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The Daughter Between Them Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 93 ratings

Two mothers. One missing daughter. One life-changing secret.

In 2019, Leslie Graham is within arm’s reach of her goal to become the news editor at the
Dancing Hills Times. At thirty-five, she has it all—a promising career and a close relationship with her two teenage girls, Rhonda and Jillian. But when an old enemy from her past resurfaces, threatening to reveal life-changing information about one of her daughters, Leslie does everything in her power to keep her world from crashing down.

A decade earlier, in 2009, Barbara Morris’s seven-year-old daughter, Nancy, goes missing in Queens, New York. Barbara and her husband frantically search for her. But all is not as it seems in the disappearance of Nancy Morris, and Barbara may not be the innocent victim she’s painted herself to be. After ten years of her life spiraling out of control and Nancy still missing, Barbara decides to head to Dancing Hills, believing she’ll find the answers she’s looking for. Barbara and Leslie’s worlds will collide there, and the secrets of the past will finally be revealed.

From the Publisher

THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM ACCOLADES

KIRKUS BEST INDIE BOOK OF 2024

KIRKUS BEST INDIE BOOK OF 2024

The stories of two women separated by miles and years intertwine in Thomas' riveting blend of family drama and thriller.

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Literary Titan Book Award

LITERARY TITAN BOOK AWARD

The Daughter Between Them is a compelling thriller that maintains its intrigue and excitement throughout. Thomas has crafted a convincing and consistently enjoyable read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. —Literary Titan

INDIE APPROVED

An expertly crafted plot, richly drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes help Alretha Thomas's THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM stand out in the crowded thriller genre.

~James Weiskittel for IndieReader

BOOK NERDECTION MUST READ

There is so much to love about The Daughter Between Them. Alretha Thomas, the author of the novel, has an incredible story-telling ability, making it feel as though you are living each event along with the characters. You will struggle to put it down between chapters, which is always the sign of a good book.

-Book Nerdection

Editorial Reviews

Review

The stories of two women separated by miles and years intertwine in Thomas' riveting blend of family drama and thriller.

Single-mother and journalist Leslie Graham has shaken off a disturbing past event and now leads a full life in California with her two teenage daughters, Rhonda and Jillian. Leslie is shortlisted to become the first Black news editor at the local paper in the charmingly named town of Dancing Hills. Suddenly, her world is thrown into turmoil when her daughters are involved in a car crash that is no accident: An SUV intentionally hits their vehicle, but why? In contrast to Leslie's success and family life, 10 years earlier, New Yorker Barbara Morris, unhappily married to her husband Edward and aware he is planning to divorce her, develops a plan to keep their young daughter, Nancy, should the marriage dissolve: Barbara intends to hide their daughter and insinuate Edward is to blame for her disappearance. It is a dark plan, concocted by a woman with significant psychological issues; Barbara fears she may suffer from schizoaffective disorder, likely inherited from a mother confined to a mental institution for killing her boyfriend ("The noise in my head, the voices. I couldn't ignore them. The voices, those damn voices!"). Secrets abound throughout the book, and none of the women, young or old, is who she seems to be. Mother/daughter issues—good, bad, and very, very bad—knit together a narrative that brims with surprises. Characters who initially seem sympathetic turn otherwise, and vice versa. Leslie's and Barbara's stories are told in alternating chapters, with the two narratives converging in an explosive finale. Throughout, attention to small details helps make the characters feel more real, such as Leslie's love of crocheting, Rhonda's smile that reveals retainers, or Barbara's approval of styling her dreadlocks in a French twist.

A deeply satisfying suspense tale.

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

An expertly crafted plot, richly drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes help Alretha Thomas's THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM stand out in the crowded thriller genre.

In Alretha Thomas's gripping psychological thriller, THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM, the lives of two mothers converge as long-held secrets are slowly revealed. Set in dual timelines a decade apart, the story alternates between Leslie, a respected journalist, and Barbara, a nurse. Leslie is on the verge of a major promotion when she receives a distressing call from the police that her daughters, Jillian and Rhonda, have been in a serious car accident. Ten years earlier, Barbara Morris frantically searches for her missing seven-year-old daughter, Nancy, while navigating the challenges of her troubled marriage and the suspicions surrounding her own involvement in the disappearance. As Leslie's past catches up with her and the threats mount, she's forced to confront the shocking truth about what really happened to Nancy and the role she may have played. The novel contains twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM is clearly the work of an author at the top of their game. With over a dozen published titles, Thomas has honed her craft since her acclaimed 2008 debut (Daughter Denied) and is no stranger to crafting edge-of-the-seat suspense. Writing a dual-narrative story that maintains clarity and balance is no easy feat, but the perspectives of Leslie and Barbara are skillfully interwoven, resulting in a seamless, captivating narrative. Chapters often end on tantalizing cliffhangers, and, as the two timelines converge, the tension builds to a fever pitch.

