Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas -a Review

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Description:
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.

Review:

When Madeline awakens on her 22^nd birthday, she has one thing on her mind. Her twin sister, Melissa, who was abducted nineteen years earlier. She had no idea at the time how much her life would change in a relatively short time. When she confides in her best friend, Ruby, that she believes Melissa is still alive, Ruby, more or less, tries to convince her to give up on that notion. After all, her birthday party is starting in just a few hours.

Once Madeline makes her appearance downstairs and the party gets rolling, she is greeted by lots of friends and family, and in particular, one friend from a long time ago who brings up her twin, Melissa. It’s actually this old friend that really motivates Madeline to reinvigorate her search for her sister, even though he’s a little on the creepy side. Madeline eventually broaches the subject of Melissa’s disappearance with her dad who shuts her down. Hard. Which only adds to her curiosity.

Things really get rolling once Ruby decides to help and sets up a Facebook page, Missing Melissa, and tips start coming in. Madeline eventually contacts the cold case detectives at the police department and is almost immediately befriended by Sam, one of the detectives, who proves to be instrumental in the investigation. Through a series of events, Madeline finds out that some of the things she thought she “knew” all of her young life, were indeed not the way at all. Once she starts delving deeper into things from her family’s past, the more mysterious things become. She doesn’t want to believe that her parents are hiding things from her, but a conversation with her paternal grandmother changes everything……….

Missing Melissa is another wonderfully written story by Alretha Thomas. There were lots of twists and turns, and when the ultimate reveal was made?? Let’s just say that I thought that I had it all figured out. To say I was way wrong is a slight understatement. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! Madeline was a wonderful young character who followed her heart, and her gut. Even though she seemed a little naïve at times, I had to remember that she was only twenty-two. I also loved that Ms. Thomas wrote Madeline’s romance with Sam. Even though they were attracted to each other, she didn’t have them jumping each other’s bones. She let it slowly evolve, which was refreshing. Ruby, her BFF, was a wonderful character as well. I have my Ruby, and I can only hope that all of you have one as well!! Missing Melissa is ultimately a story about not giving up and following through with determination that would make anyone, friend, parents, etc., proud. If you’re looking for a refreshingly different storyline with a lot of mystery, lovely developed relationships and a big ole who done it, this one is for you! You will cheer, you will jeer and you will definitely shed a tear…… Well done Alretha Thomas!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author