MISSING SISTER, these psychological authors hit the same notes of family trauma and vigilante justice in their novels: by Karin Slaughter, Sally Hepworth, Lisa Unger, Mary Kubica, Jennifer Hillier, and Lisa Gardner.
Special thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for graciously providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I look forward to listening to the audiobook (Mar 3), which is always a treat narrated by Joshilyn!
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Mar 03, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
This compelling narrative plunges into the labyrinthine dynamics of twin sisters, unraveling their complex relationship with a blend of raw emotion and unforeseen plot turns. Jackson's masterful storytelling pulls readers into a gritty world where secrets lurk beneath the surface, leaving them breathless with each suspenseful twist and layered revelation.
Exploring themes of generational trauma, the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, and a rookie cop’s relentless quest for vigilante justice. From the echoes of the past to the unfolding present, Jackson deftly prompts readers to grapple with the nuanced shades of morality on the often treacherous path toward redemption.
As always, the author skillfully crafts a tale that compels you to turn the pages voraciously, eager to uncover the choices her protagonist will ultimately confront.
Highlights...
Backstory:
Identical twins Penny and Nix Albright were inseparable until Nix was raped in college and subsequently spiraled into drug addiction. Five years before the novel's start, Nix died of an overdose, leaving Penny with a cryptic voicemail and immense guilt.
A Familiar Victim:
Now a rookie police officer in Atlanta, Penny is called to her first murder scene: a stabbing at an upscale shopping village. The victim is Danny Bowery, one of three men Penny blames for Nix’s downfall and death.
The Confrontation:
At the scene, Penny discovers a woman drenched in blood and holding a box cutter. The woman, identifying herself as Thalia Grey, whispers that this is part of a "bigger story about sisters".
The Choice:
Instead of arresting the prime suspect, Penny allows Thalia to escape and pockets the murder weapon. This decision leads to her suspension from the force but allows her to investigate Thalia's motives privately.
The Pattern of Revenge:
Penny discovers that Danny Bowery isn't the first of Nix's attackers to die; another man, Xav Castillo, was murdered around the second anniversary of Nix’s death. Now they are both in search of the third man in this twisty mystery.
The Investigation:
As Penny hunts for Thalia, the narrative explores whether Thalia is an "avenging angel" for Nix or if she has her own separate "sister story" involving the third attacker.
The Climax:
The story concludes with several rapid-fire twists in the final third, examining the "shades of morality" and the lengths sisters will go for one another, even after death.
My thoughts...
Twisty, provocative, gritty, and thought-provoking, the author cleverly uses short, sharp scenes to weave together past and present with a multi-layered mystery that moves the plot along with heart-pounding suspense.
As a devoted admirer of the author, for years, I have eagerly immersed myself in every one of her works. Each book is a delightful journey through her vibrant Southern storytelling, brimming with sharp wit, captivating suspense, and heartfelt emotions that linger long after the final page is turned.
Penny is an intriguing character and continues her investigation despite being suspended from operating as a private citizen who knows exactly where to look for clues that other police are ignoring.
Instead of hunting Thalia to arrest her, Penny seeks her out to understand her motives and the "sister story" she mentioned at the murder scene. With the help of her family, Grand (brother) and Shadow (niece), with her hacking skills.
Thalia is a complex character, a systematic killer who targets men involved in past assaults, framing her actions as a "story about sisters". Her character is built around themes of trauma-driven revenge rather than traditional villainy. She is highly intelligent and manipulative, using cryptic messages to convince Penny to let her go while at the first crime scene.
Despite her cold exterior, her motives are rooted in a fierce, protective sense of sisterhood. Both women have been "shaped by unfair and unjust life experiences," and their character arcs revolve around realizing they are not as alone as they believe.
As the mystery unfolds, it is revealed that "Thalia Grey" may be one of several aliases, including Polly and Clio, reflecting her ability to move through the world undetected. Penny is drawn to Thalia because she recognizes a shared loneliness and trauma. Thalia represents the path of violent justice that Penny—as a cop—is forced to choose between supporting or stopping.
In MISSING SISTER, the narrative focuses on the moral "gray areas" of justice and the messy bond between siblings. Penny carries immense guilt for not "saving" Nix. Her investigation is less about solving a crime and more about finding a way to forgive herself for being the twin who survived.
Themes...
~The Weight of Sisterhood
~Vigilantism vs. Legal Justice
~Generational Trauma
~The Cost of Secrecy
~Redemption and Absolution
~The Dangers of Addiction
~Grief and Guilt
~Morality in a "Broken World."
The relationship between Penny and her niece Shadow (Nix’s daughter) serves as a mirror for Penny’s unresolved grief and a warning about the cycle of trauma. Penny’s major choice and the identity of the third attacker bring her journey from "rule-following cop" to "avenger" to a head. The climax forces Penny to reconcile her oath as a police officer with her personal need for retribution.