Thomas has also successfully created a cast of characters who feel authentic and relatable. Leslie and Barbara are compelling protagonists, each grappling with their own demons. As their stories unfold, Thomas delves into weighty themes of motherhood, mental illness, and the lasting impact of trauma—handling these sensitive topics with grace and empathy. As Leslie reflects, she realizes she needs to clean up her past in order to have a happy life with her girls going forward.

Barbara is equally complex, struggling with a potent mix of self-rationalization and inner turmoil: "Her shoulder-length, sandy brown hair is in twists, and her chestnut eyes, which used to sparkle, are now flooded with sadness. I cringe at the thought that I'm still a source of pain for her."
While THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM is undoubtedly a page-turner, it's also a deeply emotional story. Thomas's insights into the human condition elevate this novel from a straightforward thriller to a nuanced exploration of the complexities of motherhood.
An expertly crafted plot, richly drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes help Alretha Thomas's THE DAUGHTER BETWEEN THEM stand out in the crowded thriller genre.

~James Weiskittel for IndieReader

Leslie Graham, an accomplished news editor, leads a fulfilling life in California with her two daughters, Jillian and Rhonda. Despite her contentment, the shadows of her past still loom over her. As Leslie pursues a promotion and her daughters gain independence, their lives are suddenly jeopardized when the girls are involved in a hit-and-run incident. Leslie starts to believe that their past is not entirely behind them and is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her daughters, even if it means confronting old ghosts.

The Daughter Between Them by Alretha Thomas is a fast-paced crime thriller that captivates from the first page to the last. Spanning just over 300 pages, the novel reads quickly, thanks to Thomas's skillful establishment of the central mystery and the escalating drama that leads to an exhilarating reveal and a satisfying conclusion. From the outset, Leslie is portrayed as a driven and capable mother and professional, yet she harbors a palpable fear rooted in her past. Her anxieties are validated when Jillian and Rhonda are targeted in a hit-and-run.

As Leslie grapples with the enigma of their attacker, readers are introduced to Barbara's narrative from ten years earlier. Barbara, who initially appears to be a protective mother to her daughter Nancy, gradually reveals herself to be less sympathetic than she seems. The stories of Leslie and Barbara intertwine and eventually converge seamlessly. The dual perspectives and timelines are handled adeptly, enhancing the narrative's depth and engagement. While mostly clear, the settings add an element of surprise and discovery. For example, a late excursion to a theme park starts with the intrigue of a mountain campground before the appearance of rides, and the eventual naming of the park clarifies the scene.

The Daughter Between Them is a compelling thriller that maintains its intrigue and excitement throughout. Thomas has crafted a convincing and consistently enjoyable read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

—Literary Titan


In The Daughter Between Them, author Alretha Thomas spins a riveting tale of mystery, secrets, and the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters.

Through the lens of first-person narration from both protagonists, Leslie Graham and Barbara Morris, and set against the backdrop of two distinct time periods, the novel offers a poignant exploration of their intertwined lives and the shocking revelations that bind them together.

In the present day of 2019, Leslie Graham is on the cusp of achieving her career ambitions as a news editor while nurturing a close relationship with her teenage daughters, Rhonda and Jillian. However, her world is thrown into turmoil when a shadow from her past threatens to unveil a devastating secret about one of her daughters, prompting Leslie to fight desperately to protect her family from impending chaos. Meanwhile, in 2009, Barbara Morris grapples with the unimaginable horror of her seven-year-old daughter Nancy's disappearance in Queens, New York. Despite frantic efforts to find her, Barbara's life unravels amidst suspicions and accusations, casting doubt on her innocence. A decade later, consumed by grief and unanswered questions, Barbara embarks on a journey hoping to uncover the truth behind her daughter's disappearance and find redemption.

Thomas showcases her literary prowess by skillfully weaving a complex tale through alternating voices and settings, granting readers access to the different layers of Leslie and Barbara's lives. Leslie emerges as a relatable protagonist, a devoted mother grappling with the challenges of balancing career aspirations with family obligations. In contrast, Barbara's character is shrouded in mystery and turmoil, her past actions revealing a tumultuous journey.

Thomas utilizes conversational dialogue as a primary tool to propel the story's momentum. With natural, authentic sounding conversations between characters,
Thomas not only advances the plot but also deepens character development and explores themes with nuance and depth. The exchanges between characters feel organic and realistic, allowing readers a more personal connection.

