The Wrong Sister by Clare Douglas – A Domestic Thriller That Keeps You Guessing

Author: Clare Douglas
Format: Digital
Platform: NetGalley
Device Used: Kobo Libra Color
ISBN: 9780063354395
Pages: 384
Available Formats: Digital, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
Release Date: August 5, 2025

The Review

I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure why I picked The Wrong Sister by Clare Douglas on NetGalley. My guess is that I was exploring the thriller and mystery category and read the description and liked it, and decided to check it out without checking into the authors or publishers too much. But I’m glad I grabbed this one, because it was a fantastic change of pace from the horror heavy books I’ve been reading lately.

This marks Clare Douglas’ tenth novel, and it was inspired by a real-life story from a friend about a “life swap” between sisters. The story centers on Tasha and Alice, two sisters living very different lives. Tasha is a mom of twin girls living in her hometown with her high school sweetheart, while Alice is a career-driven woman recently married to a wealthy tech entrepreneur. The dark twist? As children, their youngest sister was kidnapped and never found.

When Alice offers her Venice apartment to Tasha for a getaway, while Alice and her husband offer to watch the twins, things quickly unravel. While in Italy, Tasha begins experiencing strange occurrences, and back home, tragedy strikes when Alice’s husband is found dead in Tasha’s house. What unfolds is a layered domestic thriller with sharp twists, secrets, and deception.

Douglas expertly weaves a multiple point of view narrative that keeps the pages turning. The story balances red herrings, unreliable characters, and a fast-paced plot that fans of psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, and mystery novels will enjoy. Think The Girl on the Train or Dark Places, but with a unique sisterly bond at its center.

My only (minor) critique? The UK English had me googling a few terms (like “pram”), but that hardly detracted from the overall experience.

Is The Wrong Sister Worth Reading?

Absolutely. If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers or looking to dip your toes into the genre, this is a fantastic entry point. It’s suspenseful, emotional, and hard to put down. As someone who was a bit burned out on horror, this worked as a perfect palate cleanser and reignited my desire to read.

Movie Pairing: Gone Girl

If you’re looking for a movie that complements the book’s mood and twists, Gone Girl is a perfect choice. Both stories are filled with suspense, unreliable characters, and shocking reveals that keep you second-guessing everything. Even if you’ve seen it before, Gone Girl pairs incredibly well with The Wrong Sister for a binge-worthy weekend of thrillers.

Let’s Talk Books!

Are you reading any great thriller ARCs right now? Do you have a go to book when you need a break from your usual genres?
Drop your recommendations or thoughts in the comments as I’d love to hear what you’re reading!

Also if you are doing Camp NetGalley, make sure to check out my latest post to help out with the Bingo Card!