Sinister, chilling, and powerful!
The author focuses on the dark side of human nature, skillfully examining the "shades of morality" involved when good people make questionable decisions in the face of deep injustice. The duo finds common ground in their shared experiences of being shaped by an "unfair and unjust" world.
Jackson fans will eagerly immerse themselves in the gripping suspense of MISSING SISTER, a thrilling narrative that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats. As you delve into the story, you will be captivated by the dynamic duo of Penny and Thalia—two distinct characters whose extraordinary talents shine through in their quest for justice.
The anticipation of a potential sequel only heightens the excitement, leaving readers longing for further adventures with these compelling characters as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
The title...
The title is significant because it functions on multiple levels, referring not only to the physical absence of Penny's deceased twin, Nix, but also to the metaphorical missing parts of their lives and the introduction of a new, unknown "sister" in the form of the killer Thalia. The title, therefore, also refers to the universal, powerful, and sometimes dark bond that all sisters share, and the lengths they will go to for one another, even after death.
Recs...
If you’re digging the gritty, morally complex vibe of MISSING SISTER, these psychological authors hit the same notes of family trauma and vigilante justice in their novels: by Karin Slaughter, Sally Hepworth, Lisa Unger, Mary Kubica, Jennifer Hillier, and Lisa Gardner.
Special thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for graciously providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I look forward to listening to the audiobook (Mar 3), which is always a treat narrated by Joshilyn!
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Mar 03, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
November 3, 2025
3.5 stars
Joshilyn Jackson is back with this most recent thrill ride. This one is dark. Extra dark. Readers need to be able to manage the content to enjoy the ride, and some will struggle with this. I did.
Penny is a layered character whose losses have set her on a difficult trajectory. When readers meet her, she is a rookie cop, and it's pretty clear this isn't exactly the right choice for her. She expresses uncertainty, and it's not a great sign that she arrives on a murder scene where she not only knows the victim but is glad he's dead. That's just scratching the surface of the unconventional approach she takes to this matter. Along with revealing that she maybe needs to reconsider her professional choices, this scene also opens a window into Penny's past, including the tragic death of her twin sister, Nix.
So much of what happens in this novel centers on issues that some readers will find unmanageable: addiction, rape, sexual assault, and trafficking. Included in this lineup of horrors? Children. It is - to say the least - a difficult read. These topics are fundamental to understanding the plot, different characters' connections, and other characters' motivations, so this isn't a skip ahead a few pages and you'll avoid it scenario. While I enjoyed the mystery and the character development, some of this content was so rough that I got a bit distracted from the fun of the mystery at times. It's not the most intense I've encountered, but it caught me off guard, so this is my vague PSA to those of you who will be happy to have it.
Despite the aforementioned challenges, I enjoyed this book overall, largely because of the way events resolved. I've had mixed responses to Jackson's novels previously, and while I'd do it carefully and with a TW and CW list included, this is one I'd recommend to the right reader.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Joshilyn Jackson is back with this most recent thrill ride. This one is dark. Extra dark. Readers need to be able to manage the content to enjoy the ride, and some will struggle with this. I did.
Penny is a layered character whose losses have set her on a difficult trajectory. When readers meet her, she is a rookie cop, and it's pretty clear this isn't exactly the right choice for her. She expresses uncertainty, and it's not a great sign that she arrives on a murder scene where she not only knows the victim but is glad he's dead. That's just scratching the surface of the unconventional approach she takes to this matter. Along with revealing that she maybe needs to reconsider her professional choices, this scene also opens a window into Penny's past, including the tragic death of her twin sister, Nix.
So much of what happens in this novel centers on issues that some readers will find unmanageable: addiction, rape, sexual assault, and trafficking. Included in this lineup of horrors? Children. It is - to say the least - a difficult read. These topics are fundamental to understanding the plot, different characters' connections, and other characters' motivations, so this isn't a skip ahead a few pages and you'll avoid it scenario. While I enjoyed the mystery and the character development, some of this content was so rough that I got a bit distracted from the fun of the mystery at times. It's not the most intense I've encountered, but it caught me off guard, so this is my vague PSA to those of you who will be happy to have it.
Despite the aforementioned challenges, I enjoyed this book overall, largely because of the way events resolved. I've had mixed responses to Jackson's novels previously, and while I'd do it carefully and with a TW and CW list included, this is one I'd recommend to the right reader.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
October 28, 2025
Joshilyn Jackson repeatedly just delivers and I love it! This book was no difference. Along with murder, the book was really all about family and love. The sibling bond was beautiful (if not fully believable). But at its core it was still a revenge thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
October 20, 2025
Penny became a cop after she lost her twin sister, Nix, from an overdose. An overdose she believes was a result of a rape that her sister went through. After being called on to a murder scene, Penny recognizes the victim as one of the men who was part of the rape against her sister. Around the corner from the murder scene, she runs into a woman covered in blood holding a box cutter. Penny instantly knows that this is the killer. Penny takes the murder weapon from her but not before they have an interesting conversation, a conversation that leads Penny to make one bad decision after another. Before the other police officers can get there, Penny has let the woman go. Thus begins the cat & mouse chase between Penny & this woman to avenge the death of her sister, but things are definitely not as they seem.
