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Missing Melissa
Twenty-two years old with a journalism degree from UCLA and a promising entry level position at a television station, Madeline Patterson is ready to take on the Universe. Raised by two loving parents, adored by her grandmother, protected by her dog, Pepper, and supported by her best friend—Madeline has it all. There’s only one thing missing—literally missing—her identical twin, Melissa.
When Madeline and Melissa were three-years-old, their mother was carjacked in broad daylight while taking them to a doctor’s appointment. She was able to get away with Madeline in tow, but the assailants left the scene before she could rescue Melissa. A long and massive search ensued, but Melissa was never found and is believed to be dead. However, a dream Madeline has on her twenty-second birthday, wherein Melissa appears to her as a grown woman pleading for help, convinces her Melissa is still alive. Against her parents’ wishes, Madeline vows to find her twin. However, in doing so, she unknowingly stumbles upon a series of startling clues that point to her parents’ possible involvement in Melissa’s disappearance. Paralyzed by fear, Madeline doesn’t want to face what could possibly be the ugly and grim truth about her parents. However, her desire to find Melissa propels her forward—but nothing could prepare her for what she discovers.
When Madeline and Melissa were three-years-old, their mother was carjacked in broad daylight while taking them to a doctor’s appointment. She was able to get away with Madeline in tow, but the assailants left the scene before she could rescue Melissa. A long and massive search ensued, but Melissa was never found and is believed to be dead. However, a dream Madeline has on her twenty-second birthday, wherein Melissa appears to her as a grown woman pleading for help, convinces her Melissa is still alive. Against her parents’ wishes, Madeline vows to find her twin. However, in doing so, she unknowingly stumbles upon a series of startling clues that point to her parents’ possible involvement in Melissa’s disappearance. Paralyzed by fear, Madeline doesn’t want to face what could possibly be the ugly and grim truth about her parents. However, her desire to find Melissa propels her forward—but nothing could prepare her for what she discovers.
301 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
237 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Alretha Thomas
18 books224 followersShortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 26, 2015
Note: I received an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Actual Rating: 4.5/5
Plot/Story:
I enjoyed the plot a lot. The pace of the story was good, it was neither slow nor super fast, just the way a my. Everything happened at the right time. So, the timing of the twists were really good to keep the readers hooked.
I really enjoyed the little pieces that kept on twisting the plot. It really kept me on the edge right till the very end. There were so many possibilities that came in mind and I suppose, that's how a really good mystery is supposed to be.
Characters:
I was able to relate to all the characters. I loved all the characters, especially that of Madeline, her BFF Ruby and her pet Pepper. There was such a beautiful connection between Ruby and Pepper that I fell in love with them right from the start. Ruby is a friend to die for, and a one who'll die for you.
I felt a real connection with Madeline and still feel that she's a close friend or a real person (which is really rare in mystery books.)
I loved the Madeline's family as well and the last part of the book focused beautifully on the unique relation between the twins. I enjoyed knowing all the characters as each and every one of them had a unique spark to their personalities.
Romance:
The relationship between Madeline and Sam was really cute. It was a refreshing given the mystery involved in the book.
It developed slowly (which was perfect given Madeline's situation) and Sam was a perfect gentleman. I really enjoyed the subtle growth of their relationship and the way it took shape at the end of the book.
Plus, it really justified Sam's interest in a long lost case inspite of all the weak and insufficient evidences.
Writing:
Alretha Thomas' writing had a very easy flow to it. I loved it and the fact that she kept it subtle. No unnecessarily complex words as I hate digging the dictionary again and again (even on Kindle.) You can just start the book with an unexplainable ease. Her writing, or to put it correctly, her story-telling helped me glide through the entire book smoothly. I enjoyed reading this books and now I've decided to read all her other books as well.
Beginning:
The biting had a great pace and I was sucked into the plot right from the start. I loved having the descriptor of most of the characters' personalities in the beginning itself. I was
Ending:
I enjoyed the ending a lot. The mystery was brilliant and there no way I could have guessed who was actually behind the kidnapping. It was totally unexpected and I loved it.
Blurb:
The blurb for Missing Melissa is just perfect. I accepted this book for review after reading the blurb. As soon as I read it, I knew I really wanted to read this book.
Cover Art:
To be honest I have mixed feeling about the cover for this book. It's not excellent but it's not even dull. I like the mirror reflecting the chic as it symbolises the twins but for a book this good there should have a much serious cover that can radiate the feeling of mystery.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
Actual Rating: 4.5/5
Plot/Story:
I enjoyed the plot a lot. The pace of the story was good, it was neither slow nor super fast, just the way a my. Everything happened at the right time. So, the timing of the twists were really good to keep the readers hooked.
