Long-Lost Sister

by N.L. Hinkens

I just met my long-lost sister — and now she wants me to do something bad.

It started with a DNA test and a match on a genealogy site. One click, and suddenly my world flipped. I have a sister I never knew about.

Callie Madden-Bramston — gorgeous, wealthy, married to a man who looks like he stepped off a yacht. Her life is all designer handbags and luxury holidays.

Mine? Not so much. Maxed-out credit cards, secondhand clothes, a history of bad choices and eviction notices.

I didn’t start off looking for anything from her. I just wanted to get to know her. But when we finally meet in a coffee shop, Callie makes it clear: she’s not here to play sisters.

So why do I say yes when she asks me to do something very dangerous?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2025

About the author

NYT and USA Today bestselling author N. L. Hinkens writes twisty psychological suspense thrillers with unexpected endings. She’s a travel junkie, coffee hound, and idea wrangler, in no particular order. She grew up in Ireland—land of legends and storytelling—and now resides in the US. Her work has won the Grand Prize Next Generation Indie Book Award for fiction, as well as numerous other awards. Join her VIP Reader Club for hot new releases, stellar giveaways, exclusive content, behind the scenes and more. https://normahinkens.com/

Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper has a sister! They’ve been reunited after Piper’s bestie gets her a DNA ancestry kit as a gift. But is this gift the best thing to happen to Piper or is it the worst thing to happen to her?

As I followed Piper’s reunion with Callie, I could see trouble. Callie’s life is like a bomb site. A missing step daughter, abusive husband. Maybe Piper was best off away from her sister. But I totally understood Piper not running scared as soon as her name was starting to be linked with the disappearance. Piper wants family and this is her only blood relative.

Hinkens took me on an unnerving journey. I felt Piper was getting more and more out of her depth and I wanted to pull her to a safer journey full of coffee and AA meetings.

There is so much I can’t talk about from this book for fear of spoiling the story. All I can say was if you like a cracking psych-thriller, this needs to be added to your list. I’m not normally a fan of US based psych-thrillers – until now, the ones written by British authors have had that edge (for me) but Hinkens has turned my head. I’ll definitely be giving her other books a read.

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced psychological thriller. Piper, is trying to rebuild her life when she discovers she has a sister she never knew existed. That discovery sets off a chain of events that quickly spirals into something dark and dangerous.

When Piper meets Callie, her long-lost sister, things seem hopeful at first but it doesn’t take long for secrets to surface. Callie shares disturbing details about her husband Lincoln, and Piper finds herself pulled into a situation that’s way more complicated than she expected. The tension builds quickly.

I loved how the book explored the idea of trust especially when it comes to family. Piper and Callie may be related, but they’re strangers, and that uncertainty adds so much suspense.

This is one of those thrillers that keeps you guessing until the very end.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third read by this author and having really enjoyed both The Caregiver last year and The Neighbor earlier this year, I knew that I was in for a fast-paced and exciting read.

 

In this book we see Piper reunited with her long lost sister, a sister she never knew she had.

After a genealogy test came back with a match, Piper was so excited to finally have someone to connect with, someone to care for her and support her emotionally after a bad few years.

 

I absolutely loved Piper. She's had it tough and I felt that she really was more in need of support than anything else.

Callie on the other hand looked like she had everything. Yet underneath all the money and holidays - she had her own issues and she's determined to drag Piper in with her.

 

There's a lot to unpack here and we explore some tough topics throughout, but these are well written and add a reality and relatability to our characters.

 

The writing style adds tension and was packed with twists, some of which I wasn't ready for.

I loved the short chapters which had me racing ahead and squeezing in an extra chapter or two at each sitting.

 

Another great read to add to my growing collection.

 

[Faye Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long Lost Sister by N.L. Hinkens
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Piper discovers she has a sister.....what follows is a story of lies, deceit and dishonesty.

Back at university, Pipers friend Emma takes her own life after being assaulted. Piper reaches out to Callie, her sister, hoping for reunion.

Over time Callie manipulates situations and leads Piper to believe it's her husband that assaulted Emma. Callie spins a tale of woe and how trapped she is in her marriage. It is a strong storyline and I liked the ending. There are lots of coincidences, some a bit far-fetched, but I enjoyed the book. 

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC. It was ok, but not very plausible and it dragged on a bit. I’d give it 3 stars and that’s being generous. Not enough excitement and the characters were annoying!