Thank you to NetGalley & William Morrow for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley & William Morrow for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 7, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for this uncorrected eproof ARC of 'Missing Sister' by Joshilyn Jackson - expected release date of 03/03/2026.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jackson is really good, and each book she writes gets better and better. I've enjoyed most everything I've read of hers and was thrilled to be approved for this ARC! She switches writing styles between domestic thriller/suspense and book-clubby type novels featuring strong women characters facing everyday issues, and I'm here for it all from her. This was domestic suspense and it took just a bit to get rolling but once it did, it went off into a twisting and turning adventure where I figured a few things out but then was completely off track on some too Jackson has never done a book 2, that I know of, but, I think she could write another book following this one focusing on Thalia's path after this book ends. But even with they said, I'm not mad how this ended - enough was given to feel like this story could be done too.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jackson is really good, and each book she writes gets better and better. I've enjoyed most everything I've read of hers and was thrilled to be approved for this ARC! She switches writing styles between domestic thriller/suspense and book-clubby type novels featuring strong women characters facing everyday issues, and I'm here for it all from her. This was domestic suspense and it took just a bit to get rolling but once it did, it went off into a twisting and turning adventure where I figured a few things out but then was completely off track on some too Jackson has never done a book 2, that I know of, but, I think she could write another book following this one focusing on Thalia's path after this book ends. But even with they said, I'm not mad how this ended - enough was given to feel like this story could be done too.
October 31, 2025
Joshilyn Jackson’s Missing sister
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow books
I am an instant buy for Joshilyn Jackson books. This book had me on pins and needles as this story talks about about twin sisters being extremely close, Penny and Nix and Nix dies after a drug over dose after college and Penny is left feeling like she was to blame. Heartbreaking and mysterious as the last voicemail that was left is somewhat cryptic.
Years later Penny is a rookie cop trying to fill the void and bring justice to the world after her sisters incident. When she is called to a scene that involves one of the three meant that she has blamed for the last five years of killing her sister, her life turns upside down!
This book was intense and mysterious! I enjoyed the characters and the basis of the book. I was rooting for the main character the whole time praying for justice and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I flew through this book! What a ride!
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow books
I am an instant buy for Joshilyn Jackson books. This book had me on pins and needles as this story talks about about twin sisters being extremely close, Penny and Nix and Nix dies after a drug over dose after college and Penny is left feeling like she was to blame. Heartbreaking and mysterious as the last voicemail that was left is somewhat cryptic.
Years later Penny is a rookie cop trying to fill the void and bring justice to the world after her sisters incident. When she is called to a scene that involves one of the three meant that she has blamed for the last five years of killing her sister, her life turns upside down!
This book was intense and mysterious! I enjoyed the characters and the basis of the book. I was rooting for the main character the whole time praying for justice and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I flew through this book! What a ride!
February 5, 2026
Missing Sister
Joshilyn Jackson
Pub: 3/3/26
Revenge… It’s all relative.
Penny is a rookie cop on a mission to make the world a safer place after her sisters tragic death five years ago. Quickly that dream turns into a nightmare when she's called to her first murder scene.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚? Tension and a little rage.
Missing Sister was a suspenseful, character driven mystery with family drama and plenty of grit. I always love a good revenge story and this one hit the spot. It’s a slow building start but once we get into the meaty parts, I didn’t want to put it down. That ending still has me wondering if there might be more to come?
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩?
The Twist at about 85%. 😳 I definitely did not see that coming.
𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
Readers Who Enjoy:
✨ Revenge Stories
✨ Messy Families
✨ Twists
✨ Quick Reads
Thank you to William Morrow Books for the #gifted copy. #EpicTastemakers
Joshilyn Jackson
Pub: 3/3/26
Revenge… It’s all relative.
Penny is a rookie cop on a mission to make the world a safer place after her sisters tragic death five years ago. Quickly that dream turns into a nightmare when she's called to her first murder scene.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚? Tension and a little rage.
Missing Sister was a suspenseful, character driven mystery with family drama and plenty of grit. I always love a good revenge story and this one hit the spot. It’s a slow building start but once we get into the meaty parts, I didn’t want to put it down. That ending still has me wondering if there might be more to come?
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩?
The Twist at about 85%. 😳 I definitely did not see that coming.
𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
Readers Who Enjoy:
✨ Revenge Stories
✨ Messy Families
✨ Twists
✨ Quick Reads
Thank you to William Morrow Books for the #gifted copy. #EpicTastemakers
December 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel.
The policing aspect of this novel left so much to be desired here. I enjoy a good drama with that angle, but a lot of it seemed unrealistic. Also, I didn't totally love the main character, and I found that the random things she did were kind of immature for something her age/profession. Honestly, I think perhaps the book just wasn't for me. However, I do plan to try another book by this author in the future.
The policing aspect of this novel left so much to be desired here. I enjoy a good drama with that angle, but a lot of it seemed unrealistic. Also, I didn't totally love the main character, and I found that the random things she did were kind of immature for something her age/profession. Honestly, I think perhaps the book just wasn't for me. However, I do plan to try another book by this author in the future.
September 14, 2025
I wasn't crazy about the main character (though her niece was a gem), but there was a lovely tension woven throughout that really saved the whole situation.
January 10, 2026
What a way to start my 2026 reading! What a fantastic book. I’ve read and loved everything Joshilyn Jackson has ever published and I will always read her new books, no questions asked. At no point did I see what was coming, could I guess a turn of events, or did I feel bored with the story. Will be recommending this all year long! Thank you for the ARC HarperCollins!
January 19, 2026
Suspend a little bit of belief before going into this story and you’ll enjoy the ride! I liked the characters and the plot, though it may not be entirely plausible when it comes to police procedure. The chapters were a nice pace and the story felt complete at the end for me.
If you’re a fan of stories where the main character is a rookie cop and the ends up being the one investigated for the crime (because this does feel like a relatively common thriller trope to me lol) you’ll enjoy it!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
If you’re a fan of stories where the main character is a rookie cop and the ends up being the one investigated for the crime (because this does feel like a relatively common thriller trope to me lol) you’ll enjoy it!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
November 30, 2025
I've enjoyed most of the Joshilyn Jackson books I've read, but this one was just okay. The mystery isn't all that compelling, and it requires me to suspend way too much disbelief to get to the conclusion. No cop would ever behave the way Penny does, and Thalia's involvement in Nix's story is so coincidental it's ridiculous. There's also a LOT going on here -- human trafficking, kidnapping, drugs, rape. Pick a topic, Joshilyn. You don't have to cover it all in one book.
Side note: the character names in this book are ludicrous. Shadow, Gand, Xav, Nix. Really? For god's sake choose some normal names for your characters so the reader doesn't have to stop and shake their head every single time one of them comes up. It took me out of the story every time somebody called one of these people by name, especially Shadow. Who names their kid Shadow?! A minor irritation, I know, but it was SO distracting.
I'll probably continue to read Joshilyn Jackson's books, because she's had more hits than misses for me. But this one was not my favorite. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book.
Side note: the character names in this book are ludicrous. Shadow, Gand, Xav, Nix. Really? For god's sake choose some normal names for your characters so the reader doesn't have to stop and shake their head every single time one of them comes up. It took me out of the story every time somebody called one of these people by name, especially Shadow. Who names their kid Shadow?! A minor irritation, I know, but it was SO distracting.
I'll probably continue to read Joshilyn Jackson's books, because she's had more hits than misses for me. But this one was not my favorite. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book.
October 30, 2025
Missing Sister is a gritty family mystery that will keep you guessing and reading. There's so much atmosphere and the characters, especially the lead Penny, are nuanced and deep. Nothing is black and white there, lots and lots of gray. I like Joshilyn Jackson's book and this is a great addition.
November 20, 2025
thank you to netgalley & william morrow for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review. i knew i was gonna have issues with this one when the main character called her supervisor “goals” and “a certified baddie” in the first chapter. i had already visibly cringed and i wasn’t even 4% through the book. i hoped that it would get better, but it just didn’t. i felt like this book just dragged so much and was bogged down with a bunch of unnecessary details that just made it feel clunky to read. i didn’t like the main character at all, so i couldn’t really connect with her or what was going on. this plot could have made for such a cool story, but it just didn’t work for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson is an exceptional, very highly recommended domestic thriller. This tension-packed, well-written Southern character-driven drama following the complex relationship between sisters, as well as revenge. Any novel by Joshilyn Jackson is a novel that should be read immediately. This is one of the best of 2026.
Penny Albright is a rookie cop in Kennesaw, Georgia, whose deceased twin, Nix, is always on her mind. The two grew up with the close connection twins and sisters share. Second guessing actions she could have taken, Penny continues to feel guilty after Nix died from an overdose five years earlier. So when she is called to her first first murder scene, Penny is shocked to realize she recognizes the victim, Danny Bowery. He is one of the three men who assaulted Nix, sending her into the downward spiral which ended in her death.