I really enjoyed the little pieces that kept on twisting the plot. It really kept me on the edge right till the very end. There were so many possibilities that came in mind and I suppose, that's how a really good mystery is supposed to be.
Characters:
I was able to relate to all the characters. I loved all the characters, especially that of Madeline, her BFF Ruby and her pet Pepper. There was such a beautiful connection between Ruby and Pepper that I fell in love with them right from the start. Ruby is a friend to die for, and a one who'll die for you.
I felt a real connection with Madeline and still feel that she's a close friend or a real person (which is really rare in mystery books.)
I loved the Madeline's family as well and the last part of the book focused beautifully on the unique relation between the twins. I enjoyed knowing all the characters as each and every one of them had a unique spark to their personalities.
Romance:
The relationship between Madeline and Sam was really cute. It was a refreshing given the mystery involved in the book.
It developed slowly (which was perfect given Madeline's situation) and Sam was a perfect gentleman. I really enjoyed the subtle growth of their relationship and the way it took shape at the end of the book.
Plus, it really justified Sam's interest in a long lost case inspite of all the weak and insufficient evidences.
Writing:
Alretha Thomas' writing had a very easy flow to it. I loved it and the fact that she kept it subtle. No unnecessarily complex words as I hate digging the dictionary again and again (even on Kindle.) You can just start the book with an unexplainable ease. Her writing, or to put it correctly, her story-telling helped me glide through the entire book smoothly. I enjoyed reading this books and now I've decided to read all her other books as well.
Beginning:
The biting had a great pace and I was sucked into the plot right from the start. I loved having the descriptor of most of the characters' personalities in the beginning itself. I was
Ending:
I enjoyed the ending a lot. The mystery was brilliant and there no way I could have guessed who was actually behind the kidnapping. It was totally unexpected and I loved it.
Blurb:
The blurb for Missing Melissa is just perfect. I accepted this book for review after reading the blurb. As soon as I read it, I knew I really wanted to read this book.
Cover Art:
To be honest I have mixed feeling about the cover for this book. It's not excellent but it's not even dull. I like the mirror reflecting the chic as it symbolises the twins but for a book this good there should have a much serious cover that can radiate the feeling of mystery.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
June 10, 2015
Missing Twin Haunts Her Sister’s Dreams
Maddie is a gorgeous blond twenty-two-year-old about to start her career in broadcast journalism when she has a dream. A disturbing dream. She dreams her twin sister, who went missing when they were three years old, is still alive, and needs Maddie’s help.
Her parents don’t want to re-open the case, fearing they will crack open old wounds. But are they hiding something?
I thought this was a well-written mystery. Where is Melissa? Is she alive? Has she been hurt? There’s misdirection that prevented me from guessing the ending.
Maddie’s surrounded by some fun, opinionated characters, like her best friend Ruby and her dog Pepper.
I wish I didn’t have a missing sister. I wish everything was normal. But Ruby says normal is a setting on a washing machine and not what our lives are supposed to be.
Amen, Ruby! And I love Maddie’s dog Pepper. That dog’s got a lot of sass.
I remember when my parents surprised me with Pepper five years ago. He was a baby, so small and cute. I wanted to dress him up, too. I’ll never forget approaching him with an adorable pullover sweater. He snatched it with his teeth and ripped it to pieces. That was the end of any ideas about dressing up Pepper.
Ha! Maddie meets Detective Sam while pursuing her missing sister. He’s a hottie who’s sweet and steady.
”Well, one good thing has come out of all of this,” Ruby says.
“What’s that?” Sam and I ask at the same time.
“I finally got to meet Sexy Sam.”
I narrow my eyes at Ruby and try to change the subject. “So, where do we go from here?” I ask.
“No, not so fast,” Sam says. “What’s this Sexy Sam all about?” he asks, laughing.
While I loved the plot, I didn’t find the dialogue realistic. It seemed dated and cheesy to me. Characters speak in long paragraphs, and call each other by their full names to chastise each other ”Madeleine Louise Patterson!” There are exchanges like these that felt clichéd to me:
”Last one there’s a rotten egg,” my father says, leaving us behind.
“Your father’s a trip sometimes,” Ruby says under her breath.
“I heard that, Ruby,” my father says.
The living room fills with laughter.
(My observations on dialogue are a personal preference that other readers might not notice.)
I am glad I had the opportunity to read this page turner, which ends on a hopeful note.
Maddie is a gorgeous blond twenty-two-year-old about to start her career in broadcast journalism when she has a dream. A disturbing dream. She dreams her twin sister, who went missing when they were three years old, is still alive, and needs Maddie’s help.
Her parents don’t want to re-open the case, fearing they will crack open old wounds. But are they hiding something?
I thought this was a well-written mystery. Where is Melissa? Is she alive? Has she been hurt? There’s misdirection that prevented me from guessing the ending.
Maddie’s surrounded by some fun, opinionated characters, like her best friend Ruby and her dog Pepper.
I wish I didn’t have a missing sister. I wish everything was normal. But Ruby says normal is a setting on a washing machine and not what our lives are supposed to be.
Amen, Ruby! And I love Maddie’s dog Pepper. That dog’s got a lot of sass.
I remember when my parents surprised me with Pepper five years ago. He was a baby, so small and cute. I wanted to dress him up, too. I’ll never forget approaching him with an adorable pullover sweater. He snatched it with his teeth and ripped it to pieces. That was the end of any ideas about dressing up Pepper.
Ha! Maddie meets Detective Sam while pursuing her missing sister. He’s a hottie who’s sweet and steady.
”Well, one good thing has come out of all of this,” Ruby says.
“What’s that?” Sam and I ask at the same time.
“I finally got to meet Sexy Sam.”
I narrow my eyes at Ruby and try to change the subject. “So, where do we go from here?” I ask.
“No, not so fast,” Sam says. “What’s this Sexy Sam all about?” he asks, laughing.
While I loved the plot, I didn’t find the dialogue realistic. It seemed dated and cheesy to me. Characters speak in long paragraphs, and call each other by their full names to chastise each other ”Madeleine Louise Patterson!” There are exchanges like these that felt clichéd to me:
”Last one there’s a rotten egg,” my father says, leaving us behind.
“Your father’s a trip sometimes,” Ruby says under her breath.
“I heard that, Ruby,” my father says.
The living room fills with laughter.
(My observations on dialogue are a personal preference that other readers might not notice.)
I am glad I had the opportunity to read this page turner, which ends on a hopeful note.
February 7, 2017
Good read.
Trying to find her kidnapped twin sister, after 19 years. Many good people around her trying to help her. Family secrets one by one comes out, didn't expected this twisted ending. Well written story, you won't be able to put it down.
Trying to find her kidnapped twin sister, after 19 years. Many good people around her trying to help her. Family secrets one by one comes out, didn't expected this twisted ending. Well written story, you won't be able to put it down.
May 17, 2015
* I was given this book for an honest review*
Well done! Missing Melissa was a great read! It is such a deep story, so many twists and turns. I thought this story was so interesting because it has the twin theme. I felt that it was very creative angle. It was neat to look at the dream aspect because the twin bond is so strong. I also really enjoyed how Alretha made every single character important including Pepper the mastif. If a single character was missing (no pun intended) then the story would not have been the same. The fact that you weren’t sure how the book was going to end was great. I kept going back and forth with “is she dead or alive”. You just don’t know until you get to the end!
Well done! Missing Melissa was a great read! It is such a deep story, so many twists and turns. I thought this story was so interesting because it has the twin theme. I felt that it was very creative angle. It was neat to look at the dream aspect because the twin bond is so strong. I also really enjoyed how Alretha made every single character important including Pepper the mastif. If a single character was missing (no pun intended) then the story would not have been the same. The fact that you weren’t sure how the book was going to end was great. I kept going back and forth with “is she dead or alive”. You just don’t know until you get to the end!
May 15, 2015
Madeline Patterson wakes up with one thought on her mind. "She’s not dead.” This thought has haunted her for years about her identical twin sister who was abducted during a carjacking when they were three years old never to be seen again and seemingly lost without a trace. Madeline is now a young woman who has recently graduated from college and is about to start a job in her chosen field of journalism. She just cannot shake the feeling that her twin is alive and needs her to help her come home. Her parents want her to stop tormenting herself with the belief that Melissa may be alive. Even her best friend Ruby wants her to give up and just let things stay the way they are. Madeline doesn’t let go of her feelings and eventually finds her way to a sympathetic detective who is willing to look into newer information. Madeline is determined to find out any and all information that may lead her to her sister. What she uncovers is a tale of all things not being what they seem. Who can she trust even when her own family members try to stop her from reopening the case? Why are people acting like she should just forget about her sister, especially her mother? The more layers that Madeline peels back, the more she realizes that she doesn’t really know her family. The reader will be intrigued by the story line which flows smoothly from beginning to end. I was also impressed how real life missing persons were mentioned to bring awareness to this as well. There will be no disappointments with this book.
Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer
Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer
July 11, 2015
Identical twins are separated during a carjacking when they are three. On their twenty-second birthday Madeline decides to re-open the case to find her sister, Melissa.
This book had many positive things going for it. I really liked Madeline and her BFF, Ruby, characters. They are two young women support and help each other through everything life throws at them, even when they disagree.
I found the process that Madeline used to find her sister to be well thought out. Alretha Thomas did a wonderful job at building the story and making it interesting. The "who-done-it" surprised me. I didn't see it coming. That was refreshing. When it was explained, it all made perfect sense.
The book has a good mystery. Madeline is on the hunt for her sister and the community support is incredible. People help her piece the puzzle together.
The book also contains a sweet romance. I thought the love interest was a great guy and perfect for her. The book does contain some sexual innuendo and swearing, including the "f" bomb.
This book had many positive things going for it. I really liked Madeline and her BFF, Ruby, characters. They are two young women support and help each other through everything life throws at them, even when they disagree.
I found the process that Madeline used to find her sister to be well thought out. Alretha Thomas did a wonderful job at building the story and making it interesting. The "who-done-it" surprised me. I didn't see it coming. That was refreshing. When it was explained, it all made perfect sense.
The book has a good mystery. Madeline is on the hunt for her sister and the community support is incredible. People help her piece the puzzle together.
The book also contains a sweet romance. I thought the love interest was a great guy and perfect for her. The book does contain some sexual innuendo and swearing, including the "f" bomb.
May 17, 2015
This was a pretty good read.
I'm not sure why but I had trouble getting into it. Could have been bad timing as members of my family have been sick and I have been tired and have a short attention span.
The premise is pretty darn cool. You grow up knowing you are part of a set of twins, and have been told that your twin is dead, but you don't believe it, and so you go hunting for her. Really cool story line.
She learned a lot about herself and her family during the hunt too. That is part of growing up for most of us, but for most of us it doesn't including losing a twin.
I liked most of the characters too.
I'm not sure why but I had trouble getting into it. Could have been bad timing as members of my family have been sick and I have been tired and have a short attention span.
The premise is pretty darn cool. You grow up knowing you are part of a set of twins, and have been told that your twin is dead, but you don't believe it, and so you go hunting for her. Really cool story line.
She learned a lot about herself and her family during the hunt too. That is part of growing up for most of us, but for most of us it doesn't including losing a twin.
I liked most of the characters too.
July 3, 2015
WHAT A CAPTIVATING READ I WAS READY TO GIVE IT 5*stars AND I HAD JUST REACHED 35%. WHAT A PAGE TURNER I COULDN’T WAIT TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE MYSTERY. TWINS ARE FACINATING I THINK MOST OF US FEEL THAT WAY THIS STORY LINE ABOUT A MISSING TWIN DOESEN’T DISAPOINT. THE STORY REFLECTS TODAY’S HEADLINES AND NEWS BROADCAST SCREAMING AT US AND WE CAN’T HELP BUT GET CAUGHT UP IN IT. WE ARE HELPLESS TO TURN AWAY MEZMERIZED WATCHING THE STORY UNFOLD EVEN IF IT’S GRUSOME OR HAS A HAPPY ENDING. THIS WAS AN EXCELLENT MYSTERY READ TRULY MAGNIFICENT. ;D
January 13, 2024
18 years ago Madeline, her twin sister Melissa & her mother were carjacked. Maddie & her mother got away but Melissa was taken, never to be found. On her 22nd birthday, Maddie dreams of her sister & wants to reopen the case.
And great gods what comes out. It's a crazy ride of lies, half truths, family dynamics, guilt and ultimately love. Alretha Thomas crams a whole lot of emotion into a story that last only a few months & runs 275 pages.
And great gods what comes out. It's a crazy ride of lies, half truths, family dynamics, guilt and ultimately love. Alretha Thomas crams a whole lot of emotion into a story that last only a few months & runs 275 pages.
February 21, 2018
Excellent story line
A different take on kidnapping. Very good read. I love the story structure and the determination of Maddie to find her twin.
A different take on kidnapping. Very good read. I love the story structure and the determination of Maddie to find her twin.
April 27, 2015
When I read the synopsis on Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas I was instantly drawn to it. I love a mystery and new adult books are one of my favourite genres. Add to that a book about identical twins, 1 missing since she was a child and I knew that I would enjoy this book.
Please note I have given this book 4 stars and it is a good book, its worth those 4 stars but at times I felt this was more of a young adult book that a new adult. I do not like to give spoilers, but in honesty the worst thing in the whole book was about Melissa's mothers past. Other than that, the rest of the book is very PC etc and would be fine read by a more mature teen. Also, I felt at times that Madeline came across as VERY immature and considering she was 22, it felt out of character. Still, those points aside I really did enjoy Missing Melissa.
I do love a who done it, I love to try and work out who the bad guy is and in honesty I hate it when I do work it out. I had suspicions with who was involved with the car jacking that took Melissa, but admit it wasn't till right near the end I worked it out and even then not how it all happened! So, I really do praise Alretha as I rarely don't work it out!
I was a bit on the fence about Madeline, at times I thought she was great, others I thought she came across as a whiny teenager. I almost felt that this book she have taken place when they twins were 18 and not older. However my problems with Madeline were completely overshadowed by my like of Sam (The Detective) and Ruby (The BFF and room mate). Can I also say another peeve was the constant mentions of Pepper. Yes I got that she loved her dog and he was a family member, but at times it was a bit much - just my opinion there.
So, would I recommend Missing Melissa? Well, actually I would. But, if you like a hot sexy new adult, thriller adventure I would say this isn't for you. I didn't really find anything 'new adult' ish about it and think this may be better listed as a contemporary thriller? But the story is interesting, gripping and it kept me interested right to the end! 4 stars even with my niggles which should tell you what a good read I thought it was!
This review and others are also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/
Please note I have given this book 4 stars and it is a good book, its worth those 4 stars but at times I felt this was more of a young adult book that a new adult. I do not like to give spoilers, but in honesty the worst thing in the whole book was about Melissa's mothers past. Other than that, the rest of the book is very PC etc and would be fine read by a more mature teen. Also, I felt at times that Madeline came across as VERY immature and considering she was 22, it felt out of character. Still, those points aside I really did enjoy Missing Melissa.
I do love a who done it, I love to try and work out who the bad guy is and in honesty I hate it when I do work it out. I had suspicions with who was involved with the car jacking that took Melissa, but admit it wasn't till right near the end I worked it out and even then not how it all happened! So, I really do praise Alretha as I rarely don't work it out!
I was a bit on the fence about Madeline, at times I thought she was great, others I thought she came across as a whiny teenager. I almost felt that this book she have taken place when they twins were 18 and not older. However my problems with Madeline were completely overshadowed by my like of Sam (The Detective) and Ruby (The BFF and room mate). Can I also say another peeve was the constant mentions of Pepper. Yes I got that she loved her dog and he was a family member, but at times it was a bit much - just my opinion there.
So, would I recommend Missing Melissa? Well, actually I would. But, if you like a hot sexy new adult, thriller adventure I would say this isn't for you. I didn't really find anything 'new adult' ish about it and think this may be better listed as a contemporary thriller? But the story is interesting, gripping and it kept me interested right to the end! 4 stars even with my niggles which should tell you what a good read I thought it was!
This review and others are also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/
May 3, 2015
This is the author's first mystery/suspense book and she did a wonderful job in both areas, better than many of the regulars I read!!
It's about identical twins, Melissa & Maddie. When they were 3 years old, their mother was carjacked & the mother managed to get Maddie out of her car seat, but Melissa was still in the back seat when the car was driven away
The whole plot of the book now takes place 19 years later. Maddie gets dreams of her sister, usually as a 3 year old, but now as a grown young woman like Maddie
Her parents are NOT open to wanting her to find Melissa but Maddie goes through with it, but doesn't tell them right away. She's graduated college & is working at a TV new station as a journalist KYON TV. They decide to do an interview with Maddie, trying to find Melissa. Nobody knows for sure if Melissa is even alive, or dead, or where she'd be if alive
The main characters in the story are Maddie's best friend from school, Ruby, who move into their own apartment together. There's also Sam who works in the little city in California where this all takes place--Dancing Hills. He works as an investigator for the local police department & becomes friends with Maddie while they both work to try to reopen the case of Melissa. There's also Maddie's paternal grandmother who is hoping the case gets reopens but it brings back a bad habit fir her--drinking.