My thanks to the author and Joffe publishers for the ARC

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's the worst thing about found family? Well, Piper is about to find out! A psychological thriller that explores family relationships so intricately that it will put anyone off trying to discover family out there!
Wow!! Well, if that is a sister, I'm glad I have a brother!! The author definitely knows how to create characters who are on the dodgy side. I was behind Piper all the way. All she wanted was her sister. Callie, on the other hand, has a different agenda, and as the story unfolds, we see more and more.
Short chapters and a fast pace made this a story I got through so quickly. The conclusion, well, that's a twist!! A cleverly written story!

[Kay Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hinkens works her magic in these pages. An ordinary woman finds out she has a sister she never knew about. And all too quickly, this spirals into a depraved thrill ride. Suspense, tension, and unexpected twists galore.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Piper gets the chance to meet her long-lost sister and is both apprehensive and excited to begin a relationship with Callie. Though, at first, seemingly cold and distant, Callie seems to warm up to Piper and the idea of having a sister. However, one dangerous act leads to a serious of unforgettable and terrifying events. One would question - why did Piper agree to help out in the beginning?

I think one of the things that Hinkens exceeds at is the tension and pacing toward the end of her novels. I've read several of her works, and I simply cannot put down any of her books toward the end because I need to know the end result and how everything wraps up. "Long-Lost Sister" was not any different. My eyes were reading at such a quick pace that I didn't realize I had finished the book until I got to the Epilogue! I give a lot of credit to the way the author is able to end her books with a bang and leave me wanting more!

Writing about a flawed character is difficult, and Piper is definitely flawed. She's a recovering alcoholic, has a secretive dark past, and is in need of familial bonding. Though there were moments I could understand her motives and decisions, there were other moments that I was baffled. I believe in order to make the story make sense and for the reader to stay on Piper's side, even with some bizarre and irrational decisions she makes, the reader needs to let go of reality. This is something I struggle with sometimes since Piper infuriated me to no end (never mind how a particular character needed to constantly shower before something happens), but if I remember that she is not a real person, I can let go of that frustration I feel toward her ridiculous decisions.

Due to her flaws and irrational thinking, I was sometimes pulled out of the story. Yes, the suspense was great and I loved finding out the truth, but I couldn't help being annoyed with Piper several times.

Aside from this, I did enjoy the overall story and how extremely quick this was. I am still excited to read other books from Hinkens and will continue to do so. I give "Long-Lost Sister" 3 out of 5 stars for its fun, fast-paced story line and a twisty ending. I recommend this read to those who enjoy mystery, psychological thrillers and for those who do not mind reading about a flawed character.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher (Joffe Books) for giving me the opportunity to read "Long-Lost Sister". All opinions are my own.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long Lost Sister by NL Hinkens is a captivating journey into the tangled web of family secrets and fractured trust, delivered with the exceptional writing that has become a hallmark of Hinkens’s work. Her prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid emotional landscapes that draw readers into the gritty reality of Piper, a woman recently released from prison after a fierce act of loyalty to protect her best friend, Emma. As Piper seeks to rebuild her life by connecting with her half-sister, Callie, Hinkens masterfully sets the stage for a suspenseful tale that explores the depths of familial bonds and moral dilemmas.

Hinkens’s talent shines through in her ability to craft complex characters with haunting authenticity. Piper’s raw vulnerability and desperate yearning for connection are rendered with such nuance that every misstep and hope feels achingly real, while Callie’s seemingly perfect life—marred by an "abusive" relationship—unravels with chilling precision. The contrast between Piper’s hard-edged past and Callie’s polished yet broken present is described with a deft touch, creating a dynamic tension that permeates every page. Hinkens’s dialogue is equally compelling, crackling with subtext as the sisters navigate trust, betrayal, and shocking revelations, including a harrowing incident involving a dead body.

Thematically, Hinkens excels at delving into the messy, often painful quest for belonging, a signature strength evident in her previous works. Her exploration of found family and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, written with a clarity that makes even the most morally gray decisions feel relatable. While the plot occasionally veers into predictability and some twists may stretch believability, Hinkens’s storytelling prowess keeps the narrative engaging, ensuring that even slower moments are imbued with emotional weight.

Though not without minor flaws, such as pacing issues that slightly dull the suspense at times, Long Lost Sister remains a standout for its beautifully crafted prose and deeply human characters. Fans of domestic thrillers will find much to admire in Hinkens’s signature ability to blend psychological depth with gripping drama.