When Penny is tasked with cordoning off the area, she smells something and goes off to investigate. In an alley she finds a woman, drenched in blood, vaping, with a bloody box cutter nearby. She calls herself Thalia Grey and intimates that Bowery's death is related to something much larger. Something that involves sisters. Something that is not done, that doesn't involve cops. Penny feels an inexplicable connection with Thalia, tells her to run and lets her go. She bags the box cutter and says nothing, later hiding it. Circumstances spiral out of control, leaving Penny willing to sacrifice her career to find out who Thalia really is and, perhaps, help her.
As expected, the writing is excellent, the pace is fast, and the tension rises with every page in this un-put-downable thriller following Penny investigating on her own. Penny also knows that Xav Castillo, another one of the three men involved in Nix’s death, has also been murdered recently and questions if his death is connected to Bowery's death. With Thalia's comment that it was about sisters on the forefront of her mind, Penny wonders if it is about revenge for Nix or a sister of Thalia. Complicating matters are family issues, with her niece Shadow, who has been suspended from school for hacking, and her wandering, influencer brother, Shadow’s father, Gand, arriving.
Penny is a complex, fully-realized character with both strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I thought she was a great, well-developed character. Jackson captured the special connection that sisters, especially twins, can have, including the talking to/thinking about the missing sister after one passes away. Thalia along with the supporting characters also come to life under Jackson masterful writing.
All of the twists and surprises in the plot are unpredictable while adding to the anxiety and fear over what could happen next. Perhaps some suspension of disbelief is required, but I willingly, easily did so as the tension increased along with the questions and danger. My complete attention was held right up to the surprising final denouement. I sincerely hope this is the start of a new series featuring Penny Albright.
Missing Sister is an excellent choice for everyone who enjoys character-driven domestic thrillers. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Penny Albright is a rookie cop in Kennesaw, Georgia, whose deceased twin, Nix, is always on her mind. The two grew up with the close connection twins and sisters share. Second guessing actions she could have taken, Penny continues to feel guilty after Nix died from an overdose five years earlier. So when she is called to her first first murder scene, Penny is shocked to realize she recognizes the victim, Danny Bowery. He is one of the three men who assaulted Nix, sending her into the downward spiral which ended in her death.
When Penny is tasked with cordoning off the area, she smells something and goes off to investigate. In an alley she finds a woman, drenched in blood, vaping, with a bloody box cutter nearby. She calls herself Thalia Grey and intimates that Bowery's death is related to something much larger. Something that involves sisters. Something that is not done, that doesn't involve cops. Penny feels an inexplicable connection with Thalia, tells her to run and lets her go. She bags the box cutter and says nothing, later hiding it. Circumstances spiral out of control, leaving Penny willing to sacrifice her career to find out who Thalia really is and, perhaps, help her.
As expected, the writing is excellent, the pace is fast, and the tension rises with every page in this un-put-downable thriller following Penny investigating on her own. Penny also knows that Xav Castillo, another one of the three men involved in Nix’s death, has also been murdered recently and questions if his death is connected to Bowery's death. With Thalia's comment that it was about sisters on the forefront of her mind, Penny wonders if it is about revenge for Nix or a sister of Thalia. Complicating matters are family issues, with her niece Shadow, who has been suspended from school for hacking, and her wandering, influencer brother, Shadow’s father, Gand, arriving.
Penny is a complex, fully-realized character with both strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I thought she was a great, well-developed character. Jackson captured the special connection that sisters, especially twins, can have, including the talking to/thinking about the missing sister after one passes away. Thalia along with the supporting characters also come to life under Jackson masterful writing.
All of the twists and surprises in the plot are unpredictable while adding to the anxiety and fear over what could happen next. Perhaps some suspension of disbelief is required, but I willingly, easily did so as the tension increased along with the questions and danger. My complete attention was held right up to the surprising final denouement. I sincerely hope this is the start of a new series featuring Penny Albright.
Missing Sister is an excellent choice for everyone who enjoys character-driven domestic thrillers. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Penny was almost a graduate cop, coping with her first up-close homicide. As she views the slashed bloody body sprawled in the road, she realizes that she knew the murder victim, and her mind flashes between horror and giddiness. He was the grown-up version of one of the three college brutes who wrecked her twin sister's life. When Penny recognized the dead man, she immediately thought of a murder occurring a few months before. Another of Nix’s rapists was also killed, this time with a baseball bat. Her first thought was that the two murders were connected.
Penny and Nicki, or Nix, were so close they could read each other's minds and finish each other's thoughts. When Nix was sexually assaulted by the three, she gave up on law school, abused drugs and moved away from her family and friends. Penny received a desperate message on her phone from her twin just before she died from an overdose, which was the impetus for changing her career from chef to cop-perhaps she could save another girl from a bad situation, even though she let her sister down.