There are many good twists & turns during the story which have you thinking one thing only to find out something else. It's also a mix of emotions, happy, sad, excited, deflated, overwhelmed, nervous, anxious etc
For this being a first mystery/suspense, I feel the author did an excellent job. Now what you need to do is read this book to find out...whatever happened to Melissa? Is she dead or alive? If alive, where is she? If dead, what happened to her and why? Read to find out all this mystery has to offer
I received a digital copy from Net Galley, in return for an honest review. I'd love to thank the author, not only for allowing me the request to read her book, but for some great chats also :-)
It's about identical twins, Melissa & Maddie. When they were 3 years old, their mother was carjacked & the mother managed to get Maddie out of her car seat, but Melissa was still in the back seat when the car was driven away
The whole plot of the book now takes place 19 years later. Maddie gets dreams of her sister, usually as a 3 year old, but now as a grown young woman like Maddie
Her parents are NOT open to wanting her to find Melissa but Maddie goes through with it, but doesn't tell them right away. She's graduated college & is working at a TV new station as a journalist KYON TV. They decide to do an interview with Maddie, trying to find Melissa. Nobody knows for sure if Melissa is even alive, or dead, or where she'd be if alive
The main characters in the story are Maddie's best friend from school, Ruby, who move into their own apartment together. There's also Sam who works in the little city in California where this all takes place--Dancing Hills. He works as an investigator for the local police department & becomes friends with Maddie while they both work to try to reopen the case of Melissa. There's also Maddie's paternal grandmother who is hoping the case gets reopens but it brings back a bad habit fir her--drinking.
There are many good twists & turns during the story which have you thinking one thing only to find out something else. It's also a mix of emotions, happy, sad, excited, deflated, overwhelmed, nervous, anxious etc
For this being a first mystery/suspense, I feel the author did an excellent job. Now what you need to do is read this book to find out...whatever happened to Melissa? Is she dead or alive? If alive, where is she? If dead, what happened to her and why? Read to find out all this mystery has to offer
I received a digital copy from Net Galley, in return for an honest review. I'd love to thank the author, not only for allowing me the request to read her book, but for some great chats also :-)
January 5, 2017
Got 95 pages in and packed this up. It was getting too unbelievable, especially the conduct of the policeman Madeline was dealing with. Though she'd met him once, we're to believe she thinks about ..."his thick dark hair he runs his fingers through when he's being bossy".....like she'd know !! Then HE says at one point (when only planning their second meeting about her case, bear in mind) "I can tell by your hair-sun-kissed. Boy I wish I was the sun" !! I haven't read anything so daft in a long time.
I am not sure why, when Ruby made Maddie jump at one point there was SUCH a huge fuss with people making sure she was alright......farcical. Her dad is a dentist and she says that she felt weird having him do her teeth once she got into boys....I find THAT more weird myself !!
She cannot use commas properly, either, which was driving me to distraction...."Let's go find, Pepper" which means something else entirely since she added a needless comma and the same with "By the way, you can call me, Sam"......totally different meaning !!
She spelt doofus as doofess which I've never seen before which I know is wrong and I'm not American.
One to avoid unless you can suspend all credulity.
I am not sure why, when Ruby made Maddie jump at one point there was SUCH a huge fuss with people making sure she was alright......farcical. Her dad is a dentist and she says that she felt weird having him do her teeth once she got into boys....I find THAT more weird myself !!
She cannot use commas properly, either, which was driving me to distraction...."Let's go find, Pepper" which means something else entirely since she added a needless comma and the same with "By the way, you can call me, Sam"......totally different meaning !!
She spelt doofus as doofess which I've never seen before which I know is wrong and I'm not American.
One to avoid unless you can suspend all credulity.
May 21, 2015
I was lucky enough to get a pre-release copy of this book and I really loved it and would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a book with a great storyline. This is a book about a girl whose twin sister was abducted when they were very little and the mystery behind her disappearance. You want to know what happened to her and why and it will keep you guessing until you are finally finished reading, but will answer all your questions at the end of the book and not keep you hanging with unanswered questions. Alretha Thomas is a very talented writer and I will definitely read more of her books. Keep on writing great books Alretha, I'm a fan!
June 4, 2015
I have read all of Author Alretha thomas's books and LOVED every one of them!! I am an avid reader and I know when I see a good author & Mrs. Thomas IS one of those great authors, you can see that she puts her all into her books which makes the reader love every moment of the story. Missing Melissa was such a great book, it kept me entertained from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone no matter what genre of books they prefer. Can't wait to see Alretha Thomas's name on many more books to come in the near future.
February 10, 2017
Good idea for a plot..not well written
The description grabbed my attention.the idea for the plot sounded great..too bad it reads like a 16 year old girl wrote this in her diary..childishly written.moves too.quickly.no details.present tense and past get mixed up..could have been so much better
The description grabbed my attention.the idea for the plot sounded great..too bad it reads like a 16 year old girl wrote this in her diary..childishly written.moves too.quickly.no details.present tense and past get mixed up..could have been so much better
August 29, 2015
Missing Melissa
This was an absolutely a great book . I highly recommend this book . The story line is so good I could not put this book down . I finished this book at 3:00 in the morning. I could not put the book down until I finished it . This is a must read book.