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Long-Lost Sister by N.L. Hinkens. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Long-Lost Sister. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Who does not love a psychological suspense thriller with a surprise ending? Once again N. L Hinkens has shown that she is a master storyteller and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read and a must-read author for me. I love how she developed the story line and the characters. It was an incredible psychological suspense thriller and has me guessing how they were going to get away with everything that was taking place in the story. I was hooked from the first page, and it was impossible to put it down and I loved every moment on every page of this page turner. I love that the story is told from the perspective of the main character Piper Madden. I loved getting inside the thoughts and feelings of the character. I love all the plot twists and turns in Long-Lost Sister. I could not determine what was really going on behind the events in the story until it was revealed. It took me by surprise how everything and everyone was tied together in this thriller. Long-Lost Sister is the story of Piper Madden, a recovering addict who works at the Wicked Scone. Piper was adopted and her best friend and AA member Marco Diaz gifts her with a myancestry.com membership for her birthday. Piper discovers that she has a sister Callie Madden, and while searching on Facebook finds her sister, Callie Madden-Bramston. Piper messages Callie and they agree to meet at the local mall. Piper begins to introduce herself as Piper Madden as a means to get closer to Callie. Piper learns that Callie’s teenage stepdaughter, Athena, has run away from home and Callie also share that her husband in emotionally and physically abusive. Callie cannot divorce Lincoln because of her prenup. Piper shares secrets about her past with Callie about her college best friend, her addiction, and her criminal record. Callie calls Piper to say that she needs her help after accidentally pushing her husband down the stairs. They devise a plan to dispose of his body and make it looks like a suicide. Unfortunately, it did not go as planned. The police become involved sooner than expected and Lincoln’s parents hire a private investigator. With an unexpected plot twist Piper realizes that Callie has set her up to take the fall for Lincoln’s death. Mysterious anonymous Facebook messages say that they know what she did. Callie goes into hiding at her in-law’s home and Piper is not welcome at their home. Marco helps Piper discover what Callie was really doing and confront her. Then another surprise plot twist puts Piper’s life in jeopardy but reveals everything that happened and perfectly wraps up the story. All secrets were revealed. I kept trying to figure out what was going on with all the characters in the story, it appeared that everyone had something to hide. I loved following the exploration to determine what was really going on in their lives. I love how the story details what really transpired and who was behind the mystery. My favorite part was the surprise ending, I did not see it coming and the perfect ending of Piper and Marco’s love story. I love how everything was interconnected. It was an incredible thriller. Looking forward to reading more books by N.L. Hinkens. Looking for a great thriller, then I highly recommend Long-Lost Sister. I received an advanced copy from the author.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

N.L. Hinken’s Long Lost Sister is a sharp, unsettling, and timely psychological thriller that asks one essential question: what really happens when a stranger suddenly claims to be family? With the rise of at-home DNA testing kits, many people have been surprised by hidden relatives or long-buried secrets, but Hinken takes this modern phenomenon and turns it into a chilling tale of trust, deception, and the vulnerability that comes with longing for connection.

At the heart of the novel is a scenario that feels both relatable and unnerving. When a woman receives news that she has a sister she never knew about, what begins as an exciting possibility soon spirals into suspicion and danger. Hinken masterfully builds tension by forcing both the protagonist and the reader to wrestle with the uncertainty of what is true and what is being manipulated. Every chapter peels back another layer, creating a story that grows more intricate and more unsettling as it progresses.

The plot is not only compelling but also executed with precision. Hinken balances suspense with emotional realism, making this more than just a thriller about lies and betrayal. It is also a story about identity—about the deep human desire to belong, and how that desire can sometimes cloud judgment. The reader is placed in the protagonist’s shoes, experiencing the hope of newfound family alongside the creeping unease that something is not quite right.

Character development plays a major role in the novel’s success. The “long lost sister” is written with an air of ambiguity that keeps the reader constantly questioning her motives. Is she sincere, or is she hiding something dangerous beneath a carefully constructed façade? Likewise, the protagonist’s journey is both gripping and emotional, as she navigates trust, doubt, and the fear of betrayal by someone who claims to share her blood. Their dynamic creates a fascinating push and pull that drives the narrative forward.