Penny is ordered to secure the area, and as she tapes off the crime scene, she smells the herbal scent of a vape dispenser. At the end of an alley sits a very composed woman on a step covered with blood. Penny realizes that she is the murderer, and that the box cutter next to her is the murder weapon. She casually introduces herself as Thalia Gray. Penny bags the knife and begins the arrest but decides to let her go after Gray drops the word “sisters,” might she be Nix’s avenger?
As Penny deals with a suspension from the police force, her main goal is to find Thalia and explore her connection to Nix. Coping with her hippie-dippy elder brother and his teen hacker daughter, and Nix’s ex-boyfriend and Penny’s possible love interest are just distractions but also a possible good source for clues. Will Penny find Thalia and solve this mystery before the third guy is killed…and will she regret it if she does?
Joshilyn Jackson is the Queen of The Unreliable Narrator, and this novel does NOT disappoint. As soon as it was finished, I had to create the sub-title “Everything You Thought You Knew Was Wrong,” and restart it on page one. It was like reading a completely different book! You will be amazed at Jackson’s sleight-of-hand as she leads you down the tangled rabbit hole that is Thalia Gray’s world. This is absolutely series-worthy and I’d love to see Penny and Thalia teamed up again.
Penny and Nicki, or Nix, were so close they could read each other's minds and finish each other's thoughts. When Nix was sexually assaulted by the three, she gave up on law school, abused drugs and moved away from her family and friends. Penny received a desperate message on her phone from her twin just before she died from an overdose, which was the impetus for changing her career from chef to cop-perhaps she could save another girl from a bad situation, even though she let her sister down.
Penny is ordered to secure the area, and as she tapes off the crime scene, she smells the herbal scent of a vape dispenser. At the end of an alley sits a very composed woman on a step covered with blood. Penny realizes that she is the murderer, and that the box cutter next to her is the murder weapon. She casually introduces herself as Thalia Gray. Penny bags the knife and begins the arrest but decides to let her go after Gray drops the word “sisters,” might she be Nix’s avenger?
As Penny deals with a suspension from the police force, her main goal is to find Thalia and explore her connection to Nix. Coping with her hippie-dippy elder brother and his teen hacker daughter, and Nix’s ex-boyfriend and Penny’s possible love interest are just distractions but also a possible good source for clues. Will Penny find Thalia and solve this mystery before the third guy is killed…and will she regret it if she does?
Joshilyn Jackson is the Queen of The Unreliable Narrator, and this novel does NOT disappoint. As soon as it was finished, I had to create the sub-title “Everything You Thought You Knew Was Wrong,” and restart it on page one. It was like reading a completely different book! You will be amazed at Jackson’s sleight-of-hand as she leads you down the tangled rabbit hole that is Thalia Gray’s world. This is absolutely series-worthy and I’d love to see Penny and Thalia teamed up again.
November 16, 2025
📚Missing Sister
✍🏻Joshilyn Jackson
Blurb:
Revenge. It's all relative.
Born three minutes apart, Penny and Nix Albright grew up doing everything together, close as only twins can be. But when Nix dies in a tragic accident soon after college, she leaves behind a cryptic voicemail that has Penny guilt-ridden and desperate for justice.
Five Years Later
Penny has found new purpose as a rookie cop. She’s working to fulfill Nix’s dream of making the world a safer place, but following that dream becomes a nightmare when she’s called to her first murder scene. When she sees the victim, she knows him instantly. It’s Danny Bowery—one of three men she’s long blamed for Nix’s death—splayed in a pool of blood outside a posh Atlanta shopping center, almost as if she’d wished it so.
Stunned, Penny steps away to catch her breath and discovers a blonde in blood-drenched clothes gripping a box cutter. Before Penny can arrest her, the woman reveals that Bowery’s murder is part of a larger story that is far from over. A story about sisters. And with that, the killer disappears.
Now, Penny will stop at nothing to pursue this dangerous woman and learn why she’s avenging Nix’s death. The deeper she dives into the mystery, the less clear it becomes who is hunting whom in this captivating page-turner of hidden motives and deadly consequences.
My Thoughts:
Five years after her sister's death, police officer Penny finds herself investigating the murder of one of the men thought to be involved with her sister's death..Being in Penny’s head the whole time made it feel super personal. The mix of revenge, justice, and messy family stuff worked really well. Super easy writing style, which made it a quick read even when the plot got heavy..I stayed hooked and didn’t want to put it down.A sleepless night because I wanted to finish. I wanted to know all the secrets. I would recommend "Missing Sister" to those that enjoy reading mysterious, dark, sad, and emotional then add this to your TBR List.
Thanks NetGalley,William Morrow Publishing and Author Joshilyn Jackson for the advanced copy of "Missing Sister" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#WilliamMorrowPublisher
#MissingSister
#JoshilynJackson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Drug use, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Trafficking, Murder
✍🏻Joshilyn Jackson
Blurb:
Revenge. It's all relative.