This was an absolutely a great book . I highly recommend this book . The story line is so good I could not put this book down . I finished this book at 3:00 in the morning. I could not put the book down until I finished it . This is a must read book.
December 8, 2015
I expected more, not always believable, too much of a good thing is not always good. Family is not always on your side and jealousy can make people do terrible things and then they need to keep up with their lies. That said, I finished the book and found it a nice, feel good story.
December 18, 2016
A Good Story
In general, I liked reading this tale. However I must say that it is a bit soppy, with shallow characters. If it was not free, I wouldn't have bought it.
1 Star
In general, I liked reading this tale. However I must say that it is a bit soppy, with shallow characters. If it was not free, I wouldn't have bought it.
1 Star
June 23, 2017
When Madeline (Maddie) was three years old, she and her twin sister Melissa were in the car with her mother, when the car was carjacked. Her mother barely had time to get Maddie out of the car, and the thieves drove away with Maddie's twin, Melissa, still in the car. All searches that were conducted at the time were futile; the years pass, and Melissa was not found.
Twenty years later, Maddie begins to dream about Melissa. She believes that her sister is still alive and is calling out to Maddie to find her. And she sets out to do just that. As the story unfolds, you wonder, who was really responsible for Melissa's abduction? And is Melissa still alive after all these years, or is she calling out from her grave?
The author feeds us a lot of red herrings to throw us off-course, and you'll keep guessing wrong after every twist and turn.
This is more than just a mystery; it's a psychological suspense story that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending took me completely by surprise. This story would make a great suspense movie in the old "Alfred Hitchcock" style.
Twenty years later, Maddie begins to dream about Melissa. She believes that her sister is still alive and is calling out to Maddie to find her. And she sets out to do just that. As the story unfolds, you wonder, who was really responsible for Melissa's abduction? And is Melissa still alive after all these years, or is she calling out from her grave?
The author feeds us a lot of red herrings to throw us off-course, and you'll keep guessing wrong after every twist and turn.
This is more than just a mystery; it's a psychological suspense story that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending took me completely by surprise. This story would make a great suspense movie in the old "Alfred Hitchcock" style.
March 16, 2020
I liked the plot for the most part and there was a really surprising twist at the end.
But there were some questions and issues I had with the book.
1. The unprofessional behavior of the policeman, Sam.
2. Why now after 19 years does Maddie decide to look for Melissa? She must have had dreams about her sister before.
3. The writing was simplistic and unsophisticated. There was too much chatter among the characters and no so much action, so the book was slow to get going. Nothing much happened until the second half of the book.
4. At times romance overshadowed the mystery.
5. Why didn’t one of the detectives realize his father had been involved? The evidence was all over the house!!
6. I think Ruby would have been a more interesting lead character instead of just a sidekick. To be honest, as a woman of color myself, I get tired of books where the blonde and blue-eyed "heroines" are swooned over. Not everyone looks like a member of the Trump family! There are other kinds of women who aren't white who are also interesting and strong!
But there were some questions and issues I had with the book.
1. The unprofessional behavior of the policeman, Sam.
2. Why now after 19 years does Maddie decide to look for Melissa? She must have had dreams about her sister before.
3. The writing was simplistic and unsophisticated. There was too much chatter among the characters and no so much action, so the book was slow to get going. Nothing much happened until the second half of the book.
4. At times romance overshadowed the mystery.
5. Why didn’t one of the detectives realize his father had been involved? The evidence was all over the house!!
6. I think Ruby would have been a more interesting lead character instead of just a sidekick. To be honest, as a woman of color myself, I get tired of books where the blonde and blue-eyed "heroines" are swooned over. Not everyone looks like a member of the Trump family! There are other kinds of women who aren't white who are also interesting and strong!
February 25, 2025
Missing Melissa was a gripping who done it that kept me guessing throughout the whole story. Although the beginning of the book was more of a slow burn, once it dives it, it goes for it and quickly picks up pace.
19 years ago Maddie and Melissa's mother was carjacked while taking the twins to their doctor appointment. Unfortunately their mother was only able to get Maddie out of the car before the car took off, leaving Melissa still in the vehicle. What ever happened to Melissa? Most believed she was dead after so many year and the extensive search. Identical twins are known for their connection, so when Melissa appears to Maddie in a dream, as an adult, Maddie decides to dive back into the search. Maddie soon finds out who you can trust, who you can't trust, and will begin to question everyone around her.
If you are into thrillers and who done it's, check out Missing Melissa it won't disappoint.
19 years ago Maddie and Melissa's mother was carjacked while taking the twins to their doctor appointment. Unfortunately their mother was only able to get Maddie out of the car before the car took off, leaving Melissa still in the vehicle. What ever happened to Melissa? Most believed she was dead after so many year and the extensive search. Identical twins are known for their connection, so when Melissa appears to Maddie in a dream, as an adult, Maddie decides to dive back into the search. Maddie soon finds out who you can trust, who you can't trust, and will begin to question everyone around her.
If you are into thrillers and who done it's, check out Missing Melissa it won't disappoint.
November 28, 2019
It was the blurb that drew me to this book, as it sounded really good. On the whole the story was really good from start to finish and there was even a surprise twist or two throughout the story.
I really enjoyed getting to know majority of the characters and it was entertaining trying to figure out who was telling the truth and who had secrets they wanted to be kept hidden.
My only cristism about the book, is that is needed to be better written, certain elements in the story weren't told right or there wasn't enough detail mentioned. In addition, there were a couple of events that just weren't believable, as they happened far to easily i.e. clues just fell into Maddie's hands.
But despite my cristism, I still enjoyed the story.
I really enjoyed getting to know majority of the characters and it was entertaining trying to figure out who was telling the truth and who had secrets they wanted to be kept hidden.
My only cristism about the book, is that is needed to be better written, certain elements in the story weren't told right or there wasn't enough detail mentioned. In addition, there were a couple of events that just weren't believable, as they happened far to easily i.e. clues just fell into Maddie's hands.
But despite my cristism, I still enjoyed the story.
January 31, 2024
"Missing Melissa" (2015) is a somewhat interesting novel about a young college graduate who was separated from her identical twin sister when the latter was kidnapped at age three. Melissa’s decision to search for her twin upsets her parents and turns her world upside down. The story has a Lifetime movie feel to it right down to its fantastic plot twist and strong, intelligent, Black roommate/best friend. I got confused a few times over characters but they added to the plot in a meaningful way. Recommended.
July 5, 2017
A missing twin!
Nineteen years earlier, a car was hijacked, a young mother escaped with one of her identical twin daughters. The other was never seen again. Following her college graduation the saved daughter, who is now a reporter on television, starts to search on social media for her sister whom she is convinced is still alive. The rest of the plot would lead to unnecessary spoilers. A fine beach read.
Nineteen years earlier, a car was hijacked, a young mother escaped with one of her identical twin daughters. The other was never seen again. Following her college graduation the saved daughter, who is now a reporter on television, starts to search on social media for her sister whom she is convinced is still alive. The rest of the plot would lead to unnecessary spoilers. A fine beach read.
May 30, 2017
This book was great.
Having sisters that are twins I can relate to some of the traits twins share, talking alike, saying the same thing at the same time, having their own language. The author did a great job of making the story interesting all they the book. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Having sisters that are twins I can relate to some of the traits twins share, talking alike, saying the same thing at the same time, having their own language. The author did a great job of making the story interesting all they the book. I would recommend this book to anyone.
April 3, 2018
This book seems like it should be a suspense novel for beginners. Once you get past the simple/somewhat annoying dialogue the story is intriguing and page turning. The downsides are the forced love stories, unneeded, and the ending. Wasn’t believable that it took 20 years to look in the most obvious place.
October 25, 2018
Twin talk
Melissa was kidnapped when she was 3 and nobody knew where she was for 17 years and when her twin turned 22 she was determined to find her due a dream she has of melissa grown up begging for her to find her and to let her know she wasnt dead. Everyone tried to talk her out of it for the safety of the family and herself but she was stubborn and was determined.
Melissa was kidnapped when she was 3 and nobody knew where she was for 17 years and when her twin turned 22 she was determined to find her due a dream she has of melissa grown up begging for her to find her and to let her know she wasnt dead. Everyone tried to talk her out of it for the safety of the family and herself but she was stubborn and was determined.
February 25, 2019
Heartwarming story of loss, determination and discovery
From start to finish you didn’t know how it would all end. Who was responsible for the car jacking or even if there really was one. Is the missing twin dead or alive? Very likable characters. Well written. Couldn’t wait to see ending
From start to finish you didn’t know how it would all end. Who was responsible for the car jacking or even if there really was one. Is the missing twin dead or alive? Very likable characters. Well written. Couldn’t wait to see ending
October 9, 2019
Imagine finding your lost twin!
The author has created a believable story for others who maybe have the same circumstances. A determined twin fights with both barrels loaded either with Facebook or media and plain old footwork to satisfy an itch that tells her that her sister is alive! Enjoy!
The author has created a believable story for others who maybe have the same circumstances. A determined twin fights with both barrels loaded either with Facebook or media and plain old footwork to satisfy an itch that tells her that her sister is alive! Enjoy!
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