Hinken’s prose is fluid and immersive, with just the right mix of dialogue, description, and inner conflict to keep the pages turning. The atmosphere she creates is taut with tension, but also rooted in emotional stakes that make the twists feel all the more powerful. By the time the story reaches its climax, the reader is left both shocked and satisfied, realizing that every breadcrumb along the way was carefully placed.

Ultimately, Long Lost Sister is more than just a suspenseful tale of a family connection gone wrong. It is a thought-provoking exploration of how fragile trust can be, and how dangerous it becomes when it is placed in the wrong hands. Hinken reminds us that not all bonds are built on love, and not every person who shows up claiming to be family should be welcomed without question.

For fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense—especially readers who enjoy works by authors like Shari Lapena or Lisa Jewell—Long Lost Sister is a must-read. With its timely premise, strong execution, and haunting twists, this novel will stay with readers long after the last page.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long Lost Sister by NL Hinkens explores the dangerous territory of family secrets and misplaced trust, delivering a psychological thriller that kept me turning pages even when I wasn't entirely convinced by every plot point.

Piper's journey resonates on a deeply personal level with me right now. As someone who recently discovered through Ancestry.com that my father has a half-sister named Lisa Phillips, I found myself drawn into Piper's desperate search for belonging and family connection. The yearning to understand where you come from, to find that missing piece of your identity, is something that hits close to home. Like Piper, I've been reaching out to a long-lost relative (though Lisa hasn't been active on the platform for over a year), hoping to bridge decades of separation and discover new family stories.

NL Hinkens crafts an intriguing premise: Piper, fresh out of prison for vigilante justice against those who hurt her best friend Emma, discovers she has a half-sister in Callie Madden. The contrast between the sisters is stark – Piper, hardened by experience and living on society's margins, versus Callie, who appears to have everything: wealth, success, and a beautiful home. This dynamic immediately establishes tension and raises questions about the nature versus nurture debate.

The story takes a dark turn when Callie's seemingly perfect life reveals its cracks through her allegedly abusive husband. When he turns up dead and Callie frantically calls Piper for help, the sisters find themselves disposing of a body and staging a suicide. NL Hinkens does an adequate job building suspense around whether Callie is the victim she claims to be or a master manipulator using Piper as her perfect patsy.

Where the novel succeeds is in its exploration of how far someone might go for family, especially when that family connection feels fragile and new. Piper's vulnerability, stemming from her criminal record and desperate need for belonging, makes her both sympathetic and frustrating as she repeatedly ignores obvious red flags.

Despite these flaws, Long Lost Sister offers an engaging exploration of family bonds, trust, and the lengths we'll go to protect those we love – or think we love. It's a solid three-star read that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers, especially those intrigued by the complexities of found family relationships.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long-Lost Sister by N.L. Hinkens was a great psychological thriller and was hard to put down when I started to read it. It was full of good twists and turns throughout with a great storyline of finding your missing long lost sister, Piper is a recovering alcoholic, she has maxed-out credit cards, she wears secondhand clothes, a history of bad choices and many eviction notices. Then, one day out of the blue, she does a simple,DNA test to find out more about who she is etc.

There is a match on a genealogy site. . . Excitement rushes over her with so many questions to be asked!
Pipers has never thought it would come back telling her she has a sister somewhere out there!!!!!

With her world all upside down she reaches out to her long lost sister Callie Madden-Bramston, hoping she will take her in with open arms. Sadly this does not happen. . . .. . . .

Now, Callie is the total opposite to Piper, she is a beautiful and wealthy wife to an incredibly prominent man, who looks like he has stepped off a yacht. Her life is all designer handbags and luxury holidays. There is No room for a Long-lost sister!That would rock the boat!!!!! especially as she has her own family and life. She does not want anything to do with Piper. . . . .Piper tries her hardest and even shows her the DNA test, but Callie still doesn't want to know. she is her sister!

Will Callie ever except Piper into her life and if she does. . . . What relationship will they both have?

If she does is Callie wanting something from Piper?

WoW . .. . . . . this book was so good, I ended up reading it in 1 sitting and WoW and what a breathtaking twist that was! I did not see that coming! Excellent!

I highly recommend this book 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few of N.L. Hinkens books and have enjoyed each one. "Long-Lost Sister" did not disappoint!! It is a fast-paced psychological thriller that is packed with drama, lies, secrets, and suspense to keep you engaged and entertained until the last page is turned!

We have Piper who discovers through a genealogy test she has a sister, and she seeks to connect with her. Callie shows up to meet Piper and definitely didn't bring the warm and fuzzy vibes with her to their first meeting. Callie is beyond skeptical and thinks Piper just wants money and finds it suspicious Piper suddenly appears in her life at around the same time her stepdaughter went missing. For a sister who doesn't seem interested in having a sisterly bond Callie starts expecting a lot from Piper when her life starts to spin out of control. The calculated lies and deceit are on a whole other level with Callie, and Piper is in for a ride! Rich women always have some of the best secrets to hide and this book definitely played into that role well, with a side of murder!

I found some of it sad because of Piper not really getting what she was looking for, she faced a lot of disappointment but showed what can happen when you put yourself out there. I think Piper's character had a lot of development, and I still liked her ending. I did feel like there were a few plot holes that didn't flow as easy with the story, but I don't like to give spoilers. I don't mind predictability as long as the story stays engaging, so even though I myself could predict a lot of what happened I still enjoyed seeing how it all unfolded. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the gifted copy, these thoughts are all my own.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished “Long Lost Sister” by N.L. Hinkens, and wow—what a ride. Imagine finding out through one of those DNA tests that you suddenly have a sister you never knew about. Sounds like a dream, right? Well… not exactly.

The story follows Piper, who’s scraping by and suddenly discovers Callie, a glamorous sister living in luxury. At first, Piper is thrilled—she just wants family, connection, and love. But as you can guess, things don’t stay warm and fuzzy for long. The deeper Piper gets pulled into Callie’s world, the more you realize something’s really off.

I loved the short, snappy chapters—they made the book super fast to read. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was at the end. There are lies, secrets, and plenty of moments that had me gasping (the twist was so good!).

That said, while I enjoyed the tension and family drama, I didn’t connect with every choice Piper made. Sometimes I wanted to shake her for being too trusting. But honestly, that made her feel more real—who wouldn’t crave a sibling’s love if they’d been alone their whole life?

Overall, it’s a fun, bingeable psychological thriller. Not my absolute favorite from Hinkens, but still a solid read with great twists. If you like fast-paced suspense with complicated family ties, this one’s worth picking up.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

I was looking forward to reading Long-Lost Sister expecting a good twist. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I’d get pulled into the emotional undercurrent of the story. It starts with a seemingly simple premise: a woman discovers a sister she never knew she had. But from there, everything begins to unravel—and fast.

Callie is rich, beautiful, and clearly troubled. The moment she meets our narrator, the air between them is thick with tension. What struck me most wasn’t the thriller aspect (although it’s done really well), but the fragile, cautious dance between two women bound by blood but strangers in every other way. You can feel the narrator’s uncertainty, her yearning for connection, and then the dread as things spiral out of control.

The writing is accessible and fast-paced—I found myself saying “just one more chapter” until I hit the end. There’s glamour, fear, suspicion, and a level of psychological depth that really surprised me. And the final twist? Chilling.

It reminded me of how even family ties—those supposed to be safe and grounding—can feel dangerous when secrets and survival start shaping the relationship.

If you like thrillers that aren’t just about plot but also about people, this one’s worth a read.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC!

N.L. Hinkens has been a pretty new author to me, when I recall correctly, I've only read 'The Neighbor' and 'The Bridal Shower' before this one, but I've really enjoyed both of them.

I was a bit conflicted about this one, even when the blurb did sound interesting. Mainly because Piper seemed to be so naive all the time. She is so desperate to believe - to want - Callie to be her sister that she just does not see all the things that do not add up. Like, there are so many red flags, really - not only Callie quickly asking Piper to do something for her, making clear this is not a happy rainbow-and-unicorns reunion.. On the other hand, I can relate to the feeling. I've always wanted to be accepted and liked as well. Still do, actually.

I am also known to usually just look past those flaws in books and characters when I still enjoy the story. Like, I know all of this is not real, so, as long as I feel entertained, all is good for me. So, given the story still did grip me with the fast pace and the twists being thrown at me, I am giving this one four stars. Still think this is for you when you can look past our FMC not always being the smartest one....

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Piper takes a DNA test and discovers that she has a wealthy, mysterious half sister, her once quiet life is upended. Their first meeting turns into a plea for help. Callie's step daughter has vanished, and she fears her husband may be dangerous. But as Piper digs deeper, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and deceit. Then, she's arrested for a murder she didn't commit. As truths unravel, Piper must uncover who she can trust, before she loses everything.

Long Lost Sister is a psychological thriller that grabs your attention from the very first page. The premise of a woman discovering a sibling from a DNA test immediately sets the stage for a twisted web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. I really enjoyed the suspense and the way it all unfolded. There are plenty of twists, some I saw coming, others genuinely surprised me! Hinkens does a great job of building tension and creating a sense of unease that keeps you turning the pages. While some of Piper's decisions stretch believability, the overall plot was compelling enough to overlook a couple of things. A perfect weekend binge read for fans of Freida McFadden or Sheri Lapena!

Thank you to NetGalley, N.L. Hinkens, and Joffe Books for this eARC! Publication date was September 2nd 2025.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper was hanging on by her fingernails to make rent and other expenses. It was only recently that she found out about a long-lost sister who seemed to be well-off. Piper didn’t want to make contact because, she, by contrast, was such a mess. Nonetheless, she takes a risk and meets her sister, who seemed cold and harsh. Turns out her sister’s life wasn’t all that glamorous. Apparently, Callie was stuck in an abusive marriage with a man who may have assaulted one of Piper’s friends in college and may have caused his own daughter’s disappearance. Whoa! Things get more complicated when Piper and Callie have to cover up her husband’s suspicious death. The sisters are soon wracked with guilt and worry that someone will find out what they did.

Even though this is long, it’s definitely a read you get into. Callie may be Piper’s sister, but she was still a stranger. Should she really put herself a risk for a stranger? And who knows what Callie and her in-laws were truly capable of? Yep, that Callie was a liar, but was she also a murderer?

This read grips you ‘til the end. A good read!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast paced read and I enjoyed it, though I found it to be very unrealistic, from the beginning when the sisters who were both adopted had the same last name, to the end when they made decisions no reasonable people would make. The story centers on Piper, who finds out she has a sister named Callie through a genealogy site. She is desperate to form a connection with Callie but the way Callie acts is confusing, though it’s clear that she is keeping secrets.

The sisters get tied up in a murder mystery and while it was exciting to read, Piper did a lot of really stupid things and I really had to suspend my disbelief. That being said, there were some good twists in the story and I found myself surprised by a few of them. The ending tied everything up just a little too neatly, in my opinion, but I think some will like it.

Overall, this was a fun read that I finished in just a few hours but I had to get passed how unrealistic it seemed. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our protagonist, Piper, a struggling bakery worker, is delighted when she finds a sister, Callie, that she didn't know she had.
She wants nothing more than to forge a connection with her. Callie lives a life of luxury, but it soon transpires her life is far from perfect.
This emotionally charged novel perfectly captures Piper's yearning for her sister's love. Her unwavering devotion, despite their vastly different circumstances, makes her truly likeable and I was rooting for her throughout the book.
However, Piper's desperate desire for connection drives her to make dubious and irreversible choices, propelled by a trusting heart. The short, punchy chapters and rapid pace make this a compulsive one-sitting read. The shocking twist at the end earns it an extra star, elevating an already compelling story of familial love and its complex consequences.

My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy.

Piper finds out she has a sister called Callie and decides to meet her. Callie is kind of a bitch; she's married to a very rich guy she accuses of being abusive, and she's worried about her stepdaughter who just went missing. When her husband dies (we're a bit murky on the details at first), she asks Piper for her help.

How do I say this nicely? I hated this book. So much. I can deal with complicated and unlikable main characters (I actually love them), but Piper? She's just plain dumb. She blindly trusts her sister that she just met; I'm sorry, but someone being related to you doesn't make them trustworthy. I spent way too much time screaming "oh come on" as she made one stupid decision after another. The premise of the book was ridiculous; the final twists were worse; I really struggled to get through the end and honestly didn't care about what actually happened.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long-Lost Sister is the 18th psychological thriller I’ve read written by N. L. Hinkens. Reading this book reminded me why N.L. Hinkens is my favorite psychological thriller author, along with keeping me fully engaged in the story, I found myself prognosticating on who was pulling the strings behind the events of this story. This mental game is something I’ve done with every one of the eighteen N.L. Hinkens books I’ve read. Once again, I “figured out” the perpetrator at least three times, and two of them were wrong. But even when I knew who, the why wasn’t obvious until the end of the book.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you owe it to yourself to read Long Lost Sister. A cast of well-developed characters will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride that doesn’t let up until the final page.
I received an advance reader copy of Long-Lost Sister from the author and chose to provide my review.

[Leanne Tempest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Lost Sister is an absolute page turner of a psychological thriller.

The story is told from the POV of the main character, Piper who receives news about a sister she never knew she had after taking a DNA test.

Despite Piper’s longing for this family connection tension builds as everything is not as it appears to be. Is what she is being told the truth or is it an elaborate concoction of lies, deceit and manipulation?

There are twists and turns the reader never sees coming but as the shocking conclusion draws closer you start to notice little hints from earlier in the book that were leading here but it is impossible to put them together until that final ‘a-ha’ moment.

The book is broken up into short chapters which leaves the reader thinking ‘just one more chapter’ and is so compelling that it can easily be read in a day.

Thank you to Zooloos Book Tours, Joffe Books and the author for the free review copy.

[glee book adventures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our FMC's best friend gifts her and ancestors test. Which leads to a long lost sister she never knew about. She looks forward to what the sister bond could be, and sets up a meeting. Yet, her sister is rich, and the FMC is fighting against eviction. We have adoption, AA meetings, financial struggles, murders, coverups, and secrets....so many secrets!

When I first read this story, I felt the pace was a little slower than most thrillers. Yet, once I got toward the end realized it was the perfect pace to lay the ground work for the story. The whole read I had the ending in mind, and then I was totally floored. What I had been reading wasn't actually what I'd been reading. This story doesnt end like most thrillers. I will say this was my first book by this author, and I already have some other works of hers on my TBR. if you love thrillers, and mystery...you dont want to miss out on this read!

[Alison Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic thrilling read. Piper get in touch with her long lost sister Callie. When they meet Callie tells Piper some very disturbing things about her husband Lincoln. Callie thinks Lincoln was involved in the disappearance of her daughter. Then the unthinkable happens and the two sisters have to make a very difficult choice. Although sisters by blood they are strangers. Can you really trust a stranger? The deeper she gets the more trouble she could face. As a reader I was willing Piper to stop and think. I was so compelled to read more and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The pace of the book is fast and there are no slow or dragged out parts. It really has you gripped throughout and you cannot help but route for Piper. There are also a few twists thrown in for good measure. A thoroughly enjoyable book. I loved it! This is a book that I would highly recommend.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Lost Sister is a gripping story told mainly from Piper's point of view. After being given an ancestry kit , she discovers she has a sister who like her had been adopted.

Callie Madden-Bramston lives a life completely the opposite of Piper's world and they as they begin to learn about one another , secrets are shared , but also lies are being told.
This is an excellent psychological thriller plenty of twists and turns , and the reader is left wondering who to trust.
N.L. Hinkens excels as a writer and Long Lost Sister does not disappoint, she is an expert at drawing the reader into her writing and I always find her books an exciting ride to the finish line
I thank the author for an e-copy Arc to read and review , and would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers.

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @zooloosBT for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Long Lost Sister is a psychological genre, which is my favorite, and this book did not let me down. The story is fast-paced from the start, and I read Long Lost Sister in a day and a half. I could not put it down. I loved the twists in the book. Furthermore, I did guess a bit of the plot but got the rest wrong, and I do love it when that happens. The story is about Piper who gets given an ancestry gift, and she decides to do it and finds out she has a sister called Callie who is quite wealthy, but it’s not all what Piper thought it would be. The story is written exceptionally well and keeps the reader gripped from start to finish. I liked Piper a lot, and she is the protagonist all the way through the book. There were some characters I did not like at all. A thrilling read, 5 stars.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper and Callie are sisters who were adopted by different families when they were infants. They knew nothing about one another until they were adults. That's what makes this book so totally ridiculous. Why would Piper risk everything for a sister she just met?? Why would Callie even rely on Piper to help her??

I would definitely classify this book as a popcorn thriller. It was such a quick and easy read. I was hooked right from the first chapter. I actually liked Piper's character, and I could relate to her just wanting a family to love. After a few twists and mishaps, the book ended in somewhat of a surprise.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

[Maddie Weeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Lost Sister follows the female main character Piper as she discovers a sister she never knew she had. It sounds great right? Wrong. Piper ends up in a world of lies and deceit.

I really like the premise of the book and I did enjoy it. It kept me on my toes and had me audibly gasping at a certain plot twist!

It’s fast paced and has short, snappy chapters which I love. It really adds to the intrigue and made me want to find out what happens next.

Note to self after reading this book.. be careful who you trust 👀

If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller.

Overall, I give this 4 stars!