Born three minutes apart, Penny and Nix Albright grew up doing everything together, close as only twins can be. But when Nix dies in a tragic accident soon after college, she leaves behind a cryptic voicemail that has Penny guilt-ridden and desperate for justice.
Five Years Later
Penny has found new purpose as a rookie cop. She’s working to fulfill Nix’s dream of making the world a safer place, but following that dream becomes a nightmare when she’s called to her first murder scene. When she sees the victim, she knows him instantly. It’s Danny Bowery—one of three men she’s long blamed for Nix’s death—splayed in a pool of blood outside a posh Atlanta shopping center, almost as if she’d wished it so.
Stunned, Penny steps away to catch her breath and discovers a blonde in blood-drenched clothes gripping a box cutter. Before Penny can arrest her, the woman reveals that Bowery’s murder is part of a larger story that is far from over. A story about sisters. And with that, the killer disappears.
Now, Penny will stop at nothing to pursue this dangerous woman and learn why she’s avenging Nix’s death. The deeper she dives into the mystery, the less clear it becomes who is hunting whom in this captivating page-turner of hidden motives and deadly consequences.
My Thoughts:
Five years after her sister's death, police officer Penny finds herself investigating the murder of one of the men thought to be involved with her sister's death..Being in Penny’s head the whole time made it feel super personal. The mix of revenge, justice, and messy family stuff worked really well. Super easy writing style, which made it a quick read even when the plot got heavy..I stayed hooked and didn’t want to put it down.A sleepless night because I wanted to finish. I wanted to know all the secrets. I would recommend "Missing Sister" to those that enjoy reading mysterious, dark, sad, and emotional then add this to your TBR List.
Thanks NetGalley,William Morrow Publishing and Author Joshilyn Jackson for the advanced copy of "Missing Sister" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#WilliamMorrowPublisher
#MissingSister
#JoshilynJackson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Drug use, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Trafficking, Murder
December 3, 2025
Publication date 3/3/26
TW:
Holy crap. I've been griping for years that Joshilyn Jackson sold herself short by switching from "women's fiction" to the suspense/thriller genre, but I have to admit that Missing Sister is brilliantly written and skillfully executed. The suspense is top-notch; I was reluctant to read more than one or two chapters at a time in the first half because the story made me so anxious, but by the end I couldn't stop reading.
Penny Albright (that name is a bit much) made an abrupt career change after her twin sister died of a drug overdose. Nix had once planned to become a lawyer to right the wrongs she saw in the world. But in the wake of a brutal gang rape, she dropped out of college and spiraled downward. Penny, once an aspiring chef, entered the police academy after Nix's death in an attempt to pick up her sister's fight. Now a rookie cop called to her first homicide scene, she is shocked to realize she knows the victim. With Nix in the forefront of her mind, she does something completely unprofessional, and that's all I'm going to say plotwise.
Jackson's previous suspense novels were competently done, but I always felt like she was not completely comfortable with the genre. This time, however, she fully integrates her formidable Southern fiction writing skills into the plot. That means lots of colorful family members, messages from the dead, and a Dick-Wolf-Would-Never sense of justice. Jackson makes it easy to identify with Penny's lingering pain and growing determination, even when she enters completely uncharted waters. FYI for readers who hesitate to engage with a law enforcement MC: within the book's first scene, Penny describes the events as "the night I learned I had no business being [a real cop]." Also, her rebellious teenaged niece gleefully scrawls "ACAB" on the driveway at one point when the several police show up to interview Penny.
Missing Sister is the first suspense novel that ever gave me a book hangover.
ARC received from publisher and Net Galley
TW:
Holy crap. I've been griping for years that Joshilyn Jackson sold herself short by switching from "women's fiction" to the suspense/thriller genre, but I have to admit that Missing Sister is brilliantly written and skillfully executed. The suspense is top-notch; I was reluctant to read more than one or two chapters at a time in the first half because the story made me so anxious, but by the end I couldn't stop reading.
Penny Albright (that name is a bit much) made an abrupt career change after her twin sister died of a drug overdose. Nix had once planned to become a lawyer to right the wrongs she saw in the world. But in the wake of a brutal gang rape, she dropped out of college and spiraled downward. Penny, once an aspiring chef, entered the police academy after Nix's death in an attempt to pick up her sister's fight. Now a rookie cop called to her first homicide scene, she is shocked to realize she knows the victim. With Nix in the forefront of her mind, she does something completely unprofessional, and that's all I'm going to say plotwise.