The Daughter Between Them is an original psychological thriller that takes you to the depths of human emotion. Thomas's rich prose draws readers into a world of intrigue and deception, where nothing is as it seems. This book keeps the reader engaged. With its compelling characters, intricate plot twists, and atmospheric settings, it is sure to captivate fans of suspense and mystery.

—American Writing Awards


There is so much to love about The Daughter Between Them. Alretha Thomas, the author of the novel, has an incredible story-telling ability, making it feel as though you are living each event along with the characters. You will struggle to put it down between chapters, which is always the sign of a good book.

The Daughter Between Them is an enthralling novel that captures the reader's attention from the very first word. The storyline is unique, which makes it incredibly difficult to predict what is going to happen next.

Arguably, the best part of the novel is how well-developed the characters are. It is almost as if you feel every emotion with them, which makes the book all the more addicting. You will struggle to put it down between chapters, making it a quick yet enthralling read.

Anyone who loves a good drama and mystery novel will enjoy The Daughter Between Them. There are plot twists and cliffhangers around every corner, ensuring that you will never get bored.

If you are looking for a story that plays on your emotions, we highly recommend The Daughter Between Them.

-Book Nerdection

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D1JR9N8W
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Diverse Arts Collective (May 1, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 1, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 93 ratings

About the author

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Alretha Thomas
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Shortly 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 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. In 2023, her novel, The Girl in the Blue Blazer debuted. Her most recent novel is The Daughter Between Them.

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.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
93 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the storyline intriguing and fast-paced. They describe the book as an engaging read from start to finish. The characters are compelling and relatable. Readers praise the writing quality as vivid, crisp, and seamless. The plot twists and turns keep them hooked until the end.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

23 customers mention "Suspenseful story"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's storyline engaging with tension, twists, and surprises. They describe it as a fast-paced psychological thriller that keeps them hooked until the end. The book is described as an impressive novel about relationships in crisis filled with heartache.

"...Alretha does an amazing job of telling a great story and tackling the difficult topic of mental illness at the same time. Splendid!..." Read more

"...With a twists and unexpected turns, a psychological thriller that will keep your interest and turning pages...." Read more

"There’s nothing better than a fast-paced psychological thriller, and this one is a non stop twisty ride from start to finish...." Read more

"...The Daughter Between Them is an impressive novel about relationships in crisis filled with heartache and trauma that binds these characters...." Read more

18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging and fast-paced, keeping them hooked from start to finish. Readers appreciate the author's skill in writing and recommend this book and others by this author.

"...You will not get bored while reading. I think this is my favorite book by this accomplished author. I’m looking forward to reading many more...." Read more

"...No spoilers or book reports from me. Another really good read from Ms. Thomas. Read and enjoy!" Read more

"...A powerful read that reminds us there truly is an art to writing, what a joyful experience of words." Read more

"...a narrative that will keep you turning those pages and marveling from start to finish...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters compelling and relatable. They love Leslie and dislike Barbara.

"This is an amazing story with one of the most memorable villains you will ever read in Lorraine Shaw...." Read more

"...Characters are relatable and realistic, including one downright scary one! The cover gives a nice description...." Read more

"...I loved the characters, how the story kept me guessing and in the end it all made so much sense." Read more

"...Wonderfully constructed. The characters were written in such a way that you could feel for them...." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the vivid writing style that immerses them in the story. They praise the well-developed female leads, crisp dialogue, and dramatic settings. The alternating point of views are seamlessly transitioned between them, making it easy to switch perspectives. The cover provides a nice description of the book.

"...It’s so well written, and all the characters have distinct personalities...." Read more

"...realistic, including one downright scary one! The cover gives a nice description. No spoilers or book reports from me...." Read more

"...A powerful read that reminds us there truly is an art to writing, what a joyful experience of words." Read more

"...The varied characters are attention-grabbing; the dialogue is crisp, and the settings are dramatic...." Read more

6 customers mention "Twists"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's twists and turns. They describe it as a psychological thriller that keeps them guessing from start to finish.

"...With a twists and unexpected turns, a psychological thriller that will keep your interest and turning pages...." Read more

"...than a fast-paced psychological thriller, and this one is a non stop twisty ride from start to finish...." Read more

"...This book is a true mixture of mystery, twists and turns, attempted murder, suicide, secrets, lies, betrayal, love, and redemption...." Read more

"...Things go awry for both women. There are twists, turns, surprises, scream out loud moments and more...." Read more

Tense family drama
4 out of 5 stars
Tense family drama
This was a tense family drama that kept me guessing! The characters were compelling and I really felt like I was getting in their heads. This was a quick and satisfying read, definitely recommend!⁣
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
    This is an amazing story with one of the most memorable villains you will ever read in Lorraine Shaw. It’s so well written, and all the characters have distinct personalities.

    Alretha does an amazing job of telling a great story and tackling the difficult topic of mental illness at the same time. Splendid! One thing I’ve come to appreciate with her writing is her mastery of dual timelines and alternating POVs. This well written story further solidifies her greatness in that regard.

    There are heart pounding scenes and surprises throughout this one. You will not get bored while reading. I think this is my favorite book by this accomplished author. I’m looking forward to reading many more. Five stars!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
    The characters and the events remind me of a slow blooming flower, inching its way into the full sunlight when all is revealed. A mother with two very different, but lovely daughters, who strives to keep her daughters safe while living a normal life. Another mother looking for her daughter while her controlling mother manipulates the world around them with guise of making things better. The story is tightly woven and understanding unwinds slowly. With a twists and unexpected turns, a psychological thriller that will keep your interest and turning pages. Characters are relatable and realistic, including one downright scary one!
    The cover gives a nice description. No spoilers or book reports from me. Another really good read from Ms. Thomas. Read and enjoy!
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2024
    There’s nothing better than a fast-paced psychological thriller, and this one is a non stop twisty ride from start to finish.
    I loved the characters, how the story kept me guessing and in the end it all made so much sense.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024
    The Daughter Between Them had me quickly moving through the story so I could get all my questions answered. What's the back story? Why would a mother do such a thing? I have heard people say a child will always love their mother no matter what, but those folks might want to ask Nancy, if this is a fact.

    While reading I kept wondering how could a child endure so much from the one who is supposed to protect and love? How could another have so much hate in her heart but then fall back in line as if you can push hate to the wayside? These relationships between mothers and their daughters were a bit shocking for this reader, but I know it happens. Trauma and generational abuse topped with mental instability is a challenging cocktail.

    The Daughter Between Them is an impressive novel about relationships in crisis filled with heartache and trauma that binds these characters. A powerful read that reminds us there truly is an art to writing, what a joyful experience of words.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024
    Two mothers. One missing daughter. One life-changing secret.

    In 2019, Leslie Graham is within arm’s reach of her goal to become the news editor at the Dancing Hills Times. At thirty-five, she has it all—a promising career and a close relationship with her two teenage girls, Rhonda and Jillian. But when an old enemy from her past resurfaces, threatening to reveal life-changing information about one of her daughters, Leslie does everything in her power to keep her world from crashing down.

    A decade earlier, in 2009, Barbara Morris’s seven-year-old daughter, Nancy, goes missing in Queens, New York. Barbara and her husband frantically search for her. But all is not as it seems in the disappearance of Nancy Morris, and Barbara may not be the innocent victim she’s painted herself to be. After ten years of her life spiraling out of control and Nancy still missing, Barbara decides to head to Dancing Hills, believing she’ll find the answers she’s looking for. Barbara and Leslie’s worlds will collide there, and the secrets of the past will finally be revealed.

    Once again Alretha Thomas spins another page turning thriller. This is why I always turn to her books when I need to escape life's drama. I love the alternating timelines in the story, it adds layers to the puzzle.

    From the beginning of the story, when we first meet Leslie, you get the feeling that she is hiding something major from the audience. Same from Barbara's point of view. The way the author connected the stories is fantastical. I really enjoyed how the plot and sub-plots of the story. Wonderfully constructed. The characters were written in such a way that you could feel for them. It was fast pace and the way it all comes together is pure genius.

    I highly recommend The Daughter Between Them to everyone who loves thrillers. I give it 5/5 stars.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024
    The author has done it again, creating a narrative that will keep you turning those pages and marveling from start to finish. The varied characters are attention-grabbing; the dialogue is crisp, and the settings are dramatic. Leslie Graham is a journalist who hopes to become the next news editor but an incident may derail her hopes and dreams. As the narrative progresses, we are thrown a curveball when Barbara Morris, an enigmatic character, comes into play, exposing many twists and turns, secrets and lies, pretense, retribution, threats, and betrayal. Like a cat and mouse diversion, the saga slowly builds up to a twist of a turn ending.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024
    This was a tense family drama that kept me guessing! The characters were compelling and I really felt like I was getting in their heads. This was a quick and satisfying read, definitely recommend!⁣
    Customer image
    JF
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Tense family drama

    Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024
    This was a tense family drama that kept me guessing! The characters were compelling and I really felt like I was getting in their heads. This was a quick and satisfying read, definitely recommend!⁣
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    2 people found this helpful
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