The Other Daughter

A Novel

By: Lisa Gardner

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Twenty years ago, Melanie Stokes was abandoned in a Boston hospital, then adopted by a wealthy young couple. Gifted with loving parents, a doting brother, and an indulgent uncle, Melanie has always considered herself lucky. Until the first cryptic, threatening note arrives: “You Get What You Deserve.”

Melanie has no memory of her life before the adoption. Now someone wants her to remember it all - even the darkest nightmare the Stokes family ever faced: the murder of their first daughter. As Melanie pursues every lead and chases every shadow in search of her real identity, two seemingly unrelated events from her past will come together in a dangerous explosion of truth.

©1999 Lisa Baumgartner (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Critic reviews

“Just when you thought Lisa Gardner couldn’t get any better...she does.” (Lee Child)

"A dark, powerful tale of nerve-shattering suspense." (Tami Hoag)

"Gardner delivers a streamlined bang-up addition to the oeuvre of Tami Hoag, Karen Robards, Elizabeth Lowell and, these days, even Nora Roberts." (Publishers Weekly)

An addictive story you will not want to end.

SUMMARY

The Other Daughter was published over 20 years ago, but was only now released in audio. Melanie Stokes was nine years old when she was abandoned in a Boston hospital with a narcotic overdose. She was subsequently adopted by a young wealthy couple, who had earlier suffered the tragic loss of their four year old daughter. Melanie’s grew up knowing she was loved by her parents, her older brother, and her favorite uncle. She has no memory of her life before the adoption, but now at age 29, someone wants her to remember. One night she received a threatening message: “you get what you deserve.” As she struggles to figure out who she really is, danger is lurking around every corner.

“The truth did not always set you free. sometimes it bound you to dark, bloody deeds and costs you the people you love.”


REVIEW
The Other Daughter was the winner of the 1999 Reviewer’s Choice Award and winner of the 2000 Daphne’s Du Maurier Award for suspense. And I now know why it is being republished in audio. It’s a mystery full of twists that will have you holding your breath till the end. The writing was fluid and listening to the story was addictive. Lisa Gardner’s character development was robust and narrator Brittany Presley did a fabulous job with the various voices. My favorite part was the tension created by Melanie’s amnesia of her life before being abandoned in the hospital, and I really loved the David Riggs character, he was so full of feelings, emotions and strength.

“A parent’s approval always mattered, regardless of age.”

Publisher Brilliance Audio
Published December 2018
Narrated Brittany Presley

Not up to Lisa's usual standards

The story felt rushed, it didn't unfold like her other stories. It had her usual plot twist which I look forward to.

Amazing!!!

Wow!! I couldn’t stop! When you end up doing 8 miles a day instead of 6 just so you can listen!! 🏃🏼‍♀️ Kept me mesmerized until the very end!!! Great!!!

Wow.

I’ve listened to TONS of books these past few years but this one is probably one of the best by far. At no point did I know what the hell was gonna happen and the fact that it was written 20 years ago??? Amazing. Also, the narrator was amazing. Her voice made me fall in love with the characters instantly 😭

Great listen...crazy family tree.

I’m notorious for trying to figure out the end of a book before getting to the end. I’m happy to say I was wrong about who I thought was who!!!! This was my first listen from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I was hooked from beginning to end....
The narrator did a pretty good job-especially with the make characters and accents.

So well written and narrated

One of the best books I’ve listened to in a long time and I listen to a lot of books. I really enjoyed the narrator and I really enjoyed the story. The author really made you feel what Melanie was going through at all times. You won’t regret your time with this book.

kept me interested

great narration. I enjoyed the story the entire time. I listen on my commute to and from work and I was always eager to get back to it. im always happy to be caught by surprise with a twist. I'm already recommending this book to my friends and family.

Slow Ride

The story was very good though confusing at times. It was very slow burning. The narrator was fantastic!

Started out right from the start as a good book

Then as I continued I couldn’t stop listening,
The performances was great as well recommend this bookk

Engrossing Story

This story was well written, with many twists and turns. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The narrator was excellent.