Jackson's previous suspense novels were competently done, but I always felt like she was not completely comfortable with the genre. This time, however, she fully integrates her formidable Southern fiction writing skills into the plot. That means lots of colorful family members, messages from the dead, and a Dick-Wolf-Would-Never sense of justice. Jackson makes it easy to identify with Penny's lingering pain and growing determination, even when she enters completely uncharted waters. FYI for readers who hesitate to engage with a law enforcement MC: within the book's first scene, Penny describes the events as "the night I learned I had no business being [a real cop]." Also, her rebellious teenaged niece gleefully scrawls "ACAB" on the driveway at one point when the several police show up to interview Penny.
Missing Sister is the first suspense novel that ever gave me a book hangover.
ARC received from publisher and Net Galley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3 ⭐️
Joshilyn Jackson’s upcoming release MISSING SISTER features Penny Albright, a rookie police officer who is trying to bring justice to the world after her sister died tragically five years ago. (At first I thought the title was a misnomer because Penny’s sister died and wasn’t missing, but it does end up relating to the story in a different way.)
When Penny is on the scene of her first murder, she knows who the victim is - Danny, one of three men she has blamed for her sister’s death - and when she stumbles upon the murder suspect covered in blood and holding the murder weapon, she decides to cover for the suspect when the suspect tells Penny more is going on with this sister story. This was where I found the plot to be unbelievable. Penny did not seem like a police officer at all, and her poor judgment on her first murder scene was really hard to take. From there, the story unfolded in a predictable way. While I found Penny to be horrible at her job, she was a decent main character to be in the head of. I enjoyed her brother Gand and her niece Shadow.
I was rather underwhelmed by this novel. As I stated before, the premise of a rookie cop going against protocol and covering for a murderer was hard for me to take. And everything else about the story wasn’t suspenseful. I have enjoyed Jackson’s previous books that I’ve read, but for the stated reasons this one just didn’t hit that mark for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
It publishes March 3, 2026.
Joshilyn Jackson’s upcoming release MISSING SISTER features Penny Albright, a rookie police officer who is trying to bring justice to the world after her sister died tragically five years ago. (At first I thought the title was a misnomer because Penny’s sister died and wasn’t missing, but it does end up relating to the story in a different way.)
When Penny is on the scene of her first murder, she knows who the victim is - Danny, one of three men she has blamed for her sister’s death - and when she stumbles upon the murder suspect covered in blood and holding the murder weapon, she decides to cover for the suspect when the suspect tells Penny more is going on with this sister story. This was where I found the plot to be unbelievable. Penny did not seem like a police officer at all, and her poor judgment on her first murder scene was really hard to take. From there, the story unfolded in a predictable way. While I found Penny to be horrible at her job, she was a decent main character to be in the head of. I enjoyed her brother Gand and her niece Shadow.
I was rather underwhelmed by this novel. As I stated before, the premise of a rookie cop going against protocol and covering for a murderer was hard for me to take. And everything else about the story wasn’t suspenseful. I have enjoyed Jackson’s previous books that I’ve read, but for the stated reasons this one just didn’t hit that mark for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
It publishes March 3, 2026.
September 18, 2025
I disliked just about every aspect of this book. First of all, I feel as if it is comparable to two different experiences. Number one: watching a Lifetime Channel movie. Number two: reading some random author you found at 2 am on Wattpad.
Since the very beginning, I was not feeling it fully. While reading the summary, I thought it was going to be a thriller I ended up really enjoying, but obviously, this was not the case for me. The way it was executed ruined it completely.
The Penny and Michael moments were so CRINGE!!! It made me want to put the book down every time they conversed with each other. I tried to push through it, but I ended up having to skim their conversations. It felt like neither character had any brain cells.
The depiction of being a police officer and their duties was poorly shown. I mean, I know it is a fictional story, but the accuracy went out the window. Also, what rookie cop would immediately break the law outwardly for other officers to see?
The way the author wrote this book felt as if she were trying to stay up-to-date with today's lingo, but it made the reading experience worse. One of the adult characters legitimately said "YOLO." At that point, I knew nothing was going to make this book better for me.
The last thing I did not like was the incredibly predictable ending. It could not have been more cliché.
Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow, and Joshilyn Jackson for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Since the very beginning, I was not feeling it fully. While reading the summary, I thought it was going to be a thriller I ended up really enjoying, but obviously, this was not the case for me. The way it was executed ruined it completely.
The Penny and Michael moments were so CRINGE!!! It made me want to put the book down every time they conversed with each other. I tried to push through it, but I ended up having to skim their conversations. It felt like neither character had any brain cells.
The depiction of being a police officer and their duties was poorly shown. I mean, I know it is a fictional story, but the accuracy went out the window. Also, what rookie cop would immediately break the law outwardly for other officers to see?
The way the author wrote this book felt as if she were trying to stay up-to-date with today's lingo, but it made the reading experience worse. One of the adult characters legitimately said "YOLO." At that point, I knew nothing was going to make this book better for me.
The last thing I did not like was the incredibly predictable ending. It could not have been more cliché.
Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow, and Joshilyn Jackson for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews