The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz

The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz | Published February 13th 2018 by Mira Books | 365 Pages | Goodreads

PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION

“They called themselves “the lucky ones.” They were seven children either orphaned or abandoned by their parents and chosen by legendary philanthropist and brain surgeon Dr. Vincent Capello to live in The Dragon, his almost magical beach house on the Oregon Coast. Allison was the youngest of the lucky ones living an idyllic life with her newfound family…until the night she almost died, and was then whisked away from the house and her adopted family forever.

Now, thirteen years later, Allison receives a letter from Roland, Dr. Capello’s oldest son, warning her that their father is ill and in his final days. Allison determines she must go home again and confront the ghosts of her past. She’s determined to find out what really happened that fateful night–was it an accident or, as she’s always suspected, did one of her beloved family members try to kill her?

But digging into the past can reveal horrific truths, and when Allison pieces together the story of her life, she’ll learns the terrible secret at the heart of the family she once loved but never really knew.

REVIEW

I picked up this book based on recommendations from Goodreads friends and ended up liking it.

Allison has been living away from her adopted family for thirteen years, she was taken away after falling down the stairs, or did someone pushed her? She can’t recall what happened with certainty.

She hasn’t heard from her former adopted family until now when she received a letter informing her that Dr. Capello, the head of the family, is dying. After the initial shock of the news wear off, Allison decides to visit her former home and dig into the past to uncover what really happened all those years ago.

This is a story about the meaning of family, love, ethics, and loss. There are elements of mystery and psychological suspense. I liked how sensible and logical the main character Allison is, given the circumstances she grew up with, but I found some parts of the novel a bit strange, can’t clarify to avoid going into spoilers.

Overall, I enjoyed it and I’m glad I picked it up. Recommend it to readers of thrillers,  mysteries, and contemporary fiction.