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Hanna and Alex #4

The Sister Taken

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In this next installment in the “Troubled Waters” suspense thrillers from Michael Lindley and follow-up to Amazon #1 for Psychological Thrillers LIES WE NEVER SEE and DEATH ON THE NEW MOON, the latest dark and twisting tale of love, betrayal and murder set in the Low Country of South Carolina and the emotional and edge-of-your-seat relationship of attorney, Hanna Walsh, and now former Charleston Police Detective, Alex Frank.

In THE SISTER TAKEN, Hanna and Alex again find themselves in the troubled waters of love and commitment. Alex returns to South Carolina with the promise of a new start but with strings attached that Hanna may never be able to live with.

WHEN A TWIN GOES MISSING, THE OTHER SISTER FEELS HER TERROR, HER PAIN... HER DEATH.

The shocking disappearance of a young woman and suspicious death of the father of one of Hanna’s clients puts both Hanna and Alex back into the cross-hairs of the ruthless Dellahousaye crime family. The story plays out against the compelling backdrop of Charleston, Pawleys Island and the fictional Dugganville, South Carolina. THE SISTER TAKEN can be read as a stand-alone novel, or readers can start at the beginning of the series with LIES WE NEVER SEE, A FOLLOWING SEA and DEATH ON THE NEW MOON.

This is Michael Lindley’s seventh novel in his “Troubled Waters” suspense thriller series. His first book, THE EMMALEE AFFAIRS, first published as THE SEASONS OF THE EMMALEE, has been a frequent #1 selection on Amazon for Historical Fiction/Mystery Thriller & Suspense.

310 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2020

341 people are currently reading
227 people want to read

About the author

Michael Lindley

50 books112 followers
Michael Lindley is a #1 bestselling Amazon author for "Mystery Thriller & Romantic Suspense" with his debut novel THE EMMALEE AFFAIRS.

His more recent "Hanna Walsh and Alex Frank Low Country Suspense Thriller" series ranked #1 on Amazon for Mystery and Suspense series. The "Hanna and Alex" stories are set in Charleston, Pawleys Island and the fictional Dugganville, South Carolina.

His stories feature love and relationships challenged by the troubled waters of betrayal, tragic loss, and the many dark and unforeseen forces that can lie just below the surface of our fragile lives.

All of Michael's books are set in idyllic locales and often compelling historical contexts. The settings include a remote resort town in Northern Michigan in the 1940's, 50's and present-day; Atlanta and Grayton Beach Florida in the turbulent 1920's as well in current times; and most recently, 1860's and present-day Charleston, Pawleys Island and the fictional Dugganville, South Carolina.

Michael writes full-time now, stepping away from a career in Marketing and Advertising and divides his time between Northern Michigan and Florida. He and his wife, Karen, are also on an annual quest to visit the country's spectacular national parks.

"You will often find that writers are compelled to write what they love to read.

I've always been drawn to stories that are built around an idyllic time and place as much as the characters who grace these locations. As the heroes and villains come to life in my favorite stories, facing life's challenges of love and betrayal and great danger, I also enjoy coming to deeply understand the setting for the story and how it shapes the characters and the conflicts they face.

I've also been drawn to books built around a mix of past and present, allowing me to know a place and the people who live there in both a compelling historical context, as well as in present-day.

Writers like Pat Conroy and Kristin Hannah grace my bookshelves along with Ian McEwen, Dennis Lehane, Amor Towles, Anita Shreve, Lisa Wingate, William Kent Krueger and on and on. I need more bookshelves! ML

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5 stars
763 (59%)
4 stars
346 (26%)
3 stars
147 (11%)
2 stars
29 (2%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Lesley Kay.
292 reviews66 followers
January 24, 2020
I have enjoyed other books in the Troubled Waters series, and this one was no different! I think I liked this one best so far. The twist was fun, and I didn't see it coming. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense.
438 reviews47 followers
January 9, 2020
This is the 4th book in a series that's centred around attorney Hanna Walsh and new FBI-agent Alex Frank, previously with the Duganville sheriff's department. They get engaged at the start of this book but Hanna hasn't decided if she will also move to DC, where Alex will be stationed. Her son is also having his own problems with prescription painkillers. If you haven't read the previous volumes in the series you won't have any problems with the story as the events that took place in the past are clearly explained when necessary. Reading a series in order is always better, of course. In this book, there are 2 stories that are being told. First, there's the abduction of 1 of the twin daughters of a business tycoon who happens to be the son of a local crime syndicate boss. Secondly, there is the daughter of a recently deceased (murdered according to her) restaurant owner who's is being pressured into selling the businesses to the crime syndicate's new boss. On top of that, there's also a power struggle between the right-hand man and the son for the control of the syndicate.
It's a good book, but there's something -can' put the finger on it- missing to make it a great book. Overall it feels sometimes as if it's a soap opera. There are several kidnappings and hostage situations in past and present. And the drama doesn't stop here. Some of the sudden plot changes also feel somewhat artificial.
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is my honest opinion.
1,284 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2020
A twisty plot, with intriguing characters and undercurrents. It will keep you guessing, and probably surprise you at the end. The story will definitely keep you engaged.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,632 reviews36 followers
February 9, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book which has totally unexpected turns that lead to an unforseen ending. It´s easy to read, as in other books by M. Lindley, the description of places, people and things are really well done (without being boring or too long). It´s interesting how the author used the identical twins to construct the whole plot. Highly recommended.
320 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2020
Thank you for the free Arc
Loved the book
Action packed thriller
5 stars for you
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
April 14, 2020
Charleston, SC (Atlantic Ocean). Ida Dellahousaye (twin Daughter/sister, Clemson U) had to get away for a little bit from Jordan Hayes (Ida’s BF, Clemson U fraternity) & the other partiers.
Spring break is now over.
Someone put a knife to her & threw Ida on to the beach.
With her mouth taped & arms zip tied she was thrown into the back of a vehicle trunk.

Pawleys Island, SC. Hanna Walsh (attorney) is throwing a party for her fiancé FBI SA Alex Frank (DC bureau, former Charleston PD Detective).
Others in attendance are: Jonathan (Hannah/Ben’s son, UNC JD student), Skipper Frank (Hannah’s father-in-law), Ella Moore Frank (Skipper’s wife, Adrienne’s mother), Sheriff Pepper Stokes (Dugganville), FBI SA Will Foster, & FBI SA Sharron Fairfield (f).
Dugganville, SC. Jordan Hayes Jr. (grandson) informed Sheriff Pepper Stokes & Deputy Sheriff Sam Mills that his GF Ida Dellahousaye has vanished.
When Ida awoke, she could hear crows squawking outside her window.
A steel cuff held Ida to the bed frame.
A large man with his face covered with a ghoulish Halloween mask gave her a bottle of water.
Charleston, SC. Remy Dellahousaye (50, father, Cajun, Dellahousaye crime family) had called Sheriff Pepper Stokes.
Then he called Ophelia Dellahousaye (twin Daughter/sister, partier, Ménage à trois partner, college dropout).
Remy, Sheriff Pepper Stokes, FBI SA Sharron Fairfield & FBI SA Alex Frank were discussing the high-profile kidnapping.
Ophelia told Josh Gaines (Ménage à trois partner) & Susanna Tolles (Ménage à trois partner) about Ida’s kidnapping.
Christy Griffith (20+, U of Charleston, Charles’ daughter) informed Hannah Charles (widower/father, Ben’s BMF, 4 prominent restaurants owner) had been killed.
Xander Lacroix (Dellahousaye crime family lieutenant/strongman, Jillian’s lover) probably whacked him.

Remy called & let Jillian Wyche Dellahousaye (ex-2nd wife) & Brenda Dellahousaye Walters (ex-1st wife/twin girl’s mother) what happened to Ida.
Ida looked around for signs of the kidnappers. Silently she crawled along the deck.
She had to keep & eye out for snakes, alligators & wild pigs.
The 2-piece swimsuit & sweatshirt was not keeping Ida warm.
Charleston PD HQ interrogation room. Christy & Hanna Walsh were present for Detective Nathan Beatty (Charleston PD Homicide) & Captain Harold Zeils (Charleston PD) interrogation.
Remy & Xander were brought in & interrogated.
Stuart Cox (70, Remy’s lawyer) was present.
A triple homicide had been committed.

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

Warning: This book contains graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written suspense book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters & facts to keep track of. This could also make another great suspense movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author (s); Sage River Press; BookSprout; Bookfunnel; ARC; Author; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews68 followers
June 5, 2021
The Sister Taken: The ‘Hanna and Alex’ Low Country suspense Thriller series Book 4 is by Michael Lindley. This is the last of the series right now; but more are on the way. Alex had left the Charleston PD and gone to the FBI. He will be stationed in DC and wants Hanna to go with him as well as to marry him. Her son agrees with him. Jonathan tells his mother that he is taking a term off school and he and Elizabeth are going to spend the term at the island house if his mother will agree.
Just as Hanna finds out that the FBI agent he will be working with was someone he dated and slept with, Alex and Sharron are flung into a search for a missing girl. Ida Dellahousaya goes missing at a bonfire she is attending with Jonathan Hayes, the grandson of the man who was involved with trying to force the government for hiding. There are no clues to go by to find Ida and no ransom has been called in. Her father wants Alex taken off the case because he was the one who killed Asa Dellahousaya, her grandfather.
Christy Griffith comes to Hanna for help. Christy’s Father had supposedly committed suicide and Christy was convinced he hadn’t. However, she has no proof. She needs Hanna’s help in getting through the legal aspects of his will and his restaurants as well as advice on how to get the police to take her Father’s death as a murder. Is it possible this is connected to Alex’s case?
7 reviews
Read
January 9, 2020
After reading an advanced reader’s copy...I wanted to leave my unbiased review of Mr Lindley’s latest book. I have read all of this author’s books and want to say how refreshing it is to read novels that center around a love interest - but are not filled with overly graphic sex. In this book, Hanna and Alex again find themselves submerged in a crime case and working together - yet, not together. The sister taken happens to be a twin and I applaud the author for getting right details that are specific to twins. I had twin brothers and can verify that one twin can, in fact, physically feel the effects of things being done to the other twin! Hanna and Alex become engaged in this episode, but there are a number of issues that will keep them from easily and quickly being married: an ex lover that pops up, a job transfer to another city, a son with a serious problem. As a reader...I have to wonder whether it is time for the lovebirds to be forced into separate directions! Don’t get me wrong - I loved the book, love the team of Alex and Hanna and would love to see them live happily ever after. However, I get the feeling ( and almost hope ) that the author has something different in mind!! Guess we will just have to stay tuned in order to find out. Read 1/4-6/20.
Profile Image for Robyn.
2,379 reviews133 followers
May 17, 2024
I read this as a stand-alone and enjoyed it.

This is the book burp:

In THE SISTER TAKEN, Hanna and Alex again find themselves in the troubled waters of love and commitment. Alex returns to South Carolina with the promise of a new start but with strings attached that Hanna may never be able to live with.

WHEN A TWIN GOES MISSING, THE OTHER SISTER FEELS HER TERROR, HER PAIN... HER DEATH.

The shocking disappearance of a young woman and suspicious death of the father of one of Hanna’s clients puts both Hanna and Alex back into the cross-hairs of the ruthless Dellahousaye crime family. The story plays out against the compelling backdrop of Charleston, Pawleys Island and the fictional Dugganville, South Carolina. THE SISTER TAKEN can be read as a stand-alone novel, or readers can start at the beginning of the series with LIES WE NEVER SEE, A FOLLOWING SEA and DEATH ON THE NEW MOON.


3 stars

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Ann.
1,436 reviews
February 4, 2020
#7 in the series. In THE SISTER TAKEN, Hanna and Alex again find themselves in the troubled waters of love and commitment. Alex returns to South Carolina with the promise of a new start but with strings attached that Hanna may never be able to live with.

The shocking disappearance of a young woman and suspicious death of the father of one of Hanna’s clients puts both Hanna and Alex back into the cross-hairs of the ruthless Dellahousaye crime family. The story plays out against the compelling backdrop of Charleston, Pawleys Island and the fictional Dugganville, South Carolina. THE SISTER TAKEN can be read as a stand-alone novel, or readers can start at the beginning of the series with LIES WE NEVER SEE, A FOLLOWING SEA and DEATH ON THE NEW MOON. An excellent book, well written and with clever twists.
Author 50 books112 followers
January 21, 2020
Hello, author Michael Lindley here. As in the past, Goodreads tells us it's appropriate for authors to leave a quick review of their new books, all in the spirit of providing additional insight and perspective for a new read.

THE SISTER TAKEN continues the often-tenuous love affair of free legal clinic attorney, Hanna Walsh and now former Charleston Police Detective, Alex Frank. Hanna and Alex will again face the dark forces of crime and corruption in the Low Country of South Carolina.

Early reviews for Advance Readers on Goodreads are most encouraging.

If you've never been to coastal South Carolina, here's a great place to start your journey!

All the best,

Michael Lindley
Author of the "Troubled Waters" suspense thrillers.
Profile Image for Rebecca Booth.
167 reviews34 followers
January 24, 2020
The Sister Taken by Michael Kinsley was a riviting, couldn't put down thriller read! Set in the fictional town, Dugganville, South Carolina, the main characters, Hanna Walsh and Alex Frank are together working on the disappearance and kidnapping of a young twin sister and the death of a client's father. There are so many twists and turns that hinder the investigation of these people. I was totally impressed with Michael Lindley's storytelling ability. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this suspenseful book and sure will go back and read his other books, The Emmalee Affairs, The Summer Town, Bend To The Tempest, Lies We Never See, A Following Sea, and Death On The New Moon! This is my voluntary review and honest opinion of an advanced reader copy of this ebook!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
11 reviews
January 25, 2020
This book will hold your attention. It has quite a few twists and turns to keep you interested and waiting to find out what happens. I did not see that ending coming at all - I had it figured totally wrong this time - which is always a nice surprise. I did like the characters and story line of this book but I found it a little bit difficult to keep up with in some areas. It seemed to switch back and forth a little too often or something, which hampered the flow of it. I also thought that Hanna thought about her big decision at weird times and it was brought up too often in a short time span. These weren't big issues and the book was good regardless of these small things. I think this is the second book I've read by this author and I will be reading more.
167 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2020
The Sister Taken has plunged me back into troubled waters full of intrigue and suspense. Author Michael Lindley has again enraptured me with his wondrous and thrilling writing. In this novel twin sisters lead the thrills. Twins are known to have a special bond and it only becomes enhanced with time. Being identical twins also leads to mischief but when one is kidnapped their bond is tested. Will their father's criminal activity help the twins or just make it worse? Read this book now to find out. I'm still in a daze from reading this one. So many turns, thrills, murder, and an ending no one could guess. Highly recommend this (as well as all the previous novels) for anyone looking to be thrilled and shocked.
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
January 7, 2020
This book contains so many story threads it becomes totally engrossing. The plot twists and turns to the very end, which has another surprise. More issues arise to trouble the loving relationship between Hanna and Alex, and more evil arises to threaten Hanna as she tries to do what is right. The descriptions do great justice to the low country, but the narrative never gets in the way of the action. With all the problem arising in Hanna's life, it is hard to believe that one person can cope. Lindley has matured since his first novel. I have read them all and continue to enjoy the way he tells a story.
Profile Image for Mzlegz.
756 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2020
Totally loved this book!! My first read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed...well maybe a little since I’ve missed some history with the characters and their stories. The twists and turns this tale took kept me guessing who did what...and I STILL cannot believe how it all unfolded. Talk about a twisted family!! Geez!! Skipper was my absolute fav and I hope Alex and Hanna figure it out. Now I have a series to get caught up on!!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Beth.
1,167 reviews10 followers
November 17, 2025
Hanna and Alex are having some trouble planning for a wedding. Then Alex finds out that the FBI wants him to be based in Washington DC, but Hanna doesn't want to leave South Carolina. Meanwhile, Alex is assigned to a missing woman case. The daughter of a family with gangster ties has been abducted from a beach party. Hanna has her hands full of a case where the daughter of a murdered restaurant owner is being hassled by mobsters wanting her father's loan paid back.
The two plots run parallel until they begin to converge. It is another excellent mystery thriller in this series.
Profile Image for karin whitehead.
1,019 reviews8 followers
January 23, 2020
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
Wow! I'm thinking this to be the best one I've read by Michael Lindley! You get FBI agents, lawyers, mafia types, blooming love, murders, kidnapping, choices, and tears it's all here! Fast paced, great characters, fear you can feel, great plot, twists, and an ending I didn't see coming. A must read it you love heart pounding books!
Profile Image for Bettyboop.
375 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2020

The Sister Taken is another great goodread by Michael Lindley. He has created complex storylines to keep readers guessing who’s telling the truth, who killed who, is any or all related. Completely engaged, the pages must keep turning and literally flying with the twisted story and shocking end of which sister was taken. No spoilers, you must read for answers because it’s too twisted to guess. It is the most suspenseful reading and a must read for thriller fans!
9 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2020
This has been a most satisfying suspenseful thriller to read. I highly recommend it, either on it's own or in the series.
It is full of twists and turns and unexpected events... (NO spoilers from me!).
'The Sister Taken' will make YOU want to read more from Michael Lindley!
I hope you enjoy The Sister Taken as much as I have.

( Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from the author, with no requirement of a positive review. )
162 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2020
Exciting and tantalzying thriller. Author Michael Lindley does it again. He writes and I read because he keeps on doing the good works that make me know that I am going to be one happy reader when I open one of his books and that is from the first page to the LAST page. Kudos to accomplished Author Michael Lindley for having honed writing skills to the great degree he has and providing this reader with many hours enjoyable reading!
Profile Image for Sandy Grant.
106 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2020
I love a good thriller that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and this book was perfect! The author reels you from the first page. I was doubtful at first since the twin thing has been done so many times but definitely not like this. Great characters that are believable along with multiple twists and turns coupled with a wonderful storyline is the perfect recipe for a great read. I highly recommend it.

I received a free ARC copy of this book but this is my own honest review.
159 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2021
Another great plot - best one yet! I'm just really struggling with liking these characters. They're a bit old for all this drama and angst that really belongs with those less experienced in life. Besides, the real action drama in their lives is quite enough! The writing is getting better though. Less repetition of mundane details. These are super quick, easy reads for when you need to clear your head of every day life.
975 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2022
5 Stars

5 stars for The Sister Taken (Low Country Book 4). Alex and Hanna are engaged but then the bottom drops out. Hanna has a client who's father was involved with loans from the mob. Alex has joined the FBI but will have to stay in Washington for A while. Before he leaves, one of Remy Dell who is day's daughters is kidnapped. Now they are both in the cross hairs of the mob again!
Profile Image for Patty Guerard.
208 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2023
Again, lots of intrigue and mystery as a twin daughter of a prominent businessman dines man has been abducted. Alex had just come home to Charleston as a new FBI agent, and is soon caught up in finding who and why this girl has gone missing. Hanna is trying to help a young woman who believes her father was killed by a mob syndicate. So many twists and turns in this book, but with a very surprising ending. Sinister people, greed, lust and murder all add up to a page turner you won’t forget!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,370 reviews12 followers
January 4, 2020
An action packed story with unexpected twists. I loved it. Newly engaged Alex Frank and Hanna Walsh become involved with a missing person case and murder. This book is one that you can't wait to get to the end, but then wish it hadn't ended. I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,820 reviews13 followers
January 9, 2020
Another great novel from Michael Lindley. This was hard to put down. Identical twin sisters, daughter to a man associated with organized crime, switch places often. No one can tell who is who, not even the parents. One sister gets kidnapped, murders and a lot of action. This is a real page turner with many twists and turns to keep you reading.
30 reviews
January 24, 2020
Exciting read as never sure what was going to happen next. Always thought I had it figured out, but No it was interestingly different. Keeps you reading and your brain working to figure out what surprises come next! Loved the characters and will be reading more from this author. Highly recommend reading.
16 reviews
January 25, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed The Sister Taken ,loved all the twist and turns and not knowing what was coming next, makes you wonder where the next episode will take the twins, how will there mental health cope
how will Hanna and Alex deal with the next adventure
This book can be read as a stand alone also, but makes you want to read more about Alex and Hanna
78 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2020
I have read all of Michael Lindley’s books. So yes, I am a fan. “The Sister Taken” is another gem, with some interesting and unpredictable twists. I’ve come to enjoy getting to know the characters Lindley has developed and the ongoing sagas of Hanna, Alex and their families. This latest installment of the ‘Troubled Waters’ Series does not disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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