Missing Melissa

Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas is the story of mystery and suspense.  Madeline Louise Patterson just turned twenty-two.  She has graduated from college, about to start a new job, and she has moved into a new apartment with her best friend, Ruby.  Madeline, though, misses her twin sister, Melissa.  Madeline, Melissa, and their mother were on their way to a doctor’s appointment when they were carjacked.  Their mother was able to get Madeline out of the car, but the carjackers drove away before she could get Melissa out her car set.  Despite a five year search, Melissa was not found. 

Madeline wants to reopen the case on her twin sister.  She had a dream that her sister is an adult, alive, and is asking for help.  Madeline with the help of Ruby and handsome Detective Sam Warren sets out to find out what really happened to her twin sister.  It will not be easy.  Her parents, Alvin and Millicent, do not want her to reopen the case.  Both of them had a hard time after Melissa was taken and do not want to reopen old wounds.  Will this search tear the family apart or bring them closer?  Madeline’s paternal grandmother has also struggled over the years.  Her alcohol intake has increased and now it is getting out of hand.  Madeline is worried about her, but she is glad that her grandmother does want her to look for Melissa.  What will Madeline find out?    Who carjacked her mother?  Is Melissa still alive?

I give Missing Melissa 3.5 out of 5 stars.  It is an interesting story, but the transitions between chapters or sections is not smooth.  One minute Madeline is at work and the next paragraph it is the next day.  I think the author went a little overboard with the dramatics.  At the rate Madeline was accusing people, I am surprised any one wanted to talk to her or help her.  I think Missing Melissa could have done with a little more editing (maybe some rewriting).  The mystery of who took Melissa is pretty easy to solve.  Missing Melissa does have a nice ending and who does not like a happy ending!  The paperback version of Missing Melissa is currently available.  The ebook version should be available on May 12, 2015.

I received a complimentary copy of Missing Melissa from NetGalley and Diverse Arts Collective in exchange for an honest review.  The review and ratings are strictly my own!

Thank you for checking out my review of Missing Melissa.  If you want to receive my reviews, you can sign up to get them via email (see link on the right hand side of the page).  I am currently reading The Alchemist's Daughter by Mary Lawrence.  It is a historical mystery.  Have a relaxing evening and Happy Reading!

